Many individuals that have spent years using substances have also incurred Trauma which can in turn result in PTSD as a diagnosis. There is an all to often truth that exists which is that PTSD and Trauma are the precipitating event that led the individual to substance use as a means of mitigating the terribly persistent symptoms of PTSD.

PTSD can stunt the life growth of individuals, rearing its head at the most unexpected times. Many individuals find themselves experiencing nightmares, constant tension, psychosomatic conditions manifesting in the body, hypervigilance, distrust of people and disruption to daily life.