More than 20% of Veterans with PTSD Suffer from Drug Addiction

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported more than 20 percent of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder also suffer from a substance use disorder. Overall, the VA estimated that about 10 percent of soldiers returning from war in Iraq or Afghanistan develop a problem with drug or alcohol addiction.

The VA doesn’t always make it easy for veterans to get treatment either. Wait times at VA medical centers can take months, and some VA programs cover only short-term treatment, according to media reports. Some veterans and their caregivers also complain about a shortage of treatment options for military veterans with co-occurring disorders like PTSD and addiction.

That’s a major problem for veterans, because one out of every three veterans seeking treatment for addiction also suffers from PTSD, according to the VA. In many cases, co-occurring disorders are most effectively treated when health providers target both illnesses at the same time.

Like other individuals with mental illnesses, some veterans commit crimes that stem from their untreated symptoms. Instead of putting them behind bars, though, courts across the United States have developed veteran’s treatment courts to help veterans recover and avoid incarceration.

The special courts are just one of the resources being implemented to help veterans suffering from addiction. The VA is also trying to improve its pain management program to better treat veterans while decreasing a patient’s risk for opioid addiction, according to the Washington Times.

Opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone are powerful painkillers that are highly addictive and commonly abused.

Government institutions can’t implement one of the most important resources for veterans, though. Caregivers — family, friends and others who support veterans — are at the front lines of health care when it comes to helping veterans recover. They’re a vital part of a veteran’s support system.

Drugs a Temporary Fix with Dangerous Consequences

Veterans with PTSD become addicted to drugs or alcohol for a number of reasons. They’re often looking to self-medicate symptoms of PTSD and escape painful memories from the past, nightmares or social situations.

Drugs and alcohol are tools that help them avoid their fears, but evading the problem usually makes PTSD last longer. The substances might temporarily relieve symptoms like feeling angry, depressed or irritated, but the crash from the drugs eventually amplifies the symptoms even more, according to the VA.

Additionally, veterans with an addiction to alcohol usually binge drink. The behavior drastically increases their chances of losing consciousness, being harmed in accidents or suffering alcohol poisoning. Veterans with PTSD are also twice as likely to smoke nicotine products like tobacco as the general population, increasing their risk for lung cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Resources for Veterans with PTSD and Addiction

Veterans with PTSD and drug addiction don’t have to suffer alone. Many veterans choose to seek treatment at rehabilitation facilities that treat co-occurring disorders when the VA’s care is insufficient.

The legal system is also improving the way it handles veterans who commit crimes. There are now more than 230 veteran’s treatment courts across the U.S., and the first treatment court on a military instillation opened at Fort Hood, Texas, in December 2015.

Caregivers of veterans with PTSD and addiction problems have support, too. They don’t have to exhaust themselves helping their loved ones alone. Rehabilitation clinics often provide family counseling in addition to co-occurring disorder treatments for military veterans and their families.



Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

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