Veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at an increased risk of developing substance abuse problems. Unfortunately, this is an all too common occurrence among veterans returning from service, as the effects of PTSD can be emotionally and mentally draining. When faced with these issues, many veterans turn to drugs and alcohol for relief, resulting in a cycle of addiction that can be difficult to escape. In fact, studies have shown that veterans with PTSD are twice as likely to develop substance abuse problems compared to those without PTSD.
The dangers associated with combining substance abuse and PTSD are immense. First, using drugs or alcohol may immediately provide relief for a veteran’s symptoms; however, the effects are only temporary and will eventually wear off. Over time, dependency on substances increases significantly as physical tolerance grows, leading to higher levels of use to achieve the same effect. This prolonged use can cause long-term health complications such as liver failure or heart damage due to excessive drinking or respiratory problems due to smoking marijuana or other illicit drugs. Additionally, drug use or alcohol intake may worsen existing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The combination of substance abuse and PTSD can also lead to financial difficulties due to spending excess money on drugs or alcohol which could otherwise be used for bills or basic necessities like food and clothing. Furthermore, because drug abusers often become involved in crime in order to finance their habits this could result in legal troubles including arrests and/or prison time which would further complicate a veteran’s life.
It is important for veterans struggling with both substance abuse and PTSD to seek professional help before things spiral out of control. There are specialized treatment centers available across the country specifically designed for veterans suffering from these dual disorders which offer evidence-based treatments tailored to each individual’s unique needs such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), 12-step programs (like Alcoholics Anonymous), medication management (such as antidepressants), mindfulness practices, trauma-focused therapies (like EMDR), etc.
VA offers programs specifically aimed at helping veterans with both substance use disorder and PTSD so it is important that they take advantage of these resources if they need them. It is also important that loved ones support veterans during this journey by providing emotional support through trustful relationships and positive reinforcement when progress is made toward recovery goals.
Seeking help now can help veterans break free from the vicious cycle of addiction before it takes over their life completely; most importantly, it can lead them back onto a path of hope and healing instead of despair and destruction. With the right treatment plan tailored specifically for each individual’s needs they can put their lives back together again while learning how to effectively manage their symptoms in healthy ways without relying on substances, allowing them to find true peace within themselves once more so they can finally enjoy living sober lives full of purpose again.
We at Transcendence Treatment Center wish to make a difference for each person who comes to us. Your health is our ultimate goal. For more information or to reach out for help today, please visit our website or call us at 854-222-3773.
