subject: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Ptsd And Addiction-the Special Link [print this page] Many people believed that post traumatic stress disorder PTSD is often experienced by soldiers who are coming back from a tough battle. But this condition can affect nearly anyone who suffered from a disastrous event in life. Addiction and PTSD are said to have a unique connection that one can increase the risk of the progress of the other. It is essential to understand that people who experience PTSD may develop a dependency.
According to experts of addiction treatment program addiction may come in various forms such as shopping, gambling, harmful sexual behaviors and substances like alcohol and drugs. The dependency can either be physical where the body desires for the elements of a substance or psychological in which the habit is done due to mental impulse. The connection between post traumatic stress disorder and addiction usually involves drugs and alcohol.
Prescribed pain relievers are the most popular elements that bind the strong link between PTSD and addiction. Many experts of drug abuse interventions state that narcotic pain-killers that are offered to patients suffering from severe physical injury during a life threatening event in their lives are known to be highly addictive. With extended use of these medications, sufferers will have difficulty in ceasing the medication. Painkillers can be very beneficial in alleviating the physical pains that patients are suffering from. However, some may develop tolerance to the drugs and may use it for emotional relief and when these are not available; they may turn to illegal drugs as an alternative.
Alcoholic beverages also keep the connection between post traumatic stress disorder and addiction. Alcoholism is common to women who have a history of distressing events such as assault or sexual abuse. Drinking in a way that an individual will show symptoms of intoxication can actually make the situation worse since alcohol is regarded as a strong depressant. The substance can also lower a person's judgment and may increase the risk of showing violent behaviors which often result in criminal acts.
To deal with patients with addiction and PTSD, doctors usually treat both conditions at the same time. Rehabilitation can be the ideal solution to the problem. Accredited rehab facilities can help patients overcome the physical effects of addiction but the mental issues caused by PTSD may take longer periods of time to overcome.
Understanding different ways to deal with both addiction and post traumatic stress disorder is very important. If you know someone suffering from both conditions, encourage him to talk to a qualified psychologist to receive proper treatment.
