Is There a Link Between PTSD and Substance Abuse in Veterans?
More people struggle with untreated trauma than many people realize. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “About one-half of all U.S. adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lives…” For many people, when these issues of trauma go untreated, it can lead to addiction through self-medicating tendencies. This is particularly prevalent regarding trauma and addiction among Veterans.
Understanding the Prevalence of Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
According to Frontiers in Psychiatry, “Exposure to traumatic events is not rare, as has been consistently found in epidemiological studies. The World Mental Health Surveys of adults were carried out among nearly 70,000 participants from 24 countries ranging in economic status from low to high. These data showed that at some time in their life, 70.4% of the respondents had experienced at least one type of traumatic event.” The statistics regarding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also particularly high.
Most people who experience trauma will not develop PTSD. However, that does not mean that there are not significant numbers of people who struggle with PTSD. According to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by authors Mann and Marwaha, “After the trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder occurs in approximately 5% to 10% of the population and is higher in women than in men. Studies have shown that the rates vary depending upon the specific population being considered.” Meanwhile, the populations with the highest rates of PTSD include active military personnel and combat Veterans.
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Veterans
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Center for PTSD, “At some point in their life, 7 out of every 100 Veterans (or 7%) will have PTSD… PTSD is also more common among female Veterans (13 out of 100, or 13%) versus male Veterans (6 out of 100, or 6%). We are learning more about transgender Veterans and those who do not identify as male or female (non-binary).”
Many of these veterans who struggle with PTSD are unaware that they are struggling with it. This can be particularly detrimental because the adverse effects of untreated PTSD can be devastating. The following are just a few of the effects that untreated PTSD can have on Veterans:
- Sudden mood swings and emotional dysregulation
- Disruption in relationship with loved ones
- Trouble at work or school
- A greater likelihood of joblessness and homelessness
- Anxiety and depression
- Feelings of self-harm and/or suicide
Many Veterans who struggle with untreated PTSD self-medicate with alcohol and or substances. This is one of the reasons why PTSD and substance abuse and PTSD and alcohol abuse in Veterans are higher than in many other populations.
The Link Between Trauma and Addiction Among Veterans
It is not uncommon for many populations to try and treat their trauma with alcohol and/or substances, not just Veterans. However, Veterans also have unique circumstances related to their service that may make them more likely to struggle with both trauma and addiction.
For example, according to Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, “Researchers have found that military service members and veterans are more likely than civilians to have been exposed to childhood traumatic events, such as physical and sexual abuse and sexual assault, which leads to the suggestion that some individuals enter the military to escape dangerous family environments. In particular, one study reported that men with a history of military service had a higher prevalence of exposure to adverse childhood events, especially sexual abuse, than men who had not served in the military.” Other factors include the prevalence of military sexual assault and a more pronounced drinking culture in the military.
Helping Heal Trauma and Addiction Among Veterans
Because there are such specific instances of PTSD and substance abuse in Veterans, it can be beneficial for Veterans to be treated in Veteran-specific treatment programs. These types of programs help Veterans work on their specific trauma and addiction issues while also connecting them to other Veterans who are experiencing the same issues.
Veterans can also benefit from veteran-specific recovery groups. For example, many 12-Step meetings are catered just for Veterans struggling with trauma and addiction. Staying active in these communities has also been shown to reduce the potential for relapse significantly.
Healing All Populations at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we know that certain populations need specificconsiderations when it comes to recovery. This includes Veterans who are struggling with issues of trauma and addiction.
Veterans give up so much to ensure their fellow Americans are safe and protected. They deserve to be safe and protected when returnfrom their service. This includes making sure that they have help overcoming issues like trauma and addiction, which might get in the way of the future they both deserve and desire.
Veterans face a very specific set of struggles when it comes to addiction. Many veterans struggle with issues of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when they come home from combat situations. One way that many veterans attempt to navigate PTSD and associated symptoms is by self-medicating with alcohol and illicit substances. However, this often leads to addiction and more mental health issues. If you or a veteran you know is struggling with issues of trauma, addiction, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. For more information about the link between addiction and trauma among veterans, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
