Substance Abuse and PTSD
Continued

Some believe that a relationship exists between PTSD and substance abuse. Studies have shown that people with substance use disorders have a greater prevalence to experience traumatic events than non-users.⁸

• In one study, 60-80% of treatment-seeking Vietnam combat veterans with PTSD also met the criteria for current alcohol and/or drug abuse.⁸
• In another study, 91% of the inpatient PTSD sample met the lifetime criteria for substance use disorders.⁸

Data from 2,263 respondents participating in an epidemiological survey of substance use and psychiatric illness in the general population, reported having experienced more traumatic events than non-users.⁸

• One study of 84 men and women in an inpatient substance abuse treatment program found that 43% of women and 12% of men met criteria for PTSD. ⁸
• Opiate and cocaine users reported the greatest prevalence of trauma with 19% meeting the criteria for PTSD. ⁸
• 23% of pill/hallucinogen users experienced a qualifying PTSD trauma. ⁸
• 18% of marijuana users experienced a qualifying PTSD trauma. ⁸
• 16% of heavy alcohol users experienced a qualifying PTSD trauma. ⁸
  

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