Ensuring your loved one with PTSD doesn’t fall into substance abuse

Do be aware

One of the primary symptoms of PTSD involves nightmares and flashbacks. Those with PTSD will use substances in order to help them to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you see this pattern, talk to your loved one about the behavior and encourage them to reach out to their own clinician or counselor for help. Using drugs and alcohol to self-medicate like this is never a good idea.

Do look for changes in behaviors

Those with a SUD and PTSD engage in behaviors that put them and others in danger. Be mindful if your loved one is drinking before he drives. Are his personal obligations falling to the side because he is using? Is he missing days from work and school due to substance use or due to feeling hung over? Are there any new legal issues present that were not an issue before? All of these are signs that the substance use is out of control.

Do share referrals

Admitting that there is a problem is very difficult and the person with PTSD may truly feel that she is getting some relief from using drugs and alcohol. Encourage them to talk to their doctors. Offer to go accompany them to a treatment center.

Do encourage avoidance of all harmful and non-prescribed substances

While it can be argued that using substances will effectively numb the negative feelings and may even stop the intrusive thoughts temporarily, in the long run, drug and alcohol use will not help anyone with PTSD. Substance use can interfere with treatment and can even make symptoms worse like increasing anger, sadness, depression and social isolation.

Do not ignore threats

Don’t ignore threats of self-harm or harm to others, especially when an individual is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you feel that your loved one is a danger to himself or others, get yourself to a safe place and call 911.

Do not ignore what you are seeing and trust your own instincts

Those with PTSD suffer on a daily basis and the use of drugs and alcohol can numb the awful feelings. This is not a healthy or effective coping mechanism or treatment option. Don’t think that just because the individual with PTSD says that a drink is making them feel better, that it is the best way to go. If you think that something is wrong, speak up.

Do not be afraid to reach out for support

Be sure to know where you can turn for help. There are numerous resources available to help you and your loved one. You can begin by contacting your general practitioner or family doctor for referrals. You can also contact your local community mental health center. Private psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and social workers can be of assistance to someone with PTSD, as can your own clergy. You can also contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as many employers offer mental health assistance to employees.

Do not tell a person with PTSD that all medications are harmful

While self-medication can be quite harmful, some individuals with PTSD are prescribed anti-anxiety medications or anti-depressants to address their symptoms. If a doctor has assessed the individual and concluded that psychopharmacological treatment is necessary, then the individual should be following the doctor’s orders. You can be watchful that your loved one is being compliant with medication and not drinking while taking their prescribed medications as well. The combination of alcohol and medication can be extremely dangerous.