Statistics About Veterans With PTSD and Addiction
A veteran is, without question, one of the bravest people you will likely ever meet. They unselfishly give of themselves. However, in the process, they put themselves at grave risk of developing certain stress disorders, including post-traumatic stress. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly a quarter of veterans in active military service during wartime eras such as Iraq and Afghanistan developed some type of stress disorder. This is over and above the number of veterans who experienced some other kind of trauma during their service and needed PTSD treatment. Unfortunately, this number likely does not represent the true prevalence of PTSD and possible addiction in these brave men and women.
How Common Is PTSD in Veterans?
Unfortunately, PTSD and other mental health conditions are incredibly common in the military. The stress and pressure that any individual may feel during the time that they are serving in the military is something that is indescribable. Although a veteran may not have experienced wartime conflict, there is always the possibility that a female veteran may have experienced some time of sexual assault during their time in service, which is often another contributing factor to mental health issues.
How Common Is Addiction in Veterans?
As a result of PTSD among veterans, veterans who served are also at a high risk of developing some type of substance use disorder. Unfortunately, there is still a negative connotation among those who serve in the military when it comes to reaching out for help regarding PTSD treatment. As a result, male and female veterans often turn to substance use disorders to compensate for a PTSD symptom they may be experiencing.
See the percentage of addicts who stay clean after rehab here:
Why PTSD and Addiction Often Occur Together
When a veteran is at risk of PTSD, they are also at risk of developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol as a result. Unfortunately, the negative stigma associated with mental health issues is still alive and well in the military. Therefore, many men and women in the armed forces try to take on managing their mental health and addiction without proper help. Instead, they try to mask what they are struggling with. This can simply exacerbate what that person is thinking and feeling, leading to further issues.
PTSD and addiction risk factors
PTSD and addiction risk factorsWhen veterans struggle with mental health care, they are at an increased risk of experiencing other physical consequences. From engaging in risky behavior to developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol, there are many possibilities of severe ramifications due to PTSD. Suppose you are struggling with your mental health and addiction. In that case, the best step is to reach out for addiction treatment in conjunction with receiving help for stress disorders or anxiety disorders so you can receive the comprehensive support and care you need.
Help for Veterans With PTSD and Addiction
If you are one of the veterans who served in the military and believe that you may be experiencing one PTSD symptom or a multitude of them, we encourage you to get in touch with our recovery team today. We have worked with many male and female veterans who have yet to receive a diagnosis of PTSD and are struggling with mental health care and the consequences of addiction. Our intake team can also speak with your loved ones and provide them with more information, so they understand what it’s like to experience PTSD and the treatment options available. Get in touch with us today at (800) 426-1818 and learn more about the addiction and mental health treatment programs we have available at Muse Treatment Center.
