Living with someone who struggles with alcohol addiction can be overwhelming and unpredictable. Many may even develop PTSD from living with an alcoholic because of the ongoing stress, emotional turmoil, and repeated traumatic experiences. Recognizing the signs of PTSD and knowing you are not alone are crucial first steps in finding relief and healing.
Can I Get PTSD from Living with an Alcoholic?
Exposure to stressors associated with alcoholism increases the likelihood of developing emotional and psychological disturbances, including PTSD. When someone has an alcoholic partner or even alcoholic partner, emotional safety and stability become difficult to achieve.
For instance, alcohol misuse in a household changes routines, creates instability, and can undermine trust between family members. Unpredictable behavior, emotional neglect, and financial problems are common. You may also feel isolated or constantly worried about your loved one’s actions.
Partners and children may often take on extra responsibilities and adopt coping mechanisms that impact their mental health. Families living with alcoholism are at greater risk for conflict, verbal and emotional abuse, domestic violence, and long-term relationship issues. The emotional toll can last long after the substance use disorder ends, leaving deep scars.
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is a mental health condition caused by exposure to traumatic events or prolonged emotional distress. This disorder can affect your daily functioning and relationships.
Common symptoms are not limited to veterans or those with a single traumatic event. Anyone exposed to intense or chronic stress, such as living with an alcoholic, may develop PTSD. This includes those who live in environments where alcohol abuse is rampant.
PTSD may quietly shape your thoughts, emotions, and relationships in ways that feel difficult to explain. The earlier you recognise the signs, the sooner you can seek professional help and take steps toward healing. With the right support, recovery is possible.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD in Loved Ones of Alcoholics
Living with someone who struggles with alcoholism can directly impact your mental and physical health. Specific PTSD symptoms may appear in your emotions, behaviors, body, and mind. Sometimes, the development of PTSD may even cause lasting changes.
If you are facing these symptoms, then you may struggle with PTSD as a result of living with someone with alcohol use disorder:
- Persistent feelings of fear, anxiety, or sadness that feel difficult to manage
- Emotional numbness, irritability, or sudden anger, even in situations that seem harmless to others
- Withdrawing emotionally from friends, family, or social settings
- Heightened startle response or feeling constantly on edge
- Recurring nightmares or flashbacks linked to past traumatic experiences
- Difficulty trusting others or maintaining close relationships
- Avoidance of conversations or thoughts about the alcoholic loved one
- Developing strict routines or compulsive behaviours as a way to feel safe
- Hypervigilance or actively avoiding people, places, or triggers connected to trauma
- Increased self-isolation or struggling to express emotions clearly
Coping with PTSD from Living with an Alcoholic Spouse or Alcoholic Parent
Addressing PTSD from living with an alcoholic partner or parent involves various coping strategies. Each of these strategies helps you regain stability to slowly process the traumatic experience.
Build a Support Network
You are not alone in coping with the trauma of living with an alcoholic. Connecting with others and forming a support network can reduce feelings of isolation and strengthen your ability to heal.
Trusted friends, family members, or support groups such as Al-Anon or similar peer-led groups provide a safe space to share and listen. Regular connection with others can foster emotional safety and encouragement, making it easier to navigate the challenges you face daily.
Explore Therapeutic Approaches
Professional therapy is a crucial tool for managing PTSD. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused therapy can help you identify negative thought patterns and develop coping skills. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another common therapy for trauma-related conditions.
Seek help from a mental health professional who can tailor treatment plans to fit your needs. Many find it helpful to combine talk therapy with medication. This is especially important if other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are also present.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is essential for healing and preventing relapse into unhealthy habits. You can create a daily routine that prioritizes activities proven to reduce stress, such as:
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating balanced meals
- Exercising regularly
- Practicing mindfulness or meditation
Set aside even a few minutes for yourself each day. Journaling and relaxation exercises can help you process emotions in a non-judgmental way. Avoiding substances and environments that trigger distress can also help maintain progress and emotional balance.
Set and Maintain Healthy Boundaries
When living with or recovering from a relationship with an alcoholic loved one, setting boundaries can initially feel uncomfortable, especially if you were taught to prioritise others’ needs above your own.
However, it’s important to remember that boundaries are not punishments. Instead, these are acts of self-respect. You have a right to peace, even if someone close to you is struggling. Boundaries create the emotional distance needed for healing while still allowing room for compassion and care.
Healthy boundaries include limiting contact or stepping away when interactions become emotionally damaging. You also shouldn’t engage in arguments when the alcoholic person is under the influence, since their judgment and reasoning are impaired.
Understand Trauma Responses
Recognising how trauma affects your brain and body can help you be gentler with yourself during difficult moments. PTSD often causes your nervous system to remain in a heightened state of alert, even when no immediate threat is present.
Trauma responses include fight, flight, freeze, or fawn behaviours during stressful interactions. You may also experience emotional numbing or dissociation, which may feel like shutting down or becoming disconnected.
Learning to name what you’re feeling (e.g., “I feel unsafe” or “This reminds me of something painful”) can help you feel more grounded in these situations. Trauma-informed therapy and treatment programs can help you understand these reactions and develop healthy coping strategies.
Find Treatment for Alcohol Addiction and PTSD at Luxe Recovery LA
If you’re loved one is open to addiction treatment, Luxe Recovery LA’s doors are always open. We have years of experience treating substance abuse problems, and our team approaches each situation with care and empathy.
For those struggling with PTSD, we also offer comprehensive mental health treatment. Our mental health professionals can provide knowledge and guidance for this difficult period. Reach out to us today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can long-term exposure to alcoholism at home lead to the development of complex PTSD?
Yes, long-term or repeated trauma, such as ongoing exposure to a parent's or partner's alcoholism, can contribute to complex PTSD. This condition involves symptoms beyond classic PTSD, including difficulties with self-esteem, relationships, and emotional regulation.
What coping strategies are recommended for someone who has developed PTSD due to an alcoholic household?
Maintaining a safe and predictable daily routine can help reduce anxiety. Seeking support from trusted friends or a support group can be beneficial. Grounding techniques, mindfulness, and self-care activities are useful ways to manage symptoms.
How does living with an alcoholic parent impact a child's mental health in the long term?
Children raised in alcoholic homes often face increased risks of anxiety, depression, and problems with emotional regulation. They may struggle with trust issues, form unhealthy relationships, or develop low self-esteem.
What professional treatments are available for someone suffering from PTSD as a result of domestic alcohol abuse?
You can access treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and medication to manage PTSD symptoms. Support groups specific for trauma survivors, such as those offered by the National Helpline for Mental Health, provide additional resources.
How might the dynamics of a relationship change after a partner is diagnosed with PTSD from living with an alcoholic?
Communication may become strained as triggers and emotional reactions affect daily interactions. Your partner might need more space or support, and routines may need to be adjusted. Couples or family therapy can help address these changes and support a healthier relationship.
