Mixing alcohol and PTSD

Alcohol use is extremely common among those with PTSD because many find that turning to drinking as a form of self-medication is a very quick, short-term method of alleviating their symptoms. For clarification, post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events that tend to involve some violence or abuse, whether physical or emotional, or even a natural disaster.

The relationship between alcohol and PTSD is fraught with danger, however, as alcohol can worsen PTSD symptoms and slow down recovery.

We will explore how alcohol affects PTSD, outline the associated risks, and provide strategies for managing both conditions properly.

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is characterised by symptoms such as:

• Intrusive flashbacks
• Distressing nightmares
• Severe anxiety
• Persistent feelings of fear or horror
• Emotional numbness
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating

These symptoms can severely impact daily life, affecting relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life.

PTSD often leads to significant mental health challenges, including heightened stress, depression, and difficulties with emotional regulation. It can disrupt an individual’s ability to function normally, leading to problems with social interactions and daily activities. Approximately 7-8% of people experience this at some point in their lives. It is commonly linked to exposure to trauma, such as combat, sexual assault, or serious accidents.

Effects of alcohol on PTSD

While it may seem that alcohol temporarily alleviates PTSD symptoms, in actual fact it worsens them. Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, impairing emotional regulation and subsequently increasing anxiety levels. This disruption can heighten and intensify PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance and intrusive thoughts, which leads, in turn, to more distress.

Physiologically, alcohol has serious effects on the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, particularly those involving serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The neurotransmitters play crucial roles in mood regulation and stress responses. Unfortunately, alcohol alters the balance of these neurotransmitters, leading to:

• Increased impulsivity
• Poor decision-making
• Worsened emotional instability

Psychologically, the short-term relief provided by alcohol often masks underlying issues rather than addressing them. While drinking might offer temporary respite from symptoms such as insomnia or agitation, it can prevent individuals from engaging in effective therapeutic interventions. In the long run, alcohol use can lead to increased symptom severity and dependency issues and complicate PTSD treatment, making recovery more challenging. Thus, while alcohol may seem like a quick fix, it ultimately undermines long-term mental health and recovery efforts.

The cycle of alcohol and PTSD

As is typical of most individuals after becoming inebriated with alcohol, the impaired judgement and cognitive functions caused by alcohol can lead to risky behaviour, such as unsafe driving or involvement in dangerous situations. This increases the risk of physical harm and also worsens the individual’s feelings of guilt and self-blame. Naturally, alcohol also damages sleep patterns and hinders the ability to engage in healthy coping mechanisms or therapeutic interventions.

Relationships and work life inevitably sustain turbulence as alcohol use with PTSD strains interpersonal connections, causing isolation or familial and social conflict. This destructive pattern often results in a diminished sense of well-being, making recovery from PTSD more challenging and complex.

Risks and consequences

Mixing alcohol with PTSD presents an amalgam of relatively serious risks. One major risk is the increased likelihood of self-harm or suicidal behaviour.  Individuals with PTSD who drink heavily may be more prone to self-destructive actions due to impaired judgement and emotional instability. Additionally, alcohol use can lead to substance abuse disorders.

Physically, heavy drinking poses serious health risks, including:

• Liver damage
• Cardiovascular problems
• Increased susceptibility to infections

Alcohol can also interact negatively with medications commonly prescribed for PTSD, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. These interactions can reduce the effectiveness of the medications, worsen side effects, and create additional health complications.

Managing PTSD without alcohol

If you want to manage PTSD without relying on alcohol, it’s important that you consider implementing more effective coping strategies that don’t involve external substances. Dialectical behavioural therapy, for example, can help individuals challenge and reframe negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with PTSD.

Mindfulness practises, which include meditation and deep-breathing, can help individuals stay grounded and manage anxiety. These techniques encourage present-moment awareness and relaxation, reducing the intensity of PTSD symptoms. Support groups provide valuable peer support and shared experiences, which can be reassuring and provide practical coping strategies.

Regular physical exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep also all contribute to overall well-being and help mitigate symptoms. Proper self-care practices, such as maintaining social connections and engaging in enjoyable activities, can further support mental health.

UKAT offers well-rounded support for individuals dealing with dual diagnosis. We provide specialised treatment programs that address both PTSD and alcohol addiction through a coordinated approach. If this sounds like it may benefit you or someone you know, reach out today to arrange an initial consultation.