According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 7 out of every 100 veterans will struggle with PTSD at some point in their lives. PTSD can be an extremely debilitating mental illness, especially if left untreated. From fracturing relationships with friends and family to harming your physical and mental health and well-being, PTSD can significantly impair your health and quality of life.
Unfortunately, some people may turn to drugs or alcohol as a means to cope with their PTSD, which can be a slippery slope towards developing a substance use disorder in addition to suffering from PTSD. If you are a veteran struggling with PTSD and/or addiction, you don’t have to suffer in silence– help is available. In this article, you’ll learn more about how PTSD causes substance abuse for veterans and the different treatment options available at a veterans’ PTSD drug rehab facility.
At Calusa Recovery, we are a mental health and addiction treatment center in Southwest Flordia committed to helping people take back control over their lives. We offer a range of both addiction treatment and mental health treatment options so you can receive the most tailored treatment to best help you regain control over your life. Contact us today to learn how we can help you on your road to recovery.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a mental health disorder that occurs when a person experiences a traumatic event, or series of traumatic events or circumstances, that negatively affects their mental, physical, and/or social well-being. A range of traumatic events and circumstances can cause someone to develop PTSD. This can include singular events such as getting in a life-threatening car crash or experiencing long-term trauma from bullying or war.
Therefore, veterans are inevitably more likely to experience PTSD because they are exposed to violent and traumatic events on an ongoing basis when off at war. It can be extremely difficult for veterans not only to return to their “normal” daily life after deployment, but many veterans may be at risk for struggling with different mental health disorders, including PTSD.
How Does PTSD Cause Substance Abuse For Veterans?
Veterans have the potential to have been exposed to a range of emotionally or physically intense, harmful, and even life-threatening events or circumstances that can cause them to develop PTSD. War and combat, in general, can bring about many extremely intense negative events and emotions, from not only putting your own physical safety at risk but potentially seeing others struggle and even lose their lives during combat.
It’s important to note that while veterans are more likely than the average person to develop PTSD due to being exposed to more traumatic events, PTSD does not only occur in veterans. Anyone at any age can develop PTSD from a traumatic event.
Because PTSD can bring about intense flashbacks, nightmares, and intense emotions like fear, sadness, and anger, many veterans can struggle to cope with PTSD, especially if left untreated.
Unfortunately, this can lead to some veterans abusing certain drugs or alcohol as a means to cope with these intense negative emotions from their PTSD, and thus PTSD causes substance abuse for veterans.
Factors contributing to substance abuse among veterans
Several factors contribute to the increased risk of substance abuse among veterans. One key factor is the presence of underlying mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Veterans may turn to substances as a way to self-medicate and alleviate the symptoms of these conditions. The physical injuries sustained during military service can also contribute to the development of substance abuse disorders, as veterans may use drugs or alcohol to cope with pain or disability.
Moreover, the unique culture and experiences of military service can also play a role in the development of substance abuse problems. The constant exposure to high-stress situations, the camaraderie centered around drinking, and the normalization of alcohol and drug use within the military can all contribute to a veteran’s susceptibility to substance abuse. The transition to civilian life can further exacerbate these issues, as veterans may struggle to find purpose and meaning outside of the military, leading them to turn to substances for comfort or escape.
Unique challenges faced by veterans in addressing substance abuse
Addressing substance abuse among veterans comes with its own set of challenges. One significant barrier is the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health and substance abuse issues within the military community. Veterans may fear being labeled as weak or unfit for duty if they admit to struggling with substance abuse. This fear can prevent them from seeking the necessary support and treatment they need.
Additionally, veterans may face challenges in accessing appropriate and timely care. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides healthcare services for veterans, including substance abuse treatment. However, there are often long wait times and limited resources available, making it difficult for veterans to access the care they need when they need it. This lack of accessibility can lead to frustration and further exacerbate the substance abuse problem.
Support programs and resources available for veterans
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by veterans struggling with substance abuse, numerous support programs and resources have been developed to assist them on their journey to recovery. Non-profit organizations, such as the Wounded Warrior Project and the Veterans Recovery Resources, offer a wide range of services, including counseling, peer support, and assistance with navigating the VA system.
Additionally, community-based organizations, local support groups, and online forums provide veterans with a sense of belonging and understanding. These platforms allow veterans to connect with others who have shared experiences and can offer guidance and support throughout their recovery process.
Veterans, their families, and the community as a whole need to be aware of these resources and actively promote their utilization. By fostering a supportive environment and ensuring access to appropriate services, we can help veterans overcome substance abuse and reclaim their lives.
Overcoming the stigma associated with substance abuse in the veteran community
One of the critical barriers to addressing substance abuse among veterans is the stigma associated with seeking help. It is crucial to challenge the perception that seeking support is a sign of weakness. By promoting open and honest dialogue about substance abuse and mental health within the veteran community, we can break down the barriers that prevent veterans from seeking the help they need.
Education and awareness campaigns can play a vital role in reducing stigma and increasing understanding. These campaigns should emphasize that substance abuse is a treatable condition and that seeking help is a sign of strength and courage. By sharing stories of veterans who have successfully overcome substance abuse, we can inspire hope and create an environment where seeking help is seen as a positive step towards recovery.
Treatment options for veterans struggling with substance abuse
Treating substance abuse among veterans requires a comprehensive and tailored approach. The VA offers a range of treatment options, including outpatient and inpatient programs, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment. These services are designed to address the unique needs of veterans and provide them with the support necessary to overcome substance abuse disorders.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one evidence-based approach that has shown effectiveness in treating substance abuse among veterans. CBT helps individuals identify and modify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors associated with substance abuse. It also equips veterans with coping skills and strategies to manage cravings and prevent relapse.
In addition to traditional treatment options, alternative therapies such as art therapy, equine therapy, and mindfulness-based practices have also shown promise in helping veterans recover from substance abuse. These holistic approaches address the mind, body, and spirit, providing veterans with additional tools for healing and self-discovery.
Top-Rated Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Center
PTSD can significantly impair your health and quality of life for the worse. Not to mention, there is the potential for PTSD to cause substance abuse in veterans. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, substance abuse, or any type of mental illness, you don’t have to suffer in silence or feel ashamed for asking for help.
At Calusa Recovery, we offer a range of comprehensive PTSD treatment options to best help you both better manage your PTSD symptoms and live a long-term life of sobriety. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you regain control over your life.