The transition back to civilian life presents unique challenges for military veterans. The experience can be disorienting, and it may be difficult to reconnect with loved ones and feel a sense of belonging. The emotional and psychological impact of military service, particularly combat exposure, can significantly increase the risk of developing mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These challenges can lead some veterans to use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their distress.
Research suggests that over 30 percent of veterans of the War in Iraq and War in Afghanistan have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can make it hard to feel at home and relate to loved ones in the same way.
To cope with the intense feelings of anxiety, fear, and isolation that often accompany PTSD, some turn to substances as a temporary escape. Drugs and alcohol can offer a false sense of relief, numbing the emotional pain and creating a barrier between the individual and their traumatic experiences. Unfortunately, this short-term solution often leads to a dangerous cycle of addiction and worsening mental health symptoms. Recent research shows that 20 percent of Veterans with PTSD have also been diagnosed with addiction.
Understanding the signs of PTSD and addiction in veterans, and their complex relationship, is an important first step in getting them the critical help they need.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that develops after a person experiences or sees a traumatic event. Not everyone develops PTSD after experiencing trauma, and an experience that may be traumatic for one person may not be for another.
PTSD can develop when a person:
Directly experiences trauma.
Witnesses someone else experiencing a traumatic event
Learns that a close friend or relative experienced the trauma.
Indirectly experiences the trauma, such as in a job as a first responder.
A greater percentage of Veterans have PTSD compared to the percentage of people in the general population. Combat experiences like severe injury or witnessing death can lead to the development of PTSD.
What Are the Signs of PTSD?
People with PTSD may:
Experience recurring involuntary and disturbing thoughts: These thoughts begin after the trauma has occurred and can include upsetting memories of the event, nightmares related to the event, feeling like the trauma is happening again, or psychological and physiological reactions to cues or reminders of the event.
Avoid reminders of the trauma: The person will try to avoid anything that triggers memories of the event, such as places, scents, or activities.
Have negative changes in thoughts and emotions: These changes can include the inability to remember important parts of the traumatic event, having negative beliefs about themselves, others, or the world, blaming themselves or others for the trauma, and constantly being in a negative emotional state (e.g., guilt, anger, fear), lack of interest in activities, feeling detached from others, or being unable to experience positive emotions (e.g., satisfaction, happiness, love).
Have altered reactivity responses: The person may become easily irritated, have angry outbursts with little provocation, be reckless or self-destructive, be hypervigilant, be easily startled, have difficulty concentrating, or have problems sleeping.
The Signs of PTSD in Veterans
How might military veterans exhibit signs of PTSD? They may experience and show a type of culture shock when returning to civilian life. While they are physically back at home, their mental and emotional experience can be as though they are still in a war zone or other high-stress environment. They can become easily startled or reexperience emotional aspects of the trauma during an event that most civilians enjoy, like a celebration with fireworks.
A veteran may also experience survivor’s guilt or self-blame if a member of their unit was killed in combat. They can also have difficulty feeling and expressing love with family members. They could feel especially alone when others around them do not fully know or understand what they have gone through. This can also lead to feeling easily irritated and lashing out at others. Some veterans with PTSD may use drugs or alcohol to escape these symptoms.
A Military Veteran’s
Story of Recovery
Wiley, a military veteran, shares his inspiring story of overcoming drug and alcohol addiction at Longbranch Recovery. From feeling hopeless and alone to finding healing, learn how Wiley discovered a renewed sense of purpose when he overcame the stigma of seeking help, found support in the veteran community, and transformed his life through comprehensive addiction treatment.
What is Alcohol or Drug Addiction?
Alcohol and drug addiction, clinically referred to as substance use disorder, is a complex and chronic disease characterized by compulsive seeking and use of drugs or alcohol despite harmful consequences. Clinicians consider addiction a disease of the brain because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Changes can persist well after a person stops using.
Veterans may use substances to feel better or forget their problems, help themselves stay asleep, numb their negative emotions, or avoid thoughts of the trauma.
What Are the Signs of Addiction?
Warning signs that someone may be dealing with addiction to a substance include:
Continued use despite it causing problems in relationships
Strong desire to stop use or repetitive unsuccessful attempts at stopping use
Consuming larger quantities of drugs or alcohol over a longer period
Continued use despite physical or psychological health problems being caused by or exacerbated by the substance
A great deal of time is spent in using the substance or recovering from its effects
Activities are given up in order to use the substance
A craving or strong desire to use the substance
Substance use gets in the way of fulfilling responsibilities at school, work, or home
Recurrent use of the substance in hazardous situations, such as while driving
Tolerance to the substance, or the need to consume more and more to feel the same effects
Withdrawal if the substance stopped abruptly or the amount used is significantly reduced
Having two or more of the above signs over the past 12-month period can indicate an SUD diagnosis. However, even if there is only one sign, seeking help can help prevent use from worsening and address underlying concerns.
Co-occurring PTSD and Addiction in Veterans
PTSD and substance abuse both change the brain’s chemistry. Often, these diseases manifest as one disorder, but each impacts the other significantly. For example, PTSD can trigger drug use or relapse and nearly 30% of people who have survived traumatic experiences develop substance use issues. When a veteran has both PTSD and addiction, the symptoms can overlap significantly, which can make the diagnosis and treatment more complex.
Some common overlapping symptoms of PTSD and addiction include:
Emotional Symptoms of PTSD and Addiction
Anxiety, fear, excessive worry, or nervousness
Depression and feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness
Irritability and anger or difficulty managing frustration
Mood swings and rapid shifts in emotions
Behavioral Symptoms of PTSD and Drug Addiction
Avoiding people, places, or activities that trigger memories of trauma or cravings
Isolation or social withdrawal
Problems with focus and attention
Sleep disturbances such as insomnia, restlessness, or nightmares
Physical Symptoms of PTSD and Drug Addiction
Increased heart rate, sweating, and difficulty relaxing
Sensitive startle response
Chronic physical pain
The Connection Between Military Service, PTSD, and Addiction
The connection between military service, PTSD, and substance use impacts the lives of many veterans. It’s essential to recognize that asking for help is a display of strength, not weakness. By recognizing the signs, increasing awareness of treatment programs, and offering support for long-term recovery, our veterans can overcome the challenge of co-occurring PTSD and addiction to lead a fulfilling life.
Treating PTSD and Addiction in Veterans
How Longbranch Recovery Helps Veterans find Hope and Healing
At Longbranch Recovery and Wellness, we understand that finding the proper treatment for both PTSD and addiction can be daunting for both veterans and their families.
That is why we have treatment tailored for veterans, including evidence-based methods, trauma-focused therapies, family therapy, support groups, education, case management, and planning for relapse prevention. We offer all levels of care, including detox, inpatient rehab, intensive outpatient programs, and supportive living, to help transition from treatment back to everyday life.
It is never too late to seek help for addiction or PTSD.
Reach out to Longbranch to learn more about how we help veterans find lasting recovery.
Active-Duty Military & Veterans Addiction Treatment Programs
We understand the unique pressures and experiences of those who serve our country. We’re proud to offer specialized treatment programs tailored for active-duty military personnel and veterans. From onsite detox and inpatient care to IOP and supportive living, Longbranch Recovery is there for every step of the recovery journey.
Find a Longbranch Recovery Rehab Facility Near You
Longbranch Recovery and Wellness provides affordable, top-quality drug and alcohol rehab programs at our facilities in Louisiana and Arkansas.
Residential Addiction Treatment Center
Longbranch Recovery in Abita Springs
Veterans Extended Care Addiction Recovery Program
NORA House @ Longbranch Recovery in Covington
