In the aftermath of betrayal trauma, many adults turn to alcohol or other substances in search of relief. It might feel like a way to escape, to quiet pain and overwhelm, or simply to get through another day. What's really happening is "numbing out"—using alcohol and drugs to suppress painful emotions, calm anxiety, and insulate from distressing memories. The urge to numb out is understandable, but over time, relying on substances creates new problems and blocks authentic healing.

As a clinician, Dr. Jill Manning is seeing a troubling increase in alcohol use among those suffering betrayal trauma. This isn't just a passing trend—it's now a daily topic in her practice, and it's changing the way we approach recovery. Healing requires the brain and body to metabolize and sort through overwhelming emotional information. Alcohol doesn't help; it makes this process harder.

Recent health data from WHO, CDC, and SAMHSA show rising rates of problem drinking, especially among women. Alcohol-related deaths and other consequences are climbing, prompting many professionals to use the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) as a standard intake screen. This is a clear public health concern.

Let's look at betrayal trauma symptoms:  -Anxiety and hypervigilance  -Troubled sleep  -Depression and hopelessness *Irritability and anger  -Cognitive fog  -Somatic symptoms (GI distress, headaches, fatigue)  -Relationship sensitivity and conflict

Alcohol intensifies every one of these symptoms. It keeps anxiety stuck by destabilizing neurotransmitters, fragments sleep and reduces restorative REM, worsens depression by lowering serotonin and dopamine, and increases irritability and aggression. Alcohol impairs memory and focus, disrupts hydration and gut health, and makes relational conflict more likely by reducing judgment and emotional control. The very symptoms survivors are trying to escape only get worse with drinking.

What does alcohol really do to the brain and body? Imaging research by Dr. Daniel Amen shows alcohol reduces blood flow to key brain areas, leading to atrophy. 

Alcohol's numbing effect keeps the nervous system dysregulated and locks people into cycles of shame and avoidance—preventing the full processing of trauma and blocking real recovery.

The good news: reducing or eliminating alcohol speeds healing and dramatically lowers health risks. Start with honest tracking—use the AUDIT screener—and try a 30-day break to observe changes in sleep, mood, and clarity. Replace drinking with restorative habits—herbal teas, breathwork, grounding rituals. Prioritize sleep hygiene, hydration, and connect with trauma-informed therapy or support groups.

Leading voices like Dr. Amen, Dr. Huberman, and global health agencies urge caution: alcohol impedes recovery from trauma. Every step toward cutting back is a powerful investment in your healing journey.

Here is the Alcohol Use Disorders Test: https://auditscreen.org/

For further help during the holidays you can also see this link: https://drjillmanning.com/product/navigating-the-holidays-after-betrayal/

To Healing,  Sam