Key Takeaways
- Veterans face higher risks of drug and alcohol addiction due to factors such as PTSD and challenges in transitioning to civilian life.
- Mental health disorders like PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common among Veterans and increase the risk of substance use disorder (SUD).
- Treatment options tailored for Veterans can provide support, helping them manage mental health challenges and avoid addiction.
Introduction
Veterans who return to civilian life face unique challenges, from combat memories to life outside the military. For many Veterans, these experiences contribute to higher rates of drug and alcohol addiction compared to the general population. Substance use becomes a way to cope with difficult emotions, often making recovery a severe challenge.
Many factors increase the risk of substance use disorder (SUD) among Veterans, including mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Knowing the causes behind addiction in Veterans can help people understand what’s needed to support their journey toward health. Let’s look at the challenges Veterans face, why these lead to higher addiction rates, and the resources available to help.
The Link Between PTSD and Addiction in Veterans
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that often affects people who have experienced severe trauma. For Veterans, the risk of PTSD is high, as they may have seen or been part of dangerous combat situations. PTSD symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and intense anxiety, can be overwhelming.
When Veterans use alcohol or drugs to cope with PTSD symptoms, it can lead to addiction. Many turn to alcohol or drugs to numb the pain of trauma or to escape feelings they find hard to process. This is sometimes called self-medication. Unfortunately, while substance use may provide short-term relief, it can worsen mental health over time. Research shows that Veterans with PTSD are more likely to develop addiction issues, especially with alcohol, as it can temporarily ease anxiety.
Without treatment, PTSD can increase the severity of substance abuse, making recovery harder for Veterans. This creates a cycle where mental health and addiction fuel each other, requiring treatment that addresses both.
Challenges Veterans Face After Military Service
Returning to civilian life can be a massive adjustment for Veterans. The military provides a structured environment with a clear sense of purpose and community, which can feel very different from civilian life. Many Veterans feel lost, isolated, or even disconnected from family and friends after leaving the military.
This lack of purpose or community can make some Veterans turn to drugs or alcohol to fill the gap. Alcohol, for example, may be used in social situations, and what begins as casual drinking can turn into alcohol abuse. Feelings of loneliness and isolation make this risk even more significant, as many Veterans find themselves struggling without the support systems they had in the military.
Additionally, Veterans who served in high-stress environments, such as Iraq or Afghanistan, are at an even higher risk. Long deployments, traumatic experiences, and exposure to combat can all contribute to mental health issues that increase the risk of substance use. Studies show that Veterans who served in high-stress roles are more likely to engage in substance use after returning to civilian life.
The Role of Mental Health Disorders in Substance Use
Mental health disorders are common among Veterans, and when left untreated, they can increase the risk of addiction. Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnoses, occur when someone experiences both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. For Veterans, common co-occurring disorders include PTSD, depression, and anxiety, each of which can increase the urge to use substances to cope.
Veterans experiencing depression may turn to substances like alcohol to numb feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Anxiety, which is also common among Veterans, can make it hard to function, so some turn to substances to feel calmer or more in control. Without effective treatment, using alcohol or drugs to manage these feelings can quickly lead to dependency.
Statistics show that many Veterans struggle with both mental health and substance use disorders. The combination of PTSD and addiction, for instance, can make it harder to recover without specialized care that treats both issues at the same time. This type of treatment, called dual diagnosis treatment, helps address both the mental health issue and the substance use disorder, increasing the chances of recovery.
Types of Substances Commonly Misused by Veterans
The types of substances most commonly misused by Veterans include alcohol, prescription drugs, and, in some cases, illicit drugs.
- Alcohol: Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among Veterans. It’s often readily available, and for many Veterans, it’s seen as a way to relax or forget about stress. Unfortunately, alcohol is highly addictive, and long-term use can lead to alcohol dependence and severe health issues.
- Prescription Drugs: Veterans may be prescribed medications, such as opioids for pain or sedatives for anxiety. While these drugs can provide relief, they are also highly addictive. Veterans who rely on these medications without medical supervision may develop a dependency.
- Illicit Drugs: Some Veterans turn to illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, or other stimulants. These drugs may provide a temporary escape, but they also carry serious health risks, mainly when used frequently or in high doses.
These substances provide temporary relief, but they can quickly lead to addiction and worsen mental health challenges. Understanding these risks is essential for both Veterans and their families.
Treatment Options Available for Veterans
There are treatment options available for Veterans struggling with addiction, many of which are designed specifically for Veterans.
- VA Treatment Programs: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of treatment programs specifically for Veterans, including individual counseling, group therapy, and medication management. Veterans who participate in VA programs receive care that addresses both addiction and mental health, helping them manage the challenges they face.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Veterans who experience both mental health disorders and addiction benefit from dual diagnosis treatment. This approach addresses both conditions together, offering a path to recovery that treats underlying issues alongside addiction. This treatment may include therapy, medications, and support groups.
- Community and Peer Support: Support groups for Veterans are essential, as they provide a place for Veterans to share their experiences with others who understand. Many Veterans find comfort in talking with peers who can relate to the challenges of military service, PTSD, and substance use. Peer support can be a powerful part of recovery.
For Veterans, accessing treatment early can improve mental health and reduce the risks associated with addiction. Support from family, friends, and professionals can make a significant difference on the path to recovery.
Conclusion
Veterans face unique challenges that put them at a higher risk for drug and alcohol addiction. Factors like PTSD, depression, and the difficulty of transitioning to civilian life all contribute to higher addiction rates. These struggles can make life outside the military feel overwhelming, but help is available.
If you or someone you know is a Veteran dealing with substance use issues, contact Virtue Recovery Houston at 866-457-4811. Our team offers specialized support and treatment options for Veterans facing addiction, helping them find a path toward healing and recovery.
FAQs About PTSD and Substance Abuse In Veterans
Why are Veterans at a higher risk for substance use disorders?
Veterans often experience PTSD, mental health challenges, and the stress of transitioning back to civilian life, making them more vulnerable to addiction.
How does PTSD contribute to addiction among Veterans?
PTSD can cause intense anxiety and distress, leading Veterans to use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with these complicated feelings.
What types of substances are commonly misused by Veterans?
Alcohol is the most commonly misused substance, followed by prescription drugs such as opioids and sedatives, as well as illicit drugs in some cases.
Are there treatment options specifically for Veterans?
Yes, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other treatment centers offer specialized programs, including dual diagnosis treatments, to help Veterans manage addiction.
How can dual diagnosis treatment help Veterans?
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both mental health issues like PTSD and addiction, offering Veterans a more effective path to recovery by treating both conditions together.
Resources
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/substance_abuse_vet.asp
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/substance-use-problems/
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-military-life
- About the Author
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Nicki Lugo is currently employed as Clinical Director at Virtue Recovery Center in Las Vegas. Nicki is a licensed clinical professional counselor (CPC) in the state of Nevada and a licensed associate counselor (LAC) in the state of Arizona. She is also a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor (LCADC) in Nevada. Additionally, Nicki has specialized training in treating trauma and is a certified clinical trauma specialist (CCTS).
Nicki has earned a Master of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral Health from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Currently, Nicki is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling Education and Supervision at Grand Canyon University. Nicki’s research interests include the use of Positive Psychology interventions with dual diagnosis clients. Nicki hopes to contribute to the body of knowledge in treating substance use disorders.
Nicki’s long-term career goals include advancing in leadership roles within Virtue Recovery Center which is a quickly growing substance use disorder treatment facility. She hopes that one day her research and advocacy will help to save the lives of those who have been affected by substance use. She likes to say that advocacy is her passion and leadership is her superpower.
