Serving one’s country is an admirable feat, but it is not without risk. Of course, if someone in the military serves during a war, their life can be in danger. But even those not directly involved in combat can still struggle with a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But how does PTSD lead to addiction in military veterans? Learning how trauma and substance abuse are connected can help explain why veterans find themselves susceptible to addiction.
At Hill Country, we recognize the risks and rewards of enlisting in our country’s military. Honoring the bravery and accomplishments of military veterans includes providing them with the support they need to transition to everyday life and process the trauma they experienced in the service. If you or a veteran you know are struggling with your mental health or substance misuse, do not hesitate to contact Hill Country at 1.844.675.1628 to learn how our dual diagnosis treatment programs can help.
Veterans and Addiction Risk
Several underlying factors account for the increased risk of addiction among veterans. Some of the most common contributors are:
Difficulty Transitioning to Civilian Life
Returning to civilian life after serving in the military is a challenge that is often overlooked, as many people do not realize how difficult it can be. The military provides a structured environment and camaraderie that the outside world often does not.
Veterans may feel isolated or purposeless, especially if they do not find gratifying work or volunteer opportunities or are disabled and unable to work. Some may seek solace in drugs or alcohol to cope with feelings of loneliness or hopelessness.
Pain Management for Injuries
Military veterans may experience physical injuries during their service that lead to chronic pain conditions. The opioid painkillers that are sometimes part of pain management regimens are highly addictive, making vets more likely to develop an addiction.
Trauma and PTSD
A significant portion of veterans undergo traumatic events during their service, which can result in mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those with this condition often turn to substances like drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms, which increases the risk of addiction.
The Correlation Between Trauma and Substance Abuse
The connection between veterans and addiction is clear when you understand how trauma can lead to substance abuse. Being involved in combat, witnessing unspeakable violence, and losing comrades in battle can all be incredibly traumatic for those in the military. These traumatic events can make veterans susceptible to substance abuse in several ways:
- Mental health issues – Trauma can trigger mental health conditions like anxiety and depression and worsen symptoms in those already afflicted.
- Self-medication – Drug or alcohol misuse is a common method of numbing the pain of emotional distress from post-military PTSD.
- Need for trauma-informed care – Processing trauma with the help of professionals is crucial to healing and moving on, but many veterans do not receive the trauma-informed care they need. This makes them more likely to self-medicate to manage overwhelming mental health symptoms.
If someone in your life has served in the military, have a conversation with them about their experiences and how it is affecting them today. Offer to help them find treatment to address lingering symptoms of trauma and subsequent substance abuse at a treatment center with experience treating veterans.
Call Hill Country Today to Get Help for Veterans with Addiction
Take the time to honor and appreciate a brave veteran in your life by talking to them about the connection between trauma and substance abuse and letting them know you are there to support them. When they are ready to get help for mental health and addiction, reach out to Hill Country to enroll in dual diagnosis treatment, a program designed to treat both conditions simultaneously. Call us at 1.844.675.1628 or submit our online contact form to learn more.