Substance abuse can affect anyone at any stage of life. However, certain factors in a person’s life may increase the likelihood of developing an addiction. Traumatic events, mental illness, and chronic pain are risk factors for substance use disorder. Many of those who have served in the military deal with these conditions daily.
Veterans are especially susceptible to substance use disorders because of the hardship they experience in the military. At Magnolia City Detox, our veteran substance abuse programs are available for those seeking addiction counseling in The Woodlands, TX.
A veteran can seem tough and hardened on the outside while being broken on the inside. The reality of military service is that it can cause a lifetime of pain and suffering. Sadly, many veterans do not seek treatment for addiction because of the perceived stigma around seeking help for mental health issues. Instead, many veterans turn to drugs and alcohol to ease the pain.
Why is it Common for Veterans to Suffer From Addiction?
Unfortunately, most veterans do not receive proper care after service and resort to substance use. Almost one out of every three veterans seek treatment for a substance use disorder each year. Instead of seeking treatment for mental illness and physical injury, a large percentage of veterans use drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism.
After service, veterans may develop mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. These conditions may be onset by the process of adjusting to civilian life. Mental illness makes it incredibly difficult to function properly, especially if it is not treated. Instead of seeking treatment, many veterans turn to drug and alcohol use. The effects of mental illness and substance use can exacerbate each other leading to severe mental impairment.
While serving in the military, soldiers may develop injuries from enduring physical hardships. Injuries suffered during service can lead to chronic pain and even disability. To cope, veterans may become addicted to drugs that temporarily relieve pain. Healthcare agencies have also been criticized for overprescribing addictive drugs to veterans.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health issue onset when someone witnesses a traumatic event. People can experience PTSD without being in the military, but it is much more common for soldiers. Combat is one of the most traumatizing things a person can experience. Seeing the loss of life and brutal injuries leaves irreparable scars on a person’s brain.
PTSD is triggered by intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares that can occur at any point in time. It can severely impact day-to-day life, leading to dysfunction and mental impairment. Some symptoms of PTSD include:
- Fear
- Guilt
- Horror
- Detachment from family and friends
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Numbed emotions
- Difficulty concentrating
If veterans do not receive professional treatment for PTSD, their symptoms could worsen. Additionally, substance addiction can increase the intensity of PTSD and cause prolonged brain damage. Give us a call about our PTSD treatment in the Houston area if you have any questions.
Veteran Alcohol Misuse
Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism
Instead of having healthy coping mechanisms, soldiers deal with their problems by drinking alcohol. Following service, veterans struggle to function in their civilian life. Excessive drinking can lead to unwanted health issues and mental damage. Alcoholism can cause people to become angry and violent when they are under the influence. It also leads to mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
Drinking alcohol can temporarily relieve pain, but it is not a long-term solution. While in the military, soldiers may be used to binge drinking every night with their comrades. During this time, these men and women may not even realize they have developed an alcohol addiction. Only when returning to everyday life do veterans realize they can’t control their drinking habits.
After returning from service, it is important to have healthy coping skills. It is necessary to talk about your thoughts and feeling with a trusted loved one or a licensed therapist. It is not a sign of weakness to share your emotions. It is a brave action to seek help when you are in need.
Statistics of U.S. Veterans With Substance Addiction
According to the American Addiction Center, Marijuana is the leading drug used, followed by heroin. Heroin accounts for 10%, and cocaine accounts for 6% of all admissions to veteran substance abuse programs. When veterans no longer have access to prescription drugs, they may turn to illicit drugs to achieve the same relief. At our heroin detox center, we accept veterans dealing with addictions to opioids, and other substances.
Of all veterans with substance addiction, 4 out of 5 struggle with alcohol. A study on soldiers after returning home showed that 25% misused alcohol and 12% showed behavioral problems related to alcohol. This has led to harsh criticism of the leaders of the U.S. military.
The most concerning statistic about veteran substance addiction is that 90% do not receive addiction treatment. It is crucial that veterans seek treatment when diagnosed with a substance addiction. Healthcare providers should be aware of the struggles that veterans face so they can have proper resources available.
Substance addiction can affect anyone at any point in time. However, people who have experienced hardship and trauma may be more susceptible. Addiction can quickly take hold of your life, but here is hope for vets in need of treatment. Veteran substance abuse programs have the means necessary to treat our country’s heroes.
Can Addiction Cause Other Mental Health Disorders in Women?
In addition to this, women battling addiction may find themselves in stressful or traumatic situations, likely resulting in PTSD. It’s crucial to note that this relationship is complex and individual; it is impacted by factors such as the type of substance used, the duration of addiction, and personal history.
What are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders refer to the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in an individual. This complex condition can be challenging to diagnose and treat because the symptoms of both issues often overlap; one disorder can exacerbate the other.
Examples of co-occurring disorders could include depression accompanied by alcohol addiction or anxiety disorder paired with opioid abuse. Proper treatment requires an integrated approach that addresses both disorders concurrently.
How Do People Use Alcohol to Deal With Stress and Traumatic Events?
You don’t have to be a veteran to have PTSD. Trauma can occur at any point in your life. Some examples of traumatic events include car accidents and sexual abuse. Experiencing a traumatic event can leave permanent scars on your brain that require medical treatment. Instead of seeking help, many people turn to alcohol as a quick fix. The brain will never heal if you follow this pattern. If you feel that you are dependent on alcohol, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Our inpatient alcohol rehab in the Houston metro area, could help you make a major positive change in your life.
Receive Veteran Substance Abuse Treatment at Magnolia City Detox Near Houston, TX
At Magnolia City Detox, we believe America’s heroes deserve the best. Our veterans’ alcohol rehab and veteran substance abuse programs are tailored to meet the needs of those who have honorably served in the U.S. military.
If you or a loved one has served in the U.S. military and may benefit from our services, feel free to contact us at your convenience!
