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According to recent reports from the Surgeon General, one in seven people in the U.S. will develop substance use disorder in their lifetimes. Almost every family in the country has been affected by drug abuse and addiction, and many factors can influence whether or not a person will develop this disorder at some point in their lives. No one knows exactly what triggers addiction in some people but not others; however, genetics, temperament, and environmental stressors can play a role. Mental health disorders are also a significant risk factor for addictive behavior. Unfortunately, veterans are at risk of experiencing severe stress in their lives. Witnessing or participating in combat also comes with a chance of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and depression. Untreated PTSD and depression are major risk factors for influencing future drug and alcohol abuse.
What is the history of veterans and addiction in the U.S.?
PTSD may be a newer term added to the psychiatric lexicon, but experiencing trauma in war, and coming home with the condition is not new. Throughout history, there have been recorded instances of veterans returning home from war with the symptoms of PTSD. In the U.S., the condition was first noticed after soldiers returned home from the Civil War. At that time, the condition was known as “soldier’s heart.” After WWI and WWII, the condition was called “shell shock.”
Using drugs or alcohol to cope with painful emotions or pain from war injuries is nothing new either, but narcotic painkillers were not invented and used in mass quantities until the Civil War era in the U.S. The Civil War was the first war fought in the U.S. that used powerful and deadly weapons and machinery. The minie ball was a soft-lead bullet that came to prominence during this conflict. These bullets would exit the rifle barrel, expand, then splinter once they hit someone. Those who survived a hit from a Minie bullet would sometimes need to undergo an amputation since it was impossible for medical experts to remove all fragments of the ball. In some cases, pieces of the bullet were left behind, causing excruciating pain for the rest of the person’s life.
At this point in history, hypodermic needle kits were invented and sent to military hospitals in the U.S. These kits made it quick and easy for clinicians to administer morphine to injured soldiers. At that time, people did not fully understand how addiction worked. Many soldiers who returned home also came back with an addiction to morphine.
During WWII, soldiers were given methamphetamine to help them stay awake and focused during combat that would sometimes last for days. Unfortunately, many shell-shocked soldiers returned home with an addiction to “speed.”
How many veterans are estimated to be addicted to drugs or alcohol?
According to recent studies from the Department of Veterans Affairs, millions of veterans struggle with addictive behavior and co-occurring mental health disorder symptoms. Unfortunately, mental health disorder symptoms can both trigger substance use, and also worsen addictive tendencies. In addition, substances can also exacerbate psychiatric health disorder symptoms or trigger an underlying condition. People with co-occurring disorders need highly customized, integrated treatment models that address both disorders at the same time, and how they interact and impact each other.
- An estimated two out of ten veterans have co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder.
- One out of three veterans seeking treatment for substance abuse also meet the criteria for diagnosable PTSD.
- Veterans with PTSD are addicted to tobacco products at twice the rate of those without a diagnosis of PTSD.
- One in ten veterans returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan struggle with addictive behavior toward drugs and alcohol.
- Veterans with PTSD and co-occurring alcohol use disorder have a propensity for binge drinking.
Why are veterans prone to addiction?
Experiencing combat, then returning to the “calm” of civilian life can be shocking for someone who has witnessed the terror and pain of war. Veterans who return home with an injury are also prone to developing dependence and addiction to prescription painkillers. The fact that soldiers are at high risk of contracting PTSD and depression as a direct result of their experiences in armed conflict also increase their risk of turning to drugs and alcohol to cope. Returning veterans may not have access to mental health services, especially if they live in a rural area. The stigma surrounding mental health disorders and substance abuse can also impact veterans’ reluctance to seek help.
What help is available for veterans with addiction?
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) offers an Alcohol and Drug Dependence Rehabilitation Program to qualifying members. This program provides social, vocational, rehab, and medical treatments to veterans who are dependent on drugs or alcohol. Those who are eligible can receive treatment that includes psychiatric care, medically-assisted detox, and also rehabilitation for addiction. But, treatment is only offered in VA medical centers and VA clinics. Veterans who do not live close to a treatment facility may struggle to make their appointments. It is possible to private, telemedicine-based options can enhance their treatment and help them find relief from painful and distressing symptoms.
Also, veterans must meet specific eligibility requirements to attend the VA rehab program. They must have been discharged from the service under honorable conditions, honorable conditions, or general conditions. Veterans discharge for undesirable conduct or bad conduct may still qualify for benefits, but their qualifications will have to be determined by the VA. Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all private insurers must cover some form of drug rehab and mental health treatment. For veterans who aren’t able to obtain treatment from the VA directly, they may be able to receive treatment through a private program.
Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorder symptoms? Mission Harbor Behavioral Health offers integrated, customized treatment programs for individuals with co-occurring disorders. Please contact Mission Harbor today to learn more about our treatment options and how they can help you and your family.
The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.
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