In today’s world, self-medication has become increasingly common. Whether through alcohol, marijuana, or other readily available substances, many turn to these options as a way to cope with difficult times or manage various symptoms. This cycle is exponentially dangerous and can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms increasing once the compound has left the system. It’s for this reason that understanding triggers and setting boundaries is crucial if dealing with a condition like PTSD.
When faced with the symptoms of PTSD or other mental health conditions, many turn to substances to balance themselves out. Unaware of the detrimental effects it has on the body, this can be viewed as a prime option for some. However, the negatives far outweigh the shortlasting feelings of these substances. Here at Woodland Recovery Center, we aim to provide you with the tools to navigate this path yourself through PTSD treatment.
Understanding the Link Between PTSD and Addiction
When facing the symptoms that PTSD can bring, it can be challenging to identify a clear remedy for the negative feelings. When a solution is unclear, it can be a common decision to look towards a substance to minimize these symptoms. Things like alcohol, marijuana, and opioids are all available at different levels, leading to potential self-medication when symptoms are present. Desiring a quick fix to symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and trouble sleeping can lead many to choose self-medication as the solution.
These habits can bring about an extremely detrimental cycle. When dealing with PTSD, your brain’s dopamine levels are diminished, leading to low energy, and cortisol levels are increased, leading to stress. When substances like alcohol or marijuana are ingested, these dopamine levels spike, returning the body to a seemingly stable positive state. However, these sensations are short-lived, and once the substance has left your body, you return to initial low dopamine levels. With frequent and prolonged usage, the mind builds a dependency on the substance, leading to a potential substance use disorder.
Can Substance Use Disorders Serve as Coping Mechanisms?
Yes, substance use disorder may be a coping mechanism, but it’s a dangerous one. The negative cycle and potential struggles associated with it can be more detrimental to your health than the original symptoms being remedied. This being the case, it’s important to avoid falling back on substances as a self-medication technique. Without an understanding of the dangers, it can be easy to look to this as a solution for:
- Self-medication
- Trauma or stress avoidance
- Boosting dopamine and endorphin levels
- Dampening social anxiety or dealing with low self-esteem issues
- Management of physical pains
For each of the reasons one may find themselves self-medicating with substances, each can come back more severe than before. Anxiety and stress can become increased due to lower dopamine levels in your body after the substance has left. Pains that were dampened will still return, leading to more of the substance being required. Tolerance increases as this cycle continues, which can potentially lead to addiction since the body only feels stable with the substance inside.
Connecting Childhood Trauma with Addiction
Another common group potentially at higher risk of developing substance use disorders is those who have experienced childhood trauma. Going through trauma at a young age can bring about the same complications as adulthood. However, many cannot understand emotions at a young age, and this can lead to a difficult time dealing with them in the future, far after a traumatic experience has occurred. Challenges when it comes to healthily dealing with stressors or other emotions can lead those who have dealt with childhood trauma to turn to substances as opposed to healthy solutions, like therapy or other rehabilitation.
It’s important to realize that learning how to deal with these traumas is key when hoping to move on and live a healthy life. Providing the building blocks to emotional regulation is important, especially when dealing with trauma. Finding a trusted psychiatrist, learning healthy, positive thinking techniques, and being aware of your triggers can be crucial steps towards taking back the power and leading a balanced life.
Call and Begin Your Journey to Recovery with PTSD Treatment at Woodland Recovery Center Today
Understanding the nuances of substance use disorder can be challenging. For this reason, reaching out to a trained professional is the best option if any questions are had or signs are being seen. Establishing a strong support system can make a huge difference in the recovery experience. If you or a loved one wishes to take the first steps of this journey, contact Woodland Recovery Center at 662.222.2989 or fill out our online contact form.
