
Understanding PTSD and Substance Use Disorder Together
April 2026
Post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder frequently co-occur, with the National Center for PTSD estimating that between 25 and 75 percent of individuals who survive traumatic events develop significant problems with alcohol or drug use. At MLOM Rehab, our clinical team in Sunnyvale treats these conditions as intertwined rather than separate. Trauma-informed education means that every staff member, from physicians to peer mentors, understands how unresolved trauma drives addictive behavior. Somatic experiencing therapy helps patients process stored trauma in the body, while CBT provides cognitive tools for managing triggers. When both conditions are addressed simultaneously, patients report fewer intrusive symptoms and lower relapse rates. Our internal data shows a 32% improvement in PTSD symptom scores among dual-diagnosis patients who complete the full residential program compared to those who receive sequential treatment elsewhere.



