Rates of alcohol and prescription drug abuse are higher among active-duty service members and veterans. Many of these people suffer from underlying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Many veterans suffering from an addiction have co-occurring PTSD. Once referred to as “shellshock,” and later “battle fatigue,” PTSD can be caused by witnessing warfare or other significantly tragic or startling events.
Although most cases of PTSD are caused by combat, veterans may also develop the disorder after sexual abuse — about 23% of women veterans have reported being sexually assaulted during their time in the military.
Some symptoms of PTSD include:
Flashbacks
Memory problems
Low sense of self-worth
Hopelessness
Trouble sleeping
Relationship problems
Aggression
Self-destructive behavior (self-harm or substance abuse)
These symptoms may be triggered by anything that is a reminder of the traumatic incident. Many veterans turn to substance abuse to self-medicate and numb their pain.
More than 20% of veterans with PTSD also suffer from an addiction to or a dependence on drugs or alcohol.
People with PTSD have a harder time overcoming addiction than those without it. The symptoms of withdrawal combined with the symptoms of PTSD amplify negative feelings and emotions that may lead to a relapse.
Addiction treatment programs that focus on PTSD and addiction simultaneously can be the most successful for veterans.
Addiction In Veterans: Prescription Medications
Veterans with PTSD are often prescribed anxiety medications, many of which are highly addictive. To curb the risk of addiction, some doctors prescribe non-addictive Antidepressant medications such as Paxil or Zoloft. But even veterans without PTSD can become addicted to Painkillers prescribed for combat-related injuries.
Common medications prescribed to veterans include:
Veterans taking these drugs may develop a dependence on them, meaning they exhibit a tolerance to their effects and show symptoms of withdrawal when quitting. As time goes on, veterans may spiral into full-blown addiction; this is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
In an attempt to mitigate drug abuse among service members and veterans, some advocates are pushing for tighter regulations on how long addictive medications can be prescribed.
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Few service members risk using illicit drugs in the military because it can result in a dishonorable discharge. Drinking, however, is an ingrained part of military culture that often carries on into civilian life. All too often, veterans and service members self-medicating with alcohol succumb to an addiction.
Approximately 20% of service members reported binge drinking at least once a week. This rate is even higher for those with combat exposure.
Some veterans addicted to prescriptions for pain and PTSD turn to illicit substances. Illicit drugs like Heroin are often cheaper and easier to obtain than prescription Painkillers.
Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.
Statistics On Addiction In Veterans
56
percent
There was a 56% increase in soldiers seeking treatment for alcoholism from 2003 to 2009.
13.8
percent
A 2008 survey of veterans deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan found that 13.8% of veterans were diagnosed with PTSD.
3.8
million
In 2009, military doctors wrote approximately 3.8 million prescriptions for Painkillers.
Treatment For Veterans
Veterans looking for treatment for their addiction have more options than the average civilian. In addition to traditional inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, veterans have the unique option to seek treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This is beneficial for veterans who may not be able to find an affordable treatment program on their own.
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Some veterans prefer to avoid the VA when looking for any type of medical care because it can take a long time to get treatment. In cases of serious PTSD and/or addiction, getting immediate treatment is essential and seeking treatment outside of the VA can be beneficial. There are many other treatment options for addicted veterans with underlying PTSD.
If you’re a veteran struggling with an addiction, contact a treatment provider and get help today.
Jeffrey Juergens earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Jeffrey’s desire to help others led him to focus on economic and social development and policy making. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. Jeffrey’s mission is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.
American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association. 1994.
Deborah has a Master’s Degree from Lesley University and has been certified as an Addictions Counselor in PA since 1986. She is currently a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor – CAADC. She is nationally certified as a MAC – Master Addictions Counselor – by NAADAC (The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors). Her 37 years of experience and education are in addiction, recovery, and codependency. Addiction affects the entire system around the addict. There is no "bad guy" in the system. Fight the addiction, and help the addict. I help loved ones restore sanity to their lives and hence encourage change. Recovery is possible!
American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association. 1994.
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