PTSD and Substance Abuse in Veterans
According to the National Center for PTSD, Some people try to cope with PTSD symptoms by using drugs or alcohol. PTSD and substance abuse, like drinking too much or using drugs, are related. Learn about the relationship between substance abuse and PTSD. There are treatments that can help with PTSD and substance use problems at the same time, and VA has programs for Veterans.
How Common Is Co-occurring PTSD and SUD in Veterans?
More than 2 of 10 Veterans with PTSD also have SUD.
- Almost 1 out of every 3 Veterans seeking treatment for SUD also has PTSD.
- The number of Veterans who smoke (nicotine) is almost double for those with PTSD (about 6 of 10) versus those without a PTSD diagnosis (3 of 10).
- In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, about 1 in 10 returning Veterans seen in VA have a problem with alcohol or other drugs.
- War Veterans with PTSD and alcohol problems tend to binge drink. Binge drinking is when a person drinks a lot of alcohol (4-5 drinks or more) in a short period of time (1-2 hours).