What is PTSD?
While PTSD is generally related to veterans returning from armed combat, trauma can be created for anyone who has experienced a stressful situation. A car accident, the witnessing of violence, and a protracted period of strain are all situations that could eventually bring on PTSD in men from every walk of life. It’s not just about the event- it’s how your mind and body deal with the aftermath.
This would be more expected from men, considering the societal expectations and pressures. A man is usually obliged to be strong, to take responsibility, and never let his emotions get in the way. Whether it’s about family obligations, an exhausting job, or trauma witnessed or faced, PTSD plants its roots inside with little appearance and infiltrates life.
Symptoms of PTSD may include the following:
- Flashbacks: Reliving the traumatic event as if it’s happening again.
- Nightmares: the disturbing dream about the trauma.
- Constantly feeling on edge: A persistent sense of danger or being easily startled.
- Exhaustion from dealing with these symptoms: The mental and physical toll can leave you feeling drained.
- Turning to alcohol to distract oneself from such overwhelming feelings: If one doesn’t know how or doesn’t have a good way to handle the intensity of these feelings, alcohol may seem an option for respite.
The Connection Between Alcohol and PTSD in Men
For many men, alcohol is a way to self-medicate the pain and anxiety that come with PTSD. That first drink might take the edge off and offer a temporary sense of relief. But it doesn’t last. The more you drink, the more your PTSD symptoms can flare up, pushing you deeper into a cycle of dependency.
This is a dangerous cycle. The temporary numbing of pain due to alcohol only makes things worse in the long run. The sleep suffers, the irritability increases- the very stress one tries to flee from becomes much more acute. It’s like putting fuel on a fire.
Studies have shown that men with PTSD have a vulnerability to alcohol dependence. This is most pronounced in male veterans who appear to find comfort in alcohol to ease the trauma of fighting wars. You do not have to be a veteran to indicate this battle; anyone from any profession may spiral down into the abyss, consumed by one’s feelings and resorting to alcohol for comfort.
The only trouble is, while alcohol may appear to offer a way out, the cost is far too high. All too soon, alcohol takes over, and you feel even more incapable of keeping your PTSD symptoms at bay. And on and on it goes, each drink pulling one further from the hope of recovery.
The Impact of Alcohol on PTSD Recovery
Here’s the deal: not only does alcohol fail miserably at helping with PTSD, it actually aggravates the condition. Alcohol makes the symptoms of PTSD more serious and frequent. It interferes with sleep, causes irritability, and increases overall levels of stress. Rather than help in healing, it simply blocks your path to recovery.
At Jaywalker, we have watched time and again as alcohol has derailed recovery. For this reason, we make sure to treat both issues simultaneously. If you try to treat your PTSD without dealing with active alcohol use, or vice versa, you are not really getting to the root of the problem. You cannot patch up one hole in the roof and expect to stay dry.
Recovery from alcohol and PTSD must be holistic. It is a healing of the mind and body, and it cannot be if alcohol is still present within. But that does not mean it is impossible to recover; it simply means it takes the proper form of treatment and support.
Recognizing the Signs in Yourself or a Loved One
It can be difficult to recognize when alcohol is becoming a problem, especially when it is used as a means of self-medication to cope with PTSD. Several warning signs may indicate the need to back off and reconsider one’s relationship with alcohol.
Here are some red flags to look out for:
It is never easy to confront a loved one about their drinking, but in cases that involve PTSD, this is indeed a conversation that could make a real difference. It’s about showing them you care and are there to support them through their struggles.
Finding Support and Treatment Options
The good news? You don’t have to go into this battle alone. At Jaywalker, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, which simply means we help men who are struggling with both PTSD and alcohol use. The key to successful recovery is to find a treatment that addresses both issues at once.
Dual diagnosis treatment is important, since the two conditions, PTSD and the use of alcohol, are inextricably linked. Treatment cannot be done effectively for one without treating the other. That is why at Jaywalker, both mental health and addiction recovery therapies are combined.
Here’s what that might look like:
Treatment
It is important to work with a therapist who can understand the connection between PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Through therapy, you will be able to work through trauma, learn healthier coping skills, and examine the core issues driving his or her drinking.
Support groups
Comprehensive Rehab Program
Living with PTSD and alcohol use disorder can be overwhelming, but you do not have to go through this by yourself. We understand how you are feeling and are here to help. Our staff is committed to your support and treatment needs so you can stop the vicious cycle of alcohol and PTSD.
If you are ready to take that step toward a more balanced and healthy life, please contact us today. Let us help you find the path of recovery and begin living a life as you should have.
