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PTSD and Drug AddictionPTSD and drug addiction have a strong connection, ant those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder face a high risk of becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol.What is PTSD?People who have endured a terrifying experience where they were either injured or were nearly killed, those who have been assaulted, those who have been in accidents or in military combat as well as those who have been through a natural or man-made disaster can sometimes develop an anxiety disorder called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD include terrifying thoughts of memories of their experience, and feeling numb and emotionally detached from loved ones. They can also have trouble sleeping and be startled easily.
PTSD and Self MedicationPTSD and drug addiction are commonly linked, because those who have PTSD are likely to turn to drugs and self-medication to get relief from the symptoms. Marijuana, cocaine, heroine and prescription drugs seem like an easy fix to many of these symptoms, helping the sufferer to calm down and sleep, at least temporarily.Unfortunately, once these drugs wear off, the PTSD symptoms come back with a vengeance, requiring even more of the drug to get the same effect. Before long, a PTSD sufferer will find himself addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. A High Rate of AddictionThose who suffer from PTSD have a high risk of abusing illegal substances such as marijuana and opiates. One study showed that more than one-third of people who have PTSD have also abused drugs at some time in their life.A Vicious CycleThe problem with using drugs to self-medicate PTSD symptoms is that the drugs themselves can increase the risk of suffering yet another traumatic event. This can lead to a vicious cycle of trauma, drug abuse, more trauma and even more drug abuse.Furthermore, people with PTSD who also have a drug addiction are more likely to suffer depression, try to attempt suicide, have problems relating with others, suffer legal consequences, have medical problems and possibly suffer a psychiatric breakdown. |
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We'll let you know about the latest happenings in treatments for drug addiction, effects of different drugs and where you can go to get help. In the future we'll also have real life drug addiction stories and how others are getting off drugs. This ezine is your source for what's going on with surviving drug addiction.