The Link Between Veterans and Drug Addiction

Our veterans have served our country and fought to defend our freedoms and ensure our safety. In doing so, they have experienced trauma and faced stress that is difficult to cope with.

Unfortunately, these have led many to substance abuse and addiction to cope when they return home. Veterans will need emotional support and other recovery options to help them get better.

Let’s look at how problems like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression influence addiction and veteran substance abuse and what they need to overcome it.

Veterans and Addiction

While drug and alcohol abuse is a major national problem, substance abuse and addiction among veterans is an epidemic. Veterans are particularly affected by opioid and alcohol abuse at an alarming rate. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, one out of ten veterans they have treated for alcohol-related problems after returning from Afghanistan and Iraq are suffering from opioid addiction. This makes mental support for veterans important.

Substance abuse disorder (SUD) and PTSD are closely linked to military veterans; about one in three who seek treatment for SUD have co-occurring PTSD symptoms. Veterans with PTSD and SUD are also more likely to binge drink.

Most military personnel have a unique set of environmental factors linked to an increased risk of developing substance abuse disorder. These include combat exposure, deployment, and certain post-deployment changes like PTSD and depression.

Veterans may also have other traumas that anyone can experience, increasing their risk of developing an addiction or substance abuse disorder.

Difficulty Transitioning to Civilian Life

Some veterans find returning and adjusting to civilian life difficult after serving active duty. Unlike the military, traditional jobs don’t have clear titles, roles, and duties. This can make it more difficult for those who have experienced traumatic and life-threatening situations, which have resulted in trauma-based reactions that impact their daily functioning.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

While some vets sustain minor psychological and physical wounds, others are not so lucky. Thousands of veterans are diagnosed with PTSD caused by their traumatic experiences during wartime.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is closely-linked to veterans and drug addiction. PTSD can cause debilitating anxiety and flashbacks, leading veterans to abuse prescription drugs and alcohol to manage their symptoms. Veterans injured in combat have a higher risk of substance abuse.

Substance abuse and PTSD are the two most important issues veterans face; they can lead to death if left unchecked.

Depression

Depression is a serious and, unfortunately, a common disorder that can affect anyone. It can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and guilt. Some of the most common symptoms of depression in veterans are:

• Sadness or despair
• Losing interest in the things you used to enjoy
• Weight fluctuations
• Sleep problems

At least a third of veterans who visit primary care clinics have some form of depression, according to the VA. One in ten veterans have signs of major depression, which likely needs treatment with antidepressants or psychotherapy.

Common Substances Veterans Abuse

Many veterans seek help from doctors for prescription medication to relieve pain and stress. Some resort to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate.

While most would think prescription medications won’t get anyone addicted, it’s unfortunately untrue. Prescription drugs can be misused and lead to addiction. They are safe, but only when taken as directed, but some veterans take them more than they should for their condition.

Some of the common substances veterans abuse include:

Opioids

Opioids are synthetic substances derived from natural opiates used as painkillers. It is also closely linked to veterans and drug addiction. Military personnel suffer more traumatic injuries than the average citizen and are often treated with opioids. Opioid abuse has been a growing problem since the late 90s, with opioid-related deaths still rising.

Lortab, Vicodin, and Oxycontin are some of the most well-known opioid brands today, and they all treat pain differently. However, these medications can be addicting when used other than their prescribed use.

Alcohol

Many veterans choose alcohol to cope with PTSD and other behavioral disorders to mask their traumatizing memories of war. Some who experienced high levels of combat are more prone to binge drinking than those who didn’t.

Sedatives and Anti-anxiety Medications

Aside from pain, veterans also often have insomnia and anxiety disorders, often treated with sedatives and benzodiazepines. However, these medications are closely linked to veterans and drug addiction.

Sedatives like Ambien and Lunesta are often prescribed to veterans with insomnia. They can induce relaxation or reduce excitement and irritability, which can help promote sleep.

Meanwhile, benzodiazepines are medications prescribed for anxiety, panic disorders, and seizures. They inhibit the brain receptors affecting emotion, cognition, and pain to slow down brain and body functions. They can also act as hypnotics when taken in greater amounts than prescribed for anxiety to induce sleep.

Treatments for Veterans

Many treatment options are available for people suffering from substance abuse disorder, depression, or PTSD. These include:

Medication-assisted Treatment

Patients with depression and other issues can take medications. While they may be helpful for some, they’re best used with therapy. They also have other options like trauma retreats, which can help people with PTSD, substance abuse, or any trauma-related issues.

Psychotherapy

Mounting evidence shows that talk therapy and psychotherapy can help treat issues like depression and substance abuse disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most popular and effective therapy, helping patients identify their triggers and work with a clinician to overcome their thoughts.

Can Rehabilitation Centers Help Veterans?

Veterans experience traumatic events that should never be repeated. These painful memories often lead to mental disorders like PTSD and insomnia. Many turn to substance abuse and alcohol to cope, often leading to addiction.

Substance abuse and addiction have many side effects and can affect family and friends. Fortunately, many centers and programs offer rehabilitation and mental health services for veterans to help them overcome their addictions. They offer screenings, counseling, and detoxification to help veterans keep away from substances. Their veteran substance abuse programs also help prevent relapses and assist if they relapse.

The Bottom Line

War is an extremely traumatic experience our veterans have faced in defending our country and freedom. However, it causes them depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety that affect their everyday lives. It also puts them at risk of developing substance use disorders and addictions.

Not all hope is lost; they will always find help. Some treatments they can try are psychotherapy and medications. They can also seek help from rehabilitation centers that offer addiction recovery and mental health services for veterans to help them overcome their addictions.

Haven House is here to help.

Veterans in recovery centers have higher chances of a better quality of life. Our rehab centers in Nashville, TN, will readily take you in regardless of your background. Our 12-step program will ensure you recover from your pain and overcome your struggle to sobriety and wellness.

Our rehab center in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, offers faith-based rehabilitation that provides the guidance and support you need. It also helps you experience emotional wellness and make holistic life changes that help keep you from relapsing to your old ways.

Help is never too far away. Call us for any questions you may have about our programs or schedule a pick-up today.