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.
*****************************
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
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
**************************
Jamie Brunette’s Suicide: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
*************************
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
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
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!
PTSD confirmed!
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