Some people increase their use of alcohol or substances following a trauma. This is often an attempt to block out painful memories, thoughts or feelings related to the trauma.
There’s nothing wrong with responsible drinking, but if your use of alcohol or drugs has changed as a result of your traumatic experience, it can slow down your recovery and cause problems of its own.
Find out more about managing alcohol and substance use here.
This is a series of articles covering trauma reactions including: re-experiencing of the trauma; avoiding things relating to or reminding you of the trauma; emotional reactions; changes in how you perceive yourself, others and the world; being on edge and high alert.
