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Most people don’t know that veterans and addiction can go hand in hand. Substance abuse is, unfortunately, very common among veterans and those who serve our country in the military. Understanding why this pattern occurs can be the first step to getting your life back on track.
The Stress of Military Life
As someone who has served, you know firsthand the immense stress that comes with military life. Long periods away from friends and family, traumatic experiences while deployed, physical and emotional demands of training and service, and the difficulty adjusting back to civilian life are just some factors that contribute to higher rates of substance abuse. Many turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. What starts out as a way to temporarily escape painful emotions can quickly turn into a serious addiction. Facing those emotions head on with professional treatment and support is key.
Limited Support Upon Returning Home
One common refrain among veterans is feeling misunderstood by friends and family once returning home from service. Your experiences on deployment likely changed you in profound ways that civilians can’t fully comprehend. This isolation and loneliness often worsens mental health issues stemming from trauma faced while serving. Without adequate emotional support upon returning home, the temptation to self-medicate with substances is strong. One key is to find people who you can open up to about your unique experiences in the military without judgment. Consider joining veteran support groups in your local area as well.
Physical and Mental Health Issues
In some cases, chronic pain and mental health issues that originate during service can contribute to addiction issues later on. Injuries sustained in combat along with conditions like PTSD, anxiety and depression can make life very difficult without proper treatment. Some turn to alcohol or drugs like opioids to numb emotional and physical pain. But over time, reliance on these substances only makes the underlying issues worse. Getting effective treatment tailored to veterans can help manage pain and trauma connected to your service.
What You Can Do
If any part of this resonates with your experience, take heart in knowing that resources exist to help you reclaim your health and purpose. The first step is being honest with yourself and asking for support. Silently struggling with addiction will only progress the issue. Consider entering a recovery program designed specifically for the unique needs of veterans. Here, you’ll work with people who understand the military experience and can help you process trauma in a healthy way. Your local VA likely has dedicated addiction and mental health services as well.
You bravely served our country. Now let others serve you by providing the practical and emotional support needed to overcome addiction. The possibility of a life of meaning and purpose still lies ahead. Take the next step and ask for help today. It will be one of the most courageous moves you make.
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