Thursday, May 12, 2016

PTSD and Substance Abuse in Veterans

PTSD and Substance Abuse in Veterans
Substance Abuse Flyer

Some people try to cope with their Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms by drinking heavily, using drugs, or smoking too much. People with PTSD have more problems with drugs and alcohol both before and after getting PTSD. Also, even if someone does not have a problem with alcohol before a traumatic event, getting PTSD increases the risk that he or she will develop a drinking or drug problem.
Eventually, the overuse of these substances can develop into Substance Use Disorder (SUD), and treatment should be given for both PTSD and SUD to lead to successful recovery. The good news is that treatment of co-occurring (happening at the same time) PTSD and SUD works.







How common is co-occurring PTSD and SUD in Veterans?
Studies show that there is a strong relationship between PTSD and SUD, in both civilian and military populations, as well as for both men and women.












Specific to Veterans:
·         More than 2 of 10 Veterans with PTSD also have SUD.
·         War Veterans with PTSD and alcohol problems tend to be binge drinkers. Binges may be in response to bad memories of combat trauma.
·         Almost 1 out of every 3 Veterans seeking treatment for SUD also has PTSD.
·         The number of Veterans who smoke (nicotine) is almost double for those with PTSD (about 6 of 10) versus those without a PTSD diagnosis (3 of 10).
·         In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, about 1 in 10 returning soldiers seen in VA have a problem with alcohol or other drugs.











How can co-occurring PTSD and SUD create problems?
If someone has both PTSD and SUD, it is likely that he or she also has other health problems (such as physical pain), relationship problems (with family and/or friends), or problems in functioning (like keeping a job or staying in school). Using drugs and/or alcohol can make PTSD symptoms worse.
For example:
·         PTSD may create sleep problems (trouble falling asleep or waking up during the night). You might "medicate" yourself with alcohol or drugs because you think it helps your sleep, but drugs and alcohol change the quality of your sleep and make you feel less refreshed.
·         PTSD makes you feel "numb," like being cut off from others, angry and irritable, or depressed. PTSD also makes you feel like you are always "on guard." All of these feelings can get worse when you use drugs and alcohol.
·         Drug and alcohol use allows you to continue the cycle of "avoidance" found in PTSD. Avoiding bad memories and dreams or people and places can actually make PTSD last longer. You cannot make as much progress in treatment if you avoid your problems.

 
·         You may drink or use drugs because it distracts you from your problems for a short time, but drugs and alcohol make it harder to concentrate, be productive, and enjoy all parts of your life.



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PTSD

Veterans Statistics Regarding PTSD

A recent study done by RAND cites these startling facts about PTSD:

  • there are over 2.3 million American veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars (compared to 2.6 million Vietnam veterans who fought in Vietnam; there are 8.2 million “Vietnam Era Veterans” (personnel who served anywhere during any time of the Vietnam War)
  • At least 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have PTSD and/or Depression. Other accepted studies have found a PTSD prevalence of 14%
  • 50% of those with PTSD do not seek treatment
  • out of the half that seek treatment, only half of them get “minimally adequate” treatment

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Statistics for Veterans by  | posted in Mental Health

Published on May 19, 2014 | Updated on October 29, 2014It is important to note the figure that states that 50% of people with PTSD do not seek treatment. I believe that one of the reasons this number is so high is because PTSD is not a physical ailment and it is something that people can suffer with silently. I also think people especially those who have been in the military can see it as a weakness to suffer from such a disease and may be embarrassed about their struggle with PTSD. The goal of every person suffering from PTSD should be to seek treatment options and realize that they do not need to suffer alone and that they are not alone in their suffering. Here is a link for a test that can be used to see if you are suffering fromPTSD. https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/anonymous.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=mentalHealth&contentPage=mh_screening_tools/PTSD_SCREENING.HTML
The Vietnam War
Having been over since April 1975, this war sparked a surge in military research and ultimately led to the first diagnoses of PTSD in 1980. Researchers and surveyors are still studying the aftereffects of the Vietnam War.

30.9 Minimum percentage of Vietnam veterans who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder at some point.
84.8 Percentage of PTSD-diagnosed Vietnam veterans currently suffering at least moderate impairment, 30+ years after combat. More than 5 million of the nation’s more than 7 million Vietnam-era veterans are between 60 and 70 years old. Retirement is expected to bring a whole new wave of PTSD diagnosis to the Vietnam veterans as those who threw themselves into a career after the war now suddenly have nothing but time on their hands.

Vets suffering from PTSD need our help

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MUST READ ERROR and FACTS!!

VETERAN AFFAIRS, CLAIM DENIED, AGENT ORANGE, DVA ERROR, FACTS!


http://dvamrienzie.blogspot.com/2016/05/veteran-affairs-claim-denied-agent.html


Regards
Mark R. Rienzie

Co D 75 Infantry LRRP
The Most Elite Fighting Force In The United States Army
5th Special Forces Recondo** - CERTIFIED
Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP)

VIETNAM 1969-1970   
Airborne / Ranger Team Leader
Staff Sargent (E6 11B4P)
38 Combat Missions and Never Lost a Man!!

Air Medal, National Defense, Vietnam Campaign, 
Combat Infantry Badge, etc.....

Discharge: Honorable
Cancer, Neuropathy from Agent Orange plus liver compromised, kidney questionable, spleen enlarged, low platelets etc....
PTSD confirmed!
Vietnam Veteran 1969-1970  Facebook
Cell: (516)313-3112 















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