Those suffering from post-traumatic stress are two-to-three times more likely to becoming addicted to alcohol or drugs, a new study shows.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a response to a variety of traumatic events, according to the National Center for PTSD. Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, survivors of natural disasters, auto accidents, acts of terrorism and victims of sexual abuse or other crimes are all at risk. A new study confirms that PTSD sufferers are also at greater risk for addiction. The study reported by the Navy Times showed that smoking rates among people with PTSD is nearly double that of the general population, as is the rate of alcohol abuse and dependence. The drug addiction and dependence rate is almost three times that of the general adult population.
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