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Facts:

Posttraumatice Stress injury (PTSI) formerly known as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the enduring consequences of traumatic experiences. Such experiences are quite common and have been identified throughout recorded human history. PTSI can be found today across genders, cultures, and socio-economic groups.  Preventing or decreasing PTSI and other adverse consequences of trauma is the foremost aim of the National Center. This website is provided as an educational resource concerning PTSI and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress.

PTSI and alcohol problems often occur together. People with PTSI are more likely than others of similar background to have alcohol use disorders both before and after being diagnosed with PTSI, and people with alcohol use disorders often also have PTSI. 25-75% of survivors of abusive or violent trauma report problematic alcohol use. 10-33% of survivors of accidental, illness, or disaster trauma report problematic alcohol use, especially if troubled by persistent health problems or pain. Being diagnosed with PTSI increases the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. 60-80% of Vietnam veterans seeking PTSI treatment have alcohol use disorders. Veterans over the age of 65 with PTSI are at increased risk for attempted suicide if they experience problematic alcohol use or depression.

Why is Anger a Common Response to Trauma?

Anger is almost always a central feature of response to trauma, because it is a core component of survival response in humans. While it has great value for coping with life’s adversities (i.e., by giving increased energy to persist in the face of obstacles), uncontrolled anger can lead to a continued sense of being "out of control" of one’s self, and can result in multiple problems in the family and personal lives of those who suffer from PTSI.