Anxiety and Addiction
Anxiety disorders — generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias — co-occur with substance use disorder more often than in the general population.
Read more →PTSD, Trauma, and Addiction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder co-occur at exceptionally high rates: a large share of people in substance use treatment also meet criteria for PTSD.
Signs of self-medication
When use is doing a job.
Substance use that started as a way to manage symptoms eventually creates its own problem. These are the patterns clinicians look for in co-occurring ptsd, trauma, and addiction:
- Using to suppress intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Drinking or using to fall asleep when nightmares disrupt rest
- Using to manage hyperarousal, anger, or hypervigilance
- Substance use that intensifies after trauma anniversaries or triggers
- Numbing emotions to avoid trauma-related distress
- Increased use during periods of perceived threat or instability
- Severe withdrawal anxiety that mirrors trauma-related arousal
Integrated treatment approach
Both conditions, one plan.
Clinical sequence
Trauma-informed dual-diagnosis treatment addresses PTSD and SUD simultaneously rather than sequentially — research consistently shows that delaying trauma treatment until "after recovery" leads to worse outcomes for both conditions. Treatment combines structured SUD care, evidence-based trauma therapies (trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure), trauma-informed group programming, and mental health medication support for sleep and arousal symptoms.
DSM-5: F43.10
Therapies we will use
Evidence-based for this pairing.
Different condition pairs respond to different therapies. The modalities below have the strongest evidence base for co-occurring ptsd, trauma, and addiction.
- Trauma Focused Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
Kentucky Medicaid coverage
Typically covered.
Kentucky Medicaid plans typically cover integrated treatment for PTSD co-occurring with SUD, including evidence-based trauma therapies (trauma-focused CBT) and mental health medication support. Trauma-focused services are a core component of Kentucky's covered behavioral health benefit.
Coverage is determined by medical necessity. Call admissions and we'll verify your specific plan as part of the call.
Other dual-diagnosis conditions
More conditions we will treat alongside substance use disorder (SUD).
Depression and Addiction
Depression and substance use disorder co-occur at very high rates: many adults with major depressive disorder also experience a substance use disorder, and the relationship runs both ways — depression increases SUD risk, and chronic substance use worsens depression.
Read more →
Take the next step
Treat ptsd, trauma, and addiction and substance use together.
Admissions answers 24/7. Golden Grove will accept Kentucky Medicaid. Coverage check happens on the call.