When veterans return to civilian life after their military service, they face unique challenges such as mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These difficulties can lead to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Supporting a veteran struggling with addiction requires empathy, understanding, and access to appropriate resources. T
his article explores ways to provide such support, drawing on data and information from government sources.
Veterans with Addiction
The prevalence of addiction among veterans is a significant concern. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 10% of veterans under VA care struggle with substance use disorders (SUD). Veterans, especially those with PTSD, are at a higher risk of substance misuse compared to their peers.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIH NIDA), in addition to highlighting that veterans tend to consume alcohol excessively and use tobacco compared to civilians, notes that these substance usage tendencies frequently coincide with the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life along with the trauma endured during their service period.
Assisting a Veteran Dealing with Substance Abuse
Supporting a veteran dealing with substance abuse starts with empathy and understanding. It’s important to acknowledge their journey and the challenges they face. Here are some actions you can take to provide this support.
- Education. Make sure to educate yourself on the struggles veterans encounter, such as PTSD and other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. This knowledge is essential to know how these difficulties can trigger or worsen substance abuse problems.
- Seeking Professional Help. Make sure you suggest that the veteran consider seeking help from professionals regarding their situation as a priority step. The VA provides programs tailored for veterans, like counseling services and medication-assisted treatment along with support groups, which can be beneficial for them in coping with their challenges. You can also direct them toward resources such as the VA SUD program or nearby VA facilities that could offer assistance and guidance.
- Support Veterans Without Passing Judgment. Addiction is often accompanied by a stigma that might deter veterans from seeking assistance. Ensure your support is provided without any hint of judgment, and convey to them that seeking help reflects strength rather than weakness.
It takes time and determination to recover from addiction for veterans who have faced unique challenges during their service.
Parkdale Center: We Can Help Veterans with Addiction
Parkdale Center stands out as a treatment facility that understands the unique requirements of veterans facing addiction challenges; in the Indiana region, Parkdale Center provides customized programs designed specifically for veterans to tackle substance abuse problems and the related mental health issues that commonly coexist.
The veteran programs at Parkdale Center offer evaluations, personalized treatment strategies, and various therapeutic methods aimed at promoting sustained healing and recovery for veterans. This approach takes into account the well-being of individuals by incorporating physical, mind-based, and emotional healthcare to deliver the best possible and empathetic support to veterans.
Recognizing the significance of community and companionship is a focus at Parkdale Center, where peer support is highly valued among veterans. In this nurturing setting, veterans are able to bond with individuals who have encountered comparable obstacles, growing a sense of solidarity and understanding.
Parkdale Center offers support for veterans looking to conquer addiction and start afresh by relying on proven treatment methods and a profound grasp of the veteran journey.
Assisting a veteran grappling with addiction is a powerful means of expressing gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation’s interests and values. Educating oneself on the matter and providing unconditional support without passing judgment while also facilitating access to appropriate resources for veterans in need of assistance can significantly contribute to their path toward recovery. Establishments such as Parkdale Center offer tailored treatment programs that cater specifically to the needs of veterans seeking to conquer addiction and maintain a life of sobriety in the long run.