While America celebrates a few national holidays throughout the year to honor the men and women who volunteer for America’s military, there’s truly no way to properly thank America’s veterans. Anyone brave enough to put their civilian life on hold and put their lives at risk to protect freedom is the definition of a hero. It’s important for all Americans to do their part to support the service men and women in their own lives. Because our veterans are often subject to scenarios that the average citizen couldn’t even fathom, American Addiction Centers wants to stress that they are at a much higher risk of suffering from some type of substance abuse disorder.
In the last decade, the suicide rate amongst American servicemembers has increased by more than 25 percent. Those who have served are much more likely to suffer the effects of mental health disorders that lead to alcohol and drug abuse. These coping measures are incredibly dangerous and can lead to a lifelong struggle with addiction. Unfortunately, less than half of returning veterans seek out professional treatment for their mental health struggles.
The medical community has come a long way when it comes to understanding the negative impact of PTSD. Throughout World War I and World War II, soldiers who were struggling were thought to have “shellshock” or fatigue from battle. Whether it is witnessing a tragic event during deployment or dealing with the fear of deployment that pulls servicepeople away from their family, the medical community now understands post-traumatic stress disorder. They also understand that violence is far from the only reason veterans suffer with PTSD. Nearly a quarter of women in the military report some form of sexual assault during their time in the military. These experiences, when left untreated, can lead to a lifelong struggle with substance abuse.
Those who want to help the veterans in their life can do so by looking out for warning signs and telling their loved ones about the many great resources available to veterans in need like American Addiction Centers. Some common signs of PTSD include:
- Vivid Flashbacks
- Trouble Sleeping
- Feelings of Hopelessness
- Negative Self-Talk
- Fits of Aggression
- Loss of Memory
- Substance Abuse
About one in five veterans who struggle with PTSD also form a dependence on drugs or alcohol in their daily routines. These substances are utilized to help numb the pain, but they can prove destructive for both the veteran and their entire families. Far too often the treatment that is prescribed to veterans for their PTSD does more harm than good. Those struggling with addiction are sometimes prescribed addictive anxiety medications or antidepressants that do more to compound the problem than alleviate the damage. Once signs of PTSD are identified, it’s vital that the right treatment plan is sought out.
After PTSD, veterans are also at a much higher risk of developing a dependence on alcohol. The military has strict anti-drug guidelines that make it all but impossible for servicemembers to partake in illegal drugs. Alcohol, however, is a very common part of military culture. If a dependence on alcohol is formed during time in service, this can lead to major issues when soldiers return home. Alcohol can become a habitual activity that helps military members self-medicate from the stresses of deployment. Binge drinking has been linked to numerous physical and mental health issues. While people may believe they are doing the right thing by buying a veteran a drink, this act can often set back the progress being made by a veteran in treatment.
American Addiction Centers has a proven track record of helping America’s heroes regain control of their lives. The treatment team and healthcare professionals of American Addiction Centers understand the sacrifices that were made by veterans and the impact those sacrifices can have on their mental health. With multiple programs designed specifically for veterans, including Salute to Recovery, American Addiction Centers provides inpatient care that addresses addiction through family therapy, group work, individual therapy, and more.
