PTSD And Addiction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) really shows up alone. For many people, the flashbacks and emotional numbness of unresolved trauma get paired with drugs or alcohol used to dull the pain. When this happens, it’s called dual diagnosis, and treating only the addiction or only the trauma rarely leads to lasting recovery.
ChoicePoint, a New Jersey-based drug and alcohol rehab, treats PTSD and substance use disorder together, under one personalized, insurance-covered plan all over America.
Our trauma-informed program includes:
- EMDR and trauma-focused therapy
- Co-occurring disorder (dual diagnosis) treatment
- Medication-assisted detox and stabilization
- Family education and support
- Long-term relapse prevention planning
What is the Relationship Between PTSD and Addiction?
PTSD and addiction are often linked because individuals may use drugs to cope with trauma-related stress. Trauma changes the way the brain regulates stress hormones, leaving the nervous system stuck in a state of alarm. Many people turn to alcohol or opioids to quiet that internal alarm, even temporarily.
Over time, the substance becomes the only coping tool available, while the underlying trauma stays untreated and often gets worse. Research consistently shows that close to half of people diagnosed with PTSD will also develop a substance use disorder at some point.
How common is addiction in the CPTSD community?
Addiction is highly common in people with complex PTSD. Individuals use substances to cope with unresolved trauma and emotional distress. Addressing underlying trauma is often essential for long-term sobriety and relapse prevention.
What Kinds of Trauma Lead to PTSD and Addiction?
PTSD can develop after any event that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. The most common sources we see in dual diagnosis treatment include:
- Combat and military deployment
- Childhood abuse, neglect, or an unstable home environment
- Domestic violence or sexual assault
- Serious accidents or natural disasters
- The sudden death of a loved one
- First responders and occupational trauma
How to recognize the warning signs of PTSD and addiction?
A dual diagnosis of PTSD and addiction can show up as:
Intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
Avoidance of people, places, or situations tied to the trauma
Hypervigilance, irritability, or alcohol shakes
Trouble sleeping or persistent fatigue
Emotional numbness or detachment from loved ones
Escalating use of alcohol or drugs to feel calm or "normal"
What Treatment Plans are Offered in the Dual Diagnosis Program for PTSD and Addiction?
At ChoicePoint, we believe that with proper treatment, everything is curable. So, we combine therapies, support, counselling, and medication to give you the best environment to get rid of trauma and addiction. Our process starts with an online alcohol evaluation or substance use assessment, followed by these steps:
1. Medically Supervised Detox
Drug detox can intensify trauma symptoms, so our team manages rapid detox from alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants in a safe, monitored setting before therapy begins. Our detoxification programs cover all the major drugs, including:
2
Inpatient Dual Diagnosis Care
In our inpatient dual diagnosis program, we offer round-the-clock support in a structured environment, supervised by DEA-certified clinicians, for those who need to step fully away from daily triggers.
Available programs
3
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program is a step down from residential care with 25–30 hours of weekly programming, combining trauma therapy, CBT group activities, different DBT techniques, medication management, and group support.
4
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP focuses on trauma-focused drug counseling and the CBT group for people who need flexibility to keep working, parenting, and attending school during treatment. Start your program with a virtual IOP evaluation.
Flexible options
How to Treat PTSD and Addiction With an Outpatient Program?
In our standard outpatient program, individual and group sessions for clients living at home, including craving management and trauma processing, are provided at a manageable pace. We also offer medication-assisted treatment in our outpatient rehab.
Aftercare & Relapse Prevention
Continued support, alumni groups, and coping skills are offered in our aftercare plan. We offer coaching to protect sobriety, prevent relapse, and maintain emotional stability long after formal treatment ends.
How to Cope With PTSD During Addiction Recovery?
Healing from trauma takes ongoing efforts beyond formal treatment. Holistic therapy and helpful habits include:
- Practicing grounding techniques when a flashback or an anxiety spike occurs
- Keeping a consistent sleep and daily routine
- Journaling to process emotions safely
- Joining a peer support group of trauma survivors
- Trying trauma-informed yoga or breathwork
- Building a personal safety plan with your treatment team
What Therapies Can Be Used for PTSD and Addiction
ChoicePoint is an alcohol and drug rehab in NJ, offering multiple therapies for trauma-focused care. Our therapies include:
EMDR Therapy
Trauma Reprocessing
Helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity.
Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Thought Patterns
Targets the thought patterns that fuel both PTSD and substance use.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Emotional Regulation
Our online DBT builds emotional regulation skills to reduce self-harm and impulsive substance use.
Group Therapy
Peer Support
Connects you with other people facing the same issues and helps you build confidence.
Family Therapy
Rebuilding Trust
Rebuilds trust and connection while reducing the isolation common to trauma survivors.
● Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Ready to Heal From Trauma and Addiction?
You don't have to choose between treating your trauma and treating your addiction. ChoicePoint offers dual diagnosis treatment for PTSD and addiction, covered by insurance. Get in touch with us now and start your treatment after insurance verification.
Insurance covered
HIPAA confidential
24/7 admissions
Same-day verification
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can substance abuse make PTSD worse?
Yes, alcohol and drugs may bring short-term relief, but they interfere with the brain’s natural ability to process trauma memories. This keeps PTSD symptoms active longer, increases the risk of panic attacks and depression, and raises the likelihood of overdose, self-harm, and relapse if the trauma is never directly addressed.
2. Can trauma lead to substance abuse and addiction?
Trauma can contribute to substance abuse and addiction by increasing emotional distress and vulnerability. While trauma alone cannot cause addiction, it often interacts with personal, social, and environmental factors, leading individuals to use substances as a coping mechanism.
3. What medications are used for the treatment of PTSD and addiction?
For PTSD, we may use FDA-approved medicines and, in some cases, prazosin to reduce trauma-related nightmares. For substance use, medication depends on the addiction:
- Alcohol: Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Disulfiram
- Opioids: Suboxone, Subutex, Buprenorphine, Naltrexone
4. Does Insurance Cover PTSD and Addiction Treatment in NJ?
Yes. Dual diagnosis treatment for PTSD and addiction is covered by most major insurance providers, including Aetna and Magellan Health. We accept all the major providers. Verify your benefits before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
5. Can trauma from years ago lead to addiction later in life?
Yes. Childhood trauma can increase the risk of addiction later in life. Unresolved emotional pain, fear, and stress may lead to seeking relief through substances. It created unhealthy coping patterns that persist into adulthood.
Other Major Insurance Plans We Accept
