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Unlike what most people believe, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) does not only occur in returning combat veterans. As I, Dr. Richard Soper, have observed among my clients, having unhealed trauma may cause PTSD. Several research studies suggest that PTSD and alcoholism are related, so if you are struggling with PTSD now, you are at double jeopardy. Continue reading to know what I, Dr. Richard Soper, think about this, and to know the possible solution.
After experiencing traumatic events, people are at risk of experiencing PTSD, although it does not always show right away. Occasionally, it resolves itself shortly after the individual experiences it, but more often it remains ongoing. PTSD is different for everyone who has it. Some people deal with depression or anxiety attacks; some have difficulties with anger management; some struggle with intrusive thoughts, unwanted emotions, and nightmares. PTSD and alcoholism are linked when people try to deal with what they have bottled up inside. For most cases, people end up with alcohol because it helps them temporarily numb them and shut all the unwanted feelings.
I, Dr. Richard Soper, genuinely believe that abusing alcohol is not the solution to this. Yes, you may think that it works, but only for a little while. If you feel you have already figured things out with alcohol abuse, you have not. Alcohol abuse is only a short-term solution to your long term problem. Do not consider self-medication by using other drugs to boost the effects of alcohol. Eventually, it turns into a whole new problem: you develop a chemical dependency. Most importantly, you put your health and yourself at risk. However, your trajectory does not have to be like this.
The solution to all of this is a combination of addiction and PTSD program. Seek help from a professional and a small group of peers who are also entering recovery. Since the help you need comes in multiple fronts, the core of your healing will be individual counseling.
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