How Common Is Alcohol Use In The PTSD Sufferer?

[ClairBear226]

As I'm sitting here catching up on forum posts - and drinking a bit - I'm noticing that alcohol use seems to be a fairly common thread amongst PTSD sufferers. It makes me wonder, HOW common are we talking? And are we talking about drinking a drink or two here and there in moderation, or full blown drinking-to-get-blitzed every day abuse? Those that drink, do you find that it helps? And what do you choose to drink? If you've taken psych meds as well, does the effect of alcohol seem similar to them at all?

Tonight I'm finding myself to be having the first really bad night in a few weeks. I've certainly had far worse, but I'm not feeling so hot in the traditional PTSD can't-get-my-head-out-of-the-past manner, and a 12 year McCallum single-malt Scotch is my poison of choice (always Scotch, always neat, but I vary my brand and try new things, except that I occasionally like Bushmill's, which is Irish). I have 1-2 drinks usually, then generally stop, though occasionally there will be a third. I find that it numbs the pain a bit, and makes it easier to get over the rough spots. I've never taken a psych med of any kind, though there have been times I've considered the possibility, and have gone to pour myself a drink instead. I can't say when I was drunk last, and have never had a blackout, or missed any work because I drank, and have never had a drink on the job. I'd consider myself someone who uses alcohol in moderation. I'm curious to hear from others that drink to numb this God-awful pain.

 

[anni]

There seems to be an awful lot of takes on this out there. I can't drink at all these days but only because it kicks in a migraines thing. I know it's never good to fool oneself on how much one might lean on alcohol, but as with anything, surely there's a balance which is somewhat allowable? If my pain is inescapable, and I am not functioning I am 'allowed' to resort to Lorazapam. This allows me to get out of my own way, squishes all that adrenaline and can function enough to get things on order in my head again. One has to watch benzos-I deliberately gave them up entirely for quite awhile since was definitely too dependent on them so again, it must be a balance. There seems to be a difference between drinking or drugging oneself into oblivion to not feel anything at all ( understandable, of course but oh so dangerous, yes) and maybe squishing the pain to just be able to get a handle on things.

I'm sure there are various answers out there, but would have to imagine one knows themselves best. It's tough not to second guess yourself in the face of experts and opinions, but these can disallow one from ascertaining answers for yourself, too. Extremes in consumption of anything chemical would be harmful, of course, but so are extremes of reaction to this whole subject, I think. Whatever the answer ends up being, I'm guessing it will be somewhere balanced in the middle, and something you can live with, with out guilt or angst. I hope that makes sense.

Scotch makes me sneeze! No idea why. Take care,

Anni

 

[Marlene]

I usually have a beer or two in the evenings. I do enjoy the taste and the side affect of relaxing my muscles which tend to be tight most of the day. Having been told by a medical professional that I can take an RX'd med to relax or drink a beer...same affect to the central nervous system.

It's a matter of moderation. At least for me. I do know that when I'm having a rougher time than usual I might drink more than usual. But that's an exception rather than the norm.

Lisa

 

[Cthulhu]

I had times of my life where I drank lots of alcohol in the evenings to numb myself, to stop the thoughts and ease the pain. I know I'd qualified as an alcoholic in those times, but it never affected my work or any other functionality, nobody ever noticed, I never had problems because of it. And every few weeks I paused for some days to check if I'm addicted. I never was, in the classic organic way.

When I'm OK I just drink for fun, one or two beers, a glass of whiskey, rum, brandy or whatever else. Just because it tastes good and sometimes to have its light enjoyable effects. But in good times there are also months to years where I drink nothing just because I don't think about it.

 

[Redtail]

I have always enjoyed a good micro brew or mixed drink, Rum, Whiskey, Gin, Vodka or whatever sounded good. I used to have a full stocked bar with 20 to 30 different bottles of liquor. I also make my own beer have my own dispensing system.

Before PTSD I drank in moderation, 2-3 drinks on the weekend. But have been through months were I did not drink at all. The longer I suffered without acknowledging my disorder the more I drank. I was acting horribly at this stage and my symptoms were out of control. The more out of control they got the more I drank. There was a period of time were I was drinking nightly 7-10 beers, getting up at 5:30 in the morning and "functioning" well. On the weekends I would go through a fifth or two a night. This probably lasted for 6-7 months.

Strangely this was one of the things I eventually noticed that "opened my eyes" to having a problem. I limited my consumption and about a month later I started seeking help for PTSD. Now I tell myself only a beer or two and it works for me. I don't have an addicting personality and very cognizant now of how I use medication to dull the feelings.

I would encourage you to really be aware how much you are drinking and don't try to convince yourself it is medication. Because that third could become a fourth, then the Fifth becomes the bottle not a drink.

 

[Jawn]

Before my wife got medicated and started therapy, she was drinking a lot more than "normal" for her. She told me it helped her relax and to go to sleep at night. After getting medication and starting therapy, she is back to her normal drinking habits.

Jawn

 

[cdnleaf]

Depression+alcohol/substance abuse are primarily comorbid with PTSD. This is from our current department of veterans affairs doctrine, there are links from my home page. I've struggled with both and realize my my recovery cannot include alcohol. For some it's a slippery slope, others have no issues with social drinking. I'm non judgemental either way and sometimes wish I fell info the latter category :smile:

 

[eyebiter]

I don't or won't touch a drop, been sober since 1991. I have no problem with others drinking and will go out with them but I just don't do it!