No one sets out with the intention of developing a drinking issue. For many, it begins as a way to cope—a drink to unwind after a tough day, to quiet the mind when sleep doesn’t come, or to ease the weight of painful memories. For those who’ve experienced significant trauma, that drink might feel like the only thing that brings a sense of normalcy.
This is where PTSD and alcohol use can become interconnected. Trauma can leave you feeling constantly on edge, replaying difficult memories and bracing for what might come next. Alcohol, for a moment, can numb those feelings—but it’s only temporary.
Our alcohol treatment program at Woodland Recovery Center offers trauma-focused therapy to help you work through the experiences that keep pulling you back into drinking. Our group therapy sessions connect you with others who understand, people who have been where you are and are fighting their way out, just like you. Our licensed therapists guide you through treatment plans built around real solutions, not just temporary fixes.
The Connection Between PTSD and Alcoholism
Post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse often coexist because, initially, drinking seems to help. It calms your nerves, helps you sleep, and numbs the memories of what happened. However, the more you lean on alcohol to cope, the more your brain starts to depend on it, creating a dangerous cycle that’s hard to break.
Trauma changes the way your brain works. When you go through something painful or life-altering, your brain switches into survival mode. It makes you hyper-aware of everything around you, always scanning for threats, making it impossible to relax or feel safe. Alcohol slows all that down. It numbs the fear, the stress, the emotions you don’t know how to deal with.
Does Alcohol Make PTSD Worse?
The concern is that alcohol also makes PTSD worse. It messes with the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, making it even harder to process trauma in a healthy way. Drinking becomes the easy fix, but over time, it only deepens the pain. Withdrawal makes the anxiety worse. Hangovers add to the depression. The cycle repeats itself until drinking isn’t a choice anymore but rather a necessity.
Alcoholism and PTSD: Signs, Symptoms, and Risks
When PTSD and alcoholism collide, the warning signs can be hard to spot—especially for those living through it. Many people convince themselves that they’re just “having a drink to take the edge off,” not realizing that their relationship with alcohol is spiraling out of control.
Common Signs of Alcoholism in PTSD Sufferers:
- Drinking to cope – Using alcohol to manage anxiety, fear, or trauma-related stress
- Increased tolerance – Needing more alcohol to feel the same effects
- Withdrawal symptoms – Experiencing shakes, nausea, or intense cravings when not drinking
- Memory problems – Blackouts or trouble recalling events while drinking
- Neglecting responsibilities – Missing work, avoiding social obligations, or letting important tasks slip due to alcohol use
- Risk-taking behavior – Driving under the influence, making reckless decisions, or engaging in dangerous situations while intoxicated
Risks of PTSD and Alcoholism:
Beyond the immediate dangers of alcohol abuse, those with PTSD face long-term health risks that can severely impact their well-being, including:
- Increased depression and suicidal thoughts
- Higher likelihood of self-harm
- Liver damage and cardiovascular issues
- Strained or broken relationships
- Legal and financial problems due to drinking
The good news? Treatment works, but only when both PTSD and alcohol abuse are addressed together.
Call Woodland Recovery Center Today and Find Your Recovery with Our Alcohol Treatment Options
At Woodland Recovery Center, we help clients step out of the cycle of trauma and substance use by providing real, effective treatment that goes beyond just quitting alcohol. Through group therapy, trauma-focused counseling, and flexible treatment programs, we help clients work through the root causes of their alcohol use while developing new ways to manage PTSD symptoms. Our approach is about giving you the tools to create a life where alcohol isn’t necessary to cope.
Breaking the cycle starts with a choice. If you’re ready to take back control, we’re here to help. Call Woodland Recovery Center today at 662.222.2989 or complete the online form, and let’s start this journey together.
