Veterans and Addiction

Veterans and Addiction: Why is there a Correlation?

A large number of veterans struggle with a variety of mental health conditions, including substance abuse, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), suicidal tendencies, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and depression. Just 50% of people who have served in the military and require medical care for these mental health conditions choose to seek help. In addition, less than half of those who eventually receive such services can access adequate care.

Normally, veterans have a lower rate of illicit drugs consumption than civilians. However, heavy alcohol consumption (especially episodic binge-drinking) is notably more common. Also highly prevalent amongst veterans is the misuse or abuse of behavioural or prescription pain medication -especially as a way to deal with trauma. In psychological terms, trauma is an event or situation that you might find difficult to cope with. It can leave you in a state of profound fear, making you feel excessively afraid of actual or imminent death, destruction, as well as physical or mental harm.

If you’ve suffered trauma first-hand, you might experience a range of negative emotions, from pain to confusion, betrayal, entrapment, helplessness or powerlessness, loss and terror. A sufficiently traumatic event can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD), which can manifest at any time and last a lifetime. There is a high risk of drug and/or alcohol abuse and addiction when you’re suffering from an advanced form of trauma. Veterans can turn to alcohol or other intoxicating or illicit drugs in an attempt to deal with the symptoms and negative emotions that occur with PTSD.

However, ‘self-medicating’ with such substances can eventually worsen your symptoms. The first thing to do when you’re struggling with a combination of PTSD and a substance use disorder is to seek professional treatment. A health professional that specialises in providing effective treatments for co-occurring conditions can help get the therapy you need. Your symptoms can therefore improve and you will enjoy more stability and balance in your life.

History of Drugs and War

Addiction and Suicide amongst Veterans

Several studies point to the high rates of alcohol use, substance abuse and suicide amongst both active service members and veterans. Generally, veterans have an increased risk of suicide as a whole, especially those plagued by substance abuse disorders or addiction. The most widely practiced method of attempting suicide was through the use of illicit or prescription pills and/or alcohol. Many veterans live through traumatic experiences, and this is one of the main reasons they might turn to alcohol and/or drugs.

When you’re a veteran with alcohol and substance use problems, you might be faced with an extra layer of isolation. Many veterans feel like they are unable to relate to other addicts and alcoholics who are non-veterans. However, it is essential to understand that addiction is indiscriminate, and that you have more in common with civilian addicts that you might be inclined to believe.

Veteran suicide and addiction go hand in hand. Two major indicators of suicide are drug and alcohol abuse, and this is what pervades in the veteran community. While the presence of a widespread mental health crisis is undeniable, mental healthcare providers in the V.A. and civilian hospitals are too quick to prescribe or administer anti-depressants, tranquilisers and other mood stabilisers. Many patients need them -and they all have legitimate uses – but when it comes to combating addiction and suicide amongst veterans, this might actually be making things worse.

Opioid Addiction in Veterans

Compared to the general population, there is a higher possibility for veterans to die from accidentally overdosing on opioids. As a result of a desire to live free of pain, veterans might turn to opioids (natural or man-made chemicals used to reduce pain) as a way to cope. There is currently a nationwide opioid epidemic – and it is growing daily, as veterans return home with injuries and look for relief. This means there is a big push for opioids to deal with a wide range of pain, including arthritis and other results of far-flung conflicts.

Opioid addiction occurs slowly and can take over your life without you realising it. Addiction to opioids can occur after you have had surgery or a serious injury. A physician prescribes opiate painkillers and you begin to take it until you develop tolerance, dependence and eventually become addicted. If you suffer from chronic pain, you could experience severe co-occurring post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury that can make pain management even more challenging.

The addiction can hit you especially hard, as you process painful experiences connected to your injuries. These experiences can hinder your ability to cope with physical discomfort, and the opioids help to make it easier. Having the drug in your system takes over everything, from decision-making to the way you feel. It calms and relaxes you, but you can potentially develop an opioid addiction from there on in.

To prevent opioid dependence and addiction from forming, it’s important to seek professional addiction treatment as early as possible. This can include getting help from psychologists, counsellors, therapists and other professionals to ensure comprehensive treatment.

Alcoholism amongst Veterans

Veterans face a wide array of challenges, including being away from home, unpredictable deployments and the constant risk of injury. Unfortunately, alcohol is commonly used during these difficult times as a coping mechanism. This is why alcoholism amongst veterans has become a huge concern. Both active duty and retired military personnel can be severely affected by alcoholism. After an extended period of time, alcoholism can affect your health, personal life, professional goals and overall well-being.

Alcohol lowers your serotonin and norepinephrine levels when it enters your body. Serotonin is a chemical that regulates memory, sleep, appetite and mood. Norepinephrine is a stress hormone that affects how your body reacts to different events. Unusually, low levels of either chemical in the body can result in depression. If you suffer from mental health conditions, engaging in excessive drinking can make bad situations seem a lot worse than they actually are. This could result in suicide or other forms of self-harm.

Unfortunately, not enough veterans get the help they need. About half the male and female veterans who return home from service are in need of specialist care for mental health issues. However, only about 50% of those choose to seek help. You might even try to self-medicate or attempt to hide your alcoholism from your friends and loved ones. However, when PTSD or other underlying mental health conditions are present, the risks are higher. As a veteran, some of the possible risks related to alcohol abuse include depression and homelessness.

The safest and most effective way to overcome a drinking problem is to seek professional help. Professional alcohol counsellors can work with you on a one-on-one basis to discover any symptoms of PTSD. They can also educate you about some practical skills and techniques to avoid future triggers that could result in relapse.

How female veterans are affected by addiction

When it comes to issues regarding addiction, female veterans often have unique concerns that can add to their struggle with mental health and substance abuse. The abuse of prescription painkillers and medication between 2005 and 2008 increased at a rate that is twice that of the civilian population. According to studies, female veterans abuse their medication at a rate that is four times higher than the civilian population.

Therefore, one in nine women has a positive PTSD diagnosis, with females twice as likely as males to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. As a result, you may be more vulnerable to PTSD, resulting from combat situations and also from your experiences within your own ranks. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, 13% of women in military service have experienced unsolicited sexual contact or harassment, while 10% have been raped during service.

The majority of such cases are not addressed or prosecuted, which can result in women veterans resorting to alcohol abuse and other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. You could also be dealing with unique challenges relating to child and family care during your deployment. These and other sources of stress can result in an addiction to alcohol and/or drugs. Unsurprisingly, female military veterans commit suicide at a higher rate than civilian women.

How male veterans are affected by addiction

Male veterans can consume alcohol to forget terrifying incidents or to mask the triggers of trauma. However, consistent and prolonged binge-drinking can alter your brain, build tolerance and increase alcohol dependence over time. Excessive alcohol consumption can also affect your PTSD. In addition to prolonging symptoms of PTSD, it can also intensify them as well.

The depressant characteristics of alcohol can cause drinking to cause severe anxiety, insomnia and depression. Whether a male veteran has experienced combat or not, transitioning to everyday life from deployment can be challenging. This can cause short and long-term mental health problems that can result in addiction.

When you return after service, you might find that your previously established family dynamics have changed; children are older and interested in new activities, your spouse may have taken on new roles in your absence and your loved ones are unable to relate to your most vivid experiences. If you are also recovering from the aftermath of an injury or suffering from PTSD, the added stress from new family dynamic can cause you to start self-medicating with alcohol or drugs.

For other male veterans, ‘regular life’ simply cannot replace or even replicate the heightened experience acquired whilst in service. Therefore, it can be stressful to settle into a job and family routines no matter how desirable. As a result, it can be easy to use alcohol to cope with the transition. If you’re trying to find a solid ground upon your return home, you can consider seeking help from the many available veteran support groups and treatment centres.

Co-occurring disorders can occur in a wide variety of combinations, with symptoms often mimicking each other. This means diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring disorders can be challenging. Depression may be indicated by slow responses, lack of interest in activities and lethargy. However, these symptoms also represent opioid addiction or an addiction to other forms of central nervous system depressants. In addition, the grandiose thinking and euphoria resulting from a bipolar disorder can be similar to the ‘high’ from cocaine.

In cases of veteran addiction, co-occurring disorders can be caused by different factors, including genetic or biological tendencies, in addition to environmental conditions such as trauma and abuse. Mental health and substance abuse disorders in veterans are more common than in civilians. Normal contributing factors aside, veterans experience unique issues during their time in the military that intensify their co-occurring disorders.

Although millions of veterans are suffering the effects of combined addiction and mental health issues whilst adjusting to civilian life, many are unable to access treatment. If you or someone you love is struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction (and mental health problems), there are several options available to aid recovery. Simply get in touch with an addiction specialist to start your journey towards wellness.

• Withdrawal symptoms: When they are unable to take the drug, they begin to experience withdrawal symptoms at a rapid rate. These may be sudden flu-like symptoms, tremors and other unusual illnesses.
• Physical symptoms and behavioural changes: If they’re abusing opioids or other depressant pills, they can become excessively sleepy or drowsy. However, you’ll notice hyperactivity or insomnia in someone abusing stimulant drugs.
• Developing a physical tolerance for the drug: after a period of using the substance in question, the body and brain become accustomed to it. This means that they’ll be taking more and more of it to achieve similar effects.
• Sudden problems with work or school: Substance abuse can cause sudden trouble keeping up with work or school responsibilities. They could begin to miss classes or go to work late.
• Loss of interest in usual activities: Their focus might shift from the things and people that used to be important to them, to how to manage their substance abuse. They become more concerned with obtaining and using the drug, and trying to hide this from their loved ones.
• Abandoning personal grooming: They may begin to neglected baths or showers as a result of substance abuse. You might notice skin and nail problems or broken, decayed teeth.

If you notice any of these signs in a loved one, it’s important to get help, fast. Usually, veterans may be unwilling to seek help and family members may have to stage an intervention. Regardless, it’s best to take steps now to overcome substance abuse and prevent more severe problems arising at a later date.

Veteran Substance Abuse Statistics

• In 2014, a JAMA Internal Medicine study assessed the prevalence of chronic pain and opioid use among 2,500 soldiers after deployment. 44% of them had chronic pain, and 15% regularly ingested opioids – rates much higher than the general population.
• The drugs that are most abused are opioid medications; in 2008, 11% of military service personnel reported abusing prescription drugs, with a 2% increase in 2002 to 4% in 2005.
• 27% of veterans deployed to Iraq had positive screening results for alcohol abuse.
• In another study, 25% of recently deployed soldiers also had positive screening results for alcohol abuse, in addition to 12% for behavioural problems resulting from alcohol abuse.
• One large-scale survey (carried out before massive deployments to areas such as Iraq and Afghanistan) concluded that the rate of binge-drinking in the military ranges between 15% and 20%.
• Around 20% of active military personnel report binge drinking at least once a week. The members with combat exposure also report this type of substance abuse at a higher rate.
• A large-scale survey was carried out on 88,205 soldiers (who had recently been deployed to Iraq) and discovered that roughly 12% to 15% had positive screening results for alcohol-related problems.
• More than 20% of veterans living with PTSD also struggle from drug or alcohol dependence or addiction.
• In 2008, a survey carried out on veterans deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan discovered that 13.8% of them were diagnosed with PTSD.
• 8 million prescriptions were written for painkillers by military doctors in 2009.
• From 2003 to 2009, the amount of veterans seeking treatment for alcoholism increased by 56%.

Veteran Addiction Treatment

Generally, treatment often includes detox, individual and group counselling, family counselling sessions, support group meetings and aftercare. The best veteran addiction treatment centres have highly skilled and experienced staff members, who can provide appropriate treatment. If you’re struggling with PTSD and substance abuse disorder, your treatment will typically include:

• Individual therapy: to teach you how to identify your triggers, which can make you succumb to cravings and relapse.
• Group sessions: to provide a platform for the common challenges faced by others with the same problem (of PTSD and substance addiction) that can be addressed communally.
• Couples and family counselling: this treatment aims to teach family members about the significance of dual diagnosis. Focus is also placed on how familial relationships can be restored and strengthened.
• 12-step meetings and veteran support groups: these meetings provide a safe place to draw inspiration and strength. These specially designed veteran substance abuse groups offer the kind of support that reflects your experiences in military service.

If you’re dealing with an addiction to alcohol and/or drugs, combined with PTSD from a past traumatic event, you can fully recover if you get the right veteran addiction treatment. This means entering an addiction treatment programme that can help you recover from co-occurring disorders. Your chances of recovery are significantly better when both disorders are addressed.

Medication management is one of the treatment approaches in veteran rehab, which according to studies, shows promise in treating all combinations of substance abuse and mental health disorder. It is mainly used to manage withdrawal and to control symptoms of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. The use of medications in addiction rehab depends on your individual needs, but it can be an essential aspect of a complete treatment plan.

The recovery process is different for every veteran, and it should never be rushed. As your symptoms begin to improve, you will become better equipped to overcome triggers and impulses to engage in substance abuse.  It’s crucial to know that veteran addiction rehabilitation will not cure you of your substance dependence. It’s therefore recommended to continue counselling and participate in support groups such as Al-Anon and Narcotics Anonymous to ensure long-term abstinence. In addition, you can benefit significantly from having a solid support system in place to find encouragement during difficult times.

You might choose to avoid the VA when seeking treatment for addiction, because of the length of time it takes to receive medical care. Seeking treatment in a private rehabilitation facility can be helpful in those times when immediate treatment is needed for a serious case of addiction and/or PTSD. There are several qualified treatment centres where you can receive treatment for addiction and underlying PTSD. If you’re a veteran struggling with addiction, there is help available right now.

Drug Rehab Guides for Addicted Veterans and their Families

Addiction is a ‘family disease’. As such, when a family member is addicted, the others feel the effects and respond through silence, anger, disappointment or fear. Families of veterans also have a lot to deal with, as they go long periods without seeing their loved one, not knowing if their spouse, parent, child or sibling will ever return. The ones that do return bear physical, mental and emotional scars – the horrors of war that return with them from the battlefield.

Even the tightest knit of families can be severely affected by the effects of war trauma. A drug rehab guide specially designed for veterans and their families can be beneficial in answering the many questions about treatment and therapy for drug or alcohol addiction.

FAQs