Many veterans not only face stress, but also challenges from any injuries they may have suffered during their time in deployment. These struggles put them at risk of developing addiction issues as well as PTSD. They feel that they can’t ask for help when they return home and often turn to drugs and alcohol to help them deal with overwhelming emotions. But that doesn’t always have to be the case. There are programs out there to help them get the assistance that they need.
PTSD And How It Affects Veterans
PTSD stands for posttraumatic stress disorder and is a mental health disorder that develops after a person has witnessed a horrifying event. Being deployed in the military can force an individual to see such terrible scenes, which is why Rehab for Veterans is so important. Common symptoms of PTSD include:
● Behavioral/Emotional changes
● Easily irritated or angered
● Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
● Feeling numb
● Extreme anxiety
● Vivid flashbacks and nightmares
● Reliving the trauma
● Panic attacks
● Dissociation
These symptoms are not only disturbing but also emotionally disruptive and can make it difficult for a veteran to try and function in day-to-day life.
Substance Use Trends Among Veterans
The stress from deployment often leads veterans to resort to certain drugs, which often leads to drug abuse. Some of the most commonly abused substances are:
● Alcohol: service members are known to drink on occasion, from celebrating an event to socially to simply out of boredom. Stressful combat situations are often a common cause for the growing rates of alcohol abuse within the military. Other veterans may use alcohol to medicate any underlying mental health issues.
● Opioids and benzodiazepines: both of these drugs pose a significant threat to those veterans dealing with PTSD. The misuse of these pain relievers increases the chances of dependence and addiction.
● Other illicit drugs: during the Vietnam War, many veterans had used opium and heroin at least once in their lives. Illicit drugs, in combination with the other challenges veterans face, can further complicate mental health issues and other coping mechanisms. However, illicit drug use has declined since new policies were put into place, such as requiring random drug testing.
Treatment Options For Veterans
For those who have both addiction and PTSD, there must be an integrative approach that combines several types of therapy to provide them with the best chances for success. A dual diagnosis is often made and both addiction and PTSD are treated at the same time. This will minimize the chances of there being a relapse. Of course, speaking with a professional can help veterans to figure out which therapy options would work best for them.
If you or your loved one is a veteran dealing with PTSD, addiction, or both, then you should contact your nearest medical provider to help you get the treatment you need. Nothing is worse than feeling like you’re alone with your problems. But with just one conversation, you can make the change to regain control over your life and start feeling like you again.
