The Silent Battle: Addiction and Veterans’ Hidden Struggles

Many veterans often find themselves struggling to manage hidden stress, traumatic experiences, and memories, even when they don’t seem to be affected by the conditions around them. When the underlying causes exceed manageable thresholds, most veterans choose to engage in substance or alcohol use as a way to function. What starts as a quick fix later becomes a necessity. 

Addiction in veterans is more common than we think. Thankfully, there are ample treatment options and services dedicated to veterans’ needs available; understanding the reasons on a deeper level will help recognize how trauma goes beyond mere experiences. The exposure to traumatic events and the taboo surrounding addiction often make it challenging for an individual to seek help or support. Besides, the rigorous work schedule can further intensify the struggles. 

Here’s everything to know about addiction in case of veterans:

Addiction is, unfortunately, more common than we think in veterans. It is estimated that at least one in 10 veterans struggles with addiction (substance, alcohol, or both). In most cases, it starts as a means to lower anxiety and recurring glimpses of traumatic events. However, as the substance begins showing its potent numbing effects, it becomes challenging for an individual to stop the use. 

With time, their body and brain become accustomed to the use, forcing the individual to consume higher quantities of drugs to get the same level of effects. While there are funding and support systems available for veterans, oftentimes, the guilt, shame, and not feeling good enough takes over. These restrictive belief systems make seeking help difficult, forcing them to suffer in silence. 

Following are some reasons that push veterans to choose addiction:

During the course of their service, veterans are often exposed to the harsh realities of life. Be it during a rescue operation or as part of a task force. Such experiences often leave a mark on their memories, making it challenging for them to move past the details of the incident, even when the incident has long passed. Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD in veterans, is often a result of these experiences, keeping the person always on the edge, ready to respond.

Veterans are often challenged with situations where quick thinking can make a difference between life and death. This causes the brain to overanalyze every detail and consider multiple scenarios while determining varied outcomes. In addition, there is a lack of proper physical and mental rest, leading to exhaustion and an inability to think clearly. To keep the mind and body alert, many veterans start relying on alcohol or smaller quantities of substances that give them an outburst of energy. 

In many cases, veteran’s encounters during their time in the field leave them with memories, conversations, and actions that continue to haunt them, even if it has been years since the incident. It hampers their ability to function properly without getting triggered. To avoid getting outcasted by their loved ones, an individual may choose substances or alcohol to numb their triggers and be able to interact with others around them. 

The injuries sustained during their time in the field can often cause extreme pain. In case a part of the body has been compromised, the phantom pain can make things worse for them. To cope with the pain and discomfort, many individuals choose to engage in higher doses of substance consumption to numb the pain or manage through the episode. 

Alcohol is often easily accessible for veterans, and through the wrong procurement methods and networks, many also get their hands on illicit substances. Either way, having quick access also makes it easier for veterans to choose to engage in substances over other healthy coping mechanisms. 

Not many veterans realize there’s help available for them. Be it financial assistance or treatment options that are directed at helping them take control of their lives. Besides, the shame and guilt that are associated with substance and alcohol addiction make it challenging for an individual to recognize the problem and speak out to get help. In many cases, the extent of PTSD and erratic behavior becomes so intense that many family members and loved ones abandon them, forcing them to fend for themselves while managing their well-being. 

Having dedicated themselves to the service of the nation, veterans often silently suffer the traumatic experiences they have been exposed to. Recognizing the reasons a person will choose addiction as a coping mechanism can be helpful in offering support, love, and care that helps them heal and become their best selves again.

Remember, our veterans have sacrificed a lot for us, and by being there for them during difficult times, we can honor and show our respect for them. 

The post The Silent Battle: Addiction and Veterans’ Hidden Struggles appeared first on Moss and Fog.