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VA » Health Care » PTSD: National Center for PTSD » Understand » Related Problems » Substance Misuse

PTSD: National Center for PTSD

Substance Misuse

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“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 with the same sort of background to have drinking problems. By the same token, people with drinking problems often have PTSD. Those with PTSD have more problems with alcohol both before and after getting PTSD. Having PTSD increases the risk that you will develop a drinking problem.

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.