Returning home from service can be an extremely difficult transition for many veterans. While reconnecting with family and the freedom associated with civilian life should be cause for celebration and an opportunity to look forward to the future, it’s often a time when veterans and their families are faced with a unique set of challenges, particularly for those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The stress and triggers can often lead to substance misuse that complicates life even further. At Arkview Recovery, we understand the link between PTSD and substance abuse in veterans and are passionate about helping our heroes find the freedom they deserve. That’s why our veterans program is designed to address these complex struggles and offer compassionate, personalized support.
The Connection Between PTSD and Veterans
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. For veterans, having experienced or witnessed traumatic events is common, even for those veterans who haven’t seen combat, there could be things like military accidents or other distressing circumstances that lead to PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD often manifest as:
- Intrusive memories – Vivid recall of traumatic events. These memories may arise after hearing a specific sound, seeing an image that reminds you of a past event, or distressing dreams.
- Heightened anxiety – A persistent state of being “on edge,” as if something dangerous could happen at any moment. This may disrupt sleep, drain your energy, and cause you to avoid certain places or activities.
- Emotional numbness – A sense of disconnection or emptiness that can result from the wall or shield that many people who’ve experienced trauma build around them. It can lead to the inability to feel strong emotions—good or bad.
These symptoms can make everyday life a struggle and preclude veterans from being able to find work or function in their personal relationships. Without treatment, the symptoms of PTSD can cause people to self-medicate as a coping strategy. This practice can eventually result in substance or alcohol abuse in veterans.
PTSD and Alcohol Abuse in Veterans
There’s a strong link between PTSD and drug and alcohol addiction. Many veterans turn to substances as a means of self-medicating or numbing in order to cope with their overwhelming symptoms of PTSD. This can lead to a cycle of dependency, with substances such as drugs and alcohol providing temporary relief from distress but ultimately exacerbating the mental health challenges of PTSD. Statistics show a high prevalence of substance abuse among veterans with PTSD, underscoring the need for integrated treatment approaches. In fact, 63% of Afghanistan and Iraq veterans, with SUD, were also found to meet the criteria for individuals dealing with PTSD.1
It’s important to keep this link between PTSD and addiction in mind as veterans begin the recovery process.
Resources for PTSD on Addiction
PTSD symptoms can significantly challenge the recovery process. Though everyone in recovery struggles with emotional triggers and the possibility of relapse, for veterans, PTSD poses unique hurdles. The unpredictability of flashbacks, emotional distress, and sleep disturbances can derail even the most committed people.
While you consider your next step, resources are available to help:
- Veterans Crisis Line – Accessible 24/7, this service provides confidential support to veterans in crisis. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255.
- National Center for PTSD – Offers extensive information and resources for veterans and their families dealing with PTSD.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Provides a helpline for referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Treatment Programs – Offers specialized services for PTSD and substance abuse, with facilities located across the country.
- Arkview Recovery’s Veteran Program – Our dedicated program for veterans focuses on integrated holistic care for veterans facing PTSD and addiction.
Since drug addiction can intensify PTSD symptoms, it’s important for veterans to reach out for the help they need as soon as possible. The Arkview Recovery team is trained to work with veterans and provide the hope, level of care, and expertise that they need in order to thrive again.
Arkview Recovery’s Approach to Treatment
Our specialized veteran treatment programs integrate mental health and addiction treatment services and utilize a holistic approach that supports veterans in healing both the mind and body. As you and your family consider next steps, there are resources that can help.
Due to these layered issues, a uniquely tailored treatment approach, like that at Arkview Recovery, is necessary.
Call Arkview Today for PTSD and Addiction Recovery
If you or a loved one is a veteran struggling with PTSD and drug addiction, reaching out for professional help is the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. Contact Arkview Recovery today to learn more about how we can support your journey toward complete freedom. Call 717.744.0756 today or submit our online form.
Sources:
1) National Institute of Drub Abuse (NIH) – Substance Use and Military Life Drug Facts
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
