Substance use disorders (SUD) and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) are two health conditions that tend to co-occur among individuals. No single theory comprehensively explains the comorbidity of the two conditions. Self-medication theory is one of the models that have received lots of empirical support. The concept indicates that people who have PTSD are at higher risk of substance abuse and consequently substance disorders due to the tendency to consume alcohol and use drugs to deal with stress (Korte & Kileen, 2016). The individuals develop SUD due to PTSD because they engage in substance abuse to deal with stress and trauma, anxiety and depression, and chronic pain.
Persons with PTSD engage in alcohol consumption and substance abuse as a way of avoiding their distressing PTSD symptoms. This tendency of numbing the body pain is referred to as self-medicating. Further, when trouble is looming, the first predisposition is to head for cover since the individual is looking for protection from what they feel is about to happen (Korte & Kileen, 2016). Substance use in such instances allows the individuals to avoid reality resulting in repeated use. Additionally, substance use and depression often occur together, and individuals use drugs to manage or relieve the symptoms (Korte & Kileen, 2016).
Self-medication offers strong arguments since a number of substances, particularly depressants such as alcohol, may provide temporary relief from despair and apprehension. People can take alcohol to deal with social unease symptoms, while stimulants can cause heightened pleasure or energy. Other than mental pain, sometimes substance use is aimed at relieving physical pain. The model is founded on the idea that individuals who abuse substances and engage in addictive practices like gambling to compensate for underlying complications that are yet to be adequately treated. The basis of the concept makes it the best-suited theory to explain the co-occurrence of SUD and PTSD.
Reference
Korte, K., & Kileen, T. (2016). Concurrent Treatment of Substance Use and PTSD. Current Psychiatry Reports, 18(8), 70-71. Web.