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PTSD: National Center for PTSD
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Substance Misuse
PTSD: National Center for PTSD
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Substance Misuse
“The drinking, the partying, it only lasts so long before it started causing serious life issues....”
Jeremiah Civil
U.S. Marine Corps, 2001-2005
Substance Misuse
People with PTSD are more likely than others to have problems with drugs and alcohol. Substance use can lead to traumatic experiences. At the same time, people may use drugs or alcohol to try to manage PTSD symptoms. Learn about the relationship between substance use problems and PTSD. The articles in this section explain treatments that work to help PTSD and drug or alcohol problems at the same time.
- PTSD and Problems with Alcohol Use
People with PTSD are more likely to have drinking problems. Also, people with drinking problems often have PTSD. Having PTSD and alcohol use problems at the same time can make the symptoms of each worse. Treatment can help you work on both problems at the same time. - PTSD and Substance Abuse in Veterans
Studies show PTSD and substance use problems are strongly related in military and civilian groups. Some people try to cope with PTSD symptoms by drinking heavily, using drugs, or smoking too much. People who have problems with drugs or alcohol are also more likely to develop PTSD. The good news is that treatment works, and therapy can target both problems at the same time.
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