Co-Occurring Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder in U S. Military and Veteran Populations Alcohol Research: Current Reviews

In addition, ask about current and past suicidal ideation or suicide attempts, as well as the family history of mood disorders, AUD, hospitalizations for psychiatric disorders, or suicidality. Alcohol use disorder, or AUD, is an umbrella term that includes common alcohol-related disorders, like alcohol addiction, alcohol abuse, and alcohol dependence. It is a legitimate disorder even when it occurs in mild forms and is especially serious in moderate or severe forms. One of the studies reviewed was based on sub-group secondary analyses that were not the study’s original focus (Petrakis et al. 2006) and another was a 4-week inpatient study in which PTSD symptoms, but not alcohol consumption, were evaluated (Kwako et al. 2015). Given the paucity of studies we opted to include the latter two studies in this review (See Table 1). The results of these two studies do not significantly alter the conclusions/recommendations except to help suggest future research directions.

High rates of comorbidity of PTSD and substance use disorders were first reported in war-related studies, in which as many as 75% of combat veterans with lifetime PTSD also met criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence (2). Among civilian populations, estimates of the prevalence of lifetime substance use disorders have ranged from 21.6% to 43.0% in persons with PTSD, compared with 8.1% to 24.7% in persons without PTSD (1, 3, 4). Similarly, among substance abusers in the general population, the reported rate of PTSD is 8.3% (5).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Alcohol Addiction

This instrument has demonstrated reliability and validity in a similar setting to this study [45]. The conversion table available in the Nepali version of the CIDI questionnaire was used to calculate standard units of drinks in units of ethanol. Thus, a bar-served glass of Raksi (distilled local drink) was considered 2 units of ethanol and 1 mana (approximately 0.55 L) of Jand (domestically fermented beverage) was calculated as containing 3 ethanol units. The abstinence duration was determined ptsd and alcohol abuse by inquiring the most recent alcohol consumption episode, and participants responded to whether or not they had ever engaged in driving under the influence of alcohol. Overall, clinicians can be reassured that medications approved to treat one disorder can be used safely and with some efficacy in this comorbidity. Addressing both disorders, whether by using a combination of medications to treat each disorder or by combining medication with behavioral treatments seem most likely to be effective.

Motivational enhancement therapy also shows promise as a way to increase treatment initiation among veterans and military personnel who are reluctant to enter treatment or address their substance misuse during treatment for PTSD, particularly if they perceive that substance use eases their PTSD symptoms. Brief tools are available to help non-specialists assess for AUD and screen for common co-occurring mental health conditions. You can determine whether your patient has AUD and its level of severity using a quick alcohol symptom checklist as described in the Core article on screening and assessment. You also can screen for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other substance use disorders using a number of brief, psychometrically validated screening tools, which are described in a 2018 systematic review5 and which may be available in your electronic health record system. As needed, you can refer to a mental health specialist for a complete assessment. Nine RCTs were identified; three focused on medications to treat PTSD, four focused on AUD, and three to target both.

PTSD and Alcohol Among Women

We start with a visual model of care that indicates when to consider a referral. Our approach centers on treating people with the same kindness and https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/whats-the-difference-between-sober-house-and-rehab/ respect that we value for ourselves. We understand mental health challenges firsthand and support your pursuit of well-being with compassion.

And sometimes alcohol usage disorders are simply a comorbidity that appears alongside PTSD, without one necessarily causing the other. If you have a drinking problem, you are more likely than others with a similar background to go through a traumatic event. Women who have PTSD at some point in their lives are 2.5 times more likely to also have alcohol abuse or dependence than women who never have PTSD. Men are 2.0 times more likely to have alcohol problems if they have PTSD than men who never do not have PTSD.