Understanding the Link Between Trauma and Substance Abuse

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Trauma?How Does Trauma Lead To Substance Dependence?Signs of Trauma-Related Substance UseHow to Get Help

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is Trauma?

How Does Trauma Lead To Substance Dependence?

Signs of Trauma-Related Substance Use

How to Get Help

Language NoteSubstance use professionals have moved away from terms like “substance abuse” and refer instead to “substance dependence,” as the term “abuse” is considered blaming and stigmatizing. The diagnostic term for substance use and dependence that interfere with functioning is “substance use disorder.” This article refers to “substance dependence” rather than “abuse” due to this stigma.

Language Note

Substance use professionals have moved away from terms like “substance abuse” and refer instead to “substance dependence,” as the term “abuse” is considered blaming and stigmatizing. The diagnostic term for substance use and dependence that interfere with functioning is “substance use disorder.” This article refers to “substance dependence” rather than “abuse” due to this stigma.

The link betweentraumaand increased risk for substance use disorders has been documented in research for many years.People with a history of trauma use moresubstancesand are at higher risk for dependence, substance use disorders, and related complications compared to those without trauma history. Understand more about the connection between trauma and substance use and dependence.

Trauma refers to events that are distressing, disturbing, or otherwise upsetting. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) defines a traumatic event as “exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.” This can occur in four different ways:

Traumatic events can be a single event, like a car accident or traumatic death of a loved one, or a long-term stressor, like living in an abusive household. Trauma can occur at any time across the lifespan and can happen to anyone.

Adverse childhood experiences(ACEs) are events that occur between birth and age 17 that can be traumatic and impact a child’s stress level over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ACEs include:

ACEs are fairly common, with almost two-thirds of adults reporting at least one adverse childhood experience. They can contribute to many issues, including mental health diagnoses, medical problems, poor social support, unemployment, substance dependence, and early death.

Some people who experience trauma develop mental health issues as a result. For many, trauma manifests ashypervigilance, re-experiencing the trauma, and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although substance use is not an official symptom of PTSD, about 59% of people diagnosed with PTSD develop issues withsubstance use and dependence.

When trauma occurs earlier in life, the risk for substance use issues increases. Additionally, the more traumas a person has experienced, the more likely they are to develop issues with substances.

What Is Post Infidelity Stress Disorder?

Substance dependence and substance use issues can manifest in many different ways depending on the individual. According to the DSM-5-TR,substance dependencemay include many of the following behaviors and symptoms:

If you notice an increase in your substance use following a traumatic event, your substance use may be related to the trauma. If you find yourself using the substance to cope with trauma triggers or memories, there may be a connection between your trauma and substance use. If you tend to use the substance (or use more of the substance) following triggers, such as contact with a perpetrator or on trauma anniversaries, this can also be a sign that your substance use is related to trauma.

Understanding the Link Between Trauma and Substance Abuse

If you struggle with your substance use and have a history of trauma, help is available. Many people who experience these issues benefit from treatment and have enjoyable, fulfilling lives. It can be difficult to ask for help, but know that you deserve support and care.

Both trauma symptoms and substance use disorders are mental health issues. They are not indicative of your value as a person. Regardless of your symptoms, you are worthy of help.

If you decide to see atherapist, seek out providers with expertise in treating substance dependence and substance use disorders. In addition, search for providers who have training and expertise in treating trauma and providingtrauma-informed care.

Some survivors of trauma and those who struggle with their substance use benefit from group therapy orpeer supportin their recovery. Your therapist or general practitioner might have information about local resources.

TheSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrationhas a directory of clinicians and national resources. Their website additionally has information about supporting loved ones, seeking help in a crisis, harm reduction, and educational information about substances and substance use.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, addiction, and/or trauma, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Dass-Brailsford P, Myrick AC.Psychological trauma and substance abuse: the need for an integrated approach.Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. 2010;11(4):202-213.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. DSM-5-TR. American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences?Khoury L, Tang YL, Bradley B, Cubells JF, Ressler KJ.Substance use, childhood traumatic experience, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in an urban civilian population.Depress Anxiety. 2010;27(12):1077-1086.Weber K, Rockstroh B, Borgelt J, et al.Stress load during childhood affects psychopathology in psychiatric patients.BMC Psychiatry. 2008;8(1):63.Sippel L, Pietrzak R, Charney D, Mayes L, Southwick S.How does social support enhance resilience in the trauma-exposed individual?Ecology and Society. 2015;20(4).

6 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Dass-Brailsford P, Myrick AC.Psychological trauma and substance abuse: the need for an integrated approach.Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. 2010;11(4):202-213.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. DSM-5-TR. American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences?Khoury L, Tang YL, Bradley B, Cubells JF, Ressler KJ.Substance use, childhood traumatic experience, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in an urban civilian population.Depress Anxiety. 2010;27(12):1077-1086.Weber K, Rockstroh B, Borgelt J, et al.Stress load during childhood affects psychopathology in psychiatric patients.BMC Psychiatry. 2008;8(1):63.Sippel L, Pietrzak R, Charney D, Mayes L, Southwick S.How does social support enhance resilience in the trauma-exposed individual?Ecology and Society. 2015;20(4).

Dass-Brailsford P, Myrick AC.Psychological trauma and substance abuse: the need for an integrated approach.Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. 2010;11(4):202-213.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. DSM-5-TR. American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences?Khoury L, Tang YL, Bradley B, Cubells JF, Ressler KJ.Substance use, childhood traumatic experience, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in an urban civilian population.Depress Anxiety. 2010;27(12):1077-1086.Weber K, Rockstroh B, Borgelt J, et al.Stress load during childhood affects psychopathology in psychiatric patients.BMC Psychiatry. 2008;8(1):63.Sippel L, Pietrzak R, Charney D, Mayes L, Southwick S.How does social support enhance resilience in the trauma-exposed individual?Ecology and Society. 2015;20(4).

Dass-Brailsford P, Myrick AC.Psychological trauma and substance abuse: the need for an integrated approach.Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. 2010;11(4):202-213.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. DSM-5-TR. American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences?

Khoury L, Tang YL, Bradley B, Cubells JF, Ressler KJ.Substance use, childhood traumatic experience, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in an urban civilian population.Depress Anxiety. 2010;27(12):1077-1086.

Weber K, Rockstroh B, Borgelt J, et al.Stress load during childhood affects psychopathology in psychiatric patients.BMC Psychiatry. 2008;8(1):63.

Sippel L, Pietrzak R, Charney D, Mayes L, Southwick S.How does social support enhance resilience in the trauma-exposed individual?Ecology and Society. 2015;20(4).

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