Substance Use Disorders After Natural Disasters: Understanding the Impact and Support Options

With the rise of climate change and growing number of catastrophic natural disasters, more and more people are being impacted by traumatic weather events. Some people may turn to drugs or alcohol in order to cope.

Learn about natural disasters and substance use, mental health challenges that can contribute to post-disaster substance use, interventions for substance use disorders after natural disasters, and how to find resources for disaster recovery and addiction support.

The Impact of Natural Disasters on Substance Use

Research shows that natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and tornadoes, as well as other types of disasters, such as technological disasters like bridge collapses or nuclear reactor accidents, and mass violence, can result in increased substance use among people who previously did not use substances, as well as in those with prior substance use disorders.^1,2

While there are several reasons that increased substance use following a disaster can occur, some of the most common explanations include: ^2,3

• Self-medication due to feelings of decreased self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
• A decrease in the body’s natural self-regulatory systems due to trauma, which can lead to an increased vulnerability to substance use.
• A desire to avoid traumatic memories of the disaster.

Although anyone can be affected by trauma-related substance use disorders (SUDs), certain populations may have a higher risk, including those with prior SUDs, first responders, those with a history of trauma, and individuals in economically disadvantaged populations.²

Mental Health Challenges Contributing to Substance Use

Although a disaster may not directly predispose people to substance use, it can trigger a hyperarousal state that can lead to substance use.² Trauma from disasters can also lead to the development of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some people, which can consequently increase the chances that a person will turn of substance use as a way of coping with their symptoms.¹ Regardless of the type of disaster, research shows a correlation between increased substance use, negative behavioral health outcomes, and disasters.¹

A disaster is one of the most critical times that people require assistance, but many face certain challenges following a disaster that can make them less likely to seek help. A lack of accessible treatment, stigma, and social isolation can all prevent people from getting the help they need to recover from both the traumatic event and their substance use.²

Stigma can include incorrect public beliefs about substance use and people who use substances, as well as negative language that is used to refer to people who use substances, such as “addict” or “alcoholic.”²

A lack of available treatment can also occur if people live in isolated areas, or due to a disruption in services following a natural disaster, which can leave people feeling as though they have nowhere to turn.² Similarly, social isolation can increase after disasters, as evidenced by the effects of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can leave people more vulnerable to substance misuse and mental health concerns.²

Types of Interventions for SUDs After Disasters

A variety of interventions for substance use after hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters may help improve the chances of recovery from both substance misuse, trauma, and other mental health conditions. These include:

• Whole-community approaches: Partnerships between behavioral and mental health workers and community-based organizations can increase community support and resilience.² This can aid recovery by addressing cultural influences, identifying community vulnerabilities, and improving related societal factors.² Interventions that rely on positive psychology, self-care, and resilience have been shown to increase the efficacy of mental health professionals, first responders, and survivors of disasters alike.²
• Behavioral health and medical interventions: Certain key interventions, including counseling, crisis hotlines, telehealth services, psychosocial support, medication-assisted treatment, and mutual aid groups, can play an important role in 
assisting people who are affected by disasters and the resulting mental health effects.^2,4

Resources for Individuals and Families Affected by SUDs Post-Disaster

If you or a loved one are affected by post-disaster substance use, you are not alone, and help is available. You can find assistance in various ways, such as:

• Support Programs and Helplines: National helplines, such as
  • The Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990
  • The 211.org hotline (call 211).
  • The Crisis Textline at 741741
  • The 988 Lifeline (call or texting 988).
• Local recovery groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or SMART Recovery.
• Online counseling options, which are often offered by mental health professionals and treatment centers across the U.S. You can find a treatment center or professional that offers telehealth services by visiting the SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov website, searching your desired location, and selecting the “telehealth” option under the “treatment approaches” menu.
• Government and NGO Assistance: Various disaster relief programs, healthcare access points, and federal assistance are available to support mental health and addiction recovery. People can contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) DisasterAssistance.gov website to learn more about these resources, which includes information on assistance from the American Red Cross, local agencies, emergency shelters, and small business assistance.

Getting Help for Addiction & Co-Occurring Disorders

Natural disasters can leave a lasting impact on our mental and emotional well-being, sometimes leading to or exacerbating substance use disorders. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of trauma and addiction, both in yourself and in loved ones, so that you can get the help you deserve.

If you’re struggling, please reach out to us today at . Our compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigators are on hand to go over your treatment options, help you find a center near you, and help you begin your recovery journey. There is hope for healing and recovery, even in the face of adversity. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

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