A 2023 survey by the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Institute reports that 4.9% of Veterans were diagnosed with a past-year alcohol use disorder, and 1.6% had a past-year drug use disorder(3). Alarmingly, suicide among Veterans can be influenced by substance use, with one study reporting Drug rehabilitation that around 30% of completed suicides among military members were preceded by alcohol or drug use(4). Researched, fact-checked and transparent articles and guides that offer addiction and mental health insight from experts and treatment professionals. Many find new routines that keep stress manageable and relationships stronger.
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I mean, alcohol impacts so much of your body at so many different levels, at so many different areas that you don’t have to drink heavily. What ptsd and alcohol abuse we’re trying to do is get them on medications that we can monitor, we know what’s going on, we can adjust the doses accordingly. Proactive is always the best, but in Porch Light, we can definitely help.
What if I don’t have VA health care benefits?
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The combined impact of these conditions on your overall functioning is critical in determining your disability rating. The VA uses medical records, personal statements, and expert evaluations to assess your level of impairment. PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. In this blog post, we’ll unpack how the VA rates PTSD with AUD, tips and strategies to help you prove service connection, and important considerations to remember when alcoholism is involved in VA disability benefits. Florida treatment centers accept a wide range of major carriers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare, and Tricare.
- Ambien addiction treatment helps them safely manage withdrawal and address the underlying causes of their substance use, supporting their overall recovery.
- Since women are more likely to experience greater consequences earlier than men, using an instrument that highlights specific consequences of use is crucial.
- Veterans with AUD are 2-3 times more likely to develop cirrhosis compared to the general population, according to VA studies.
- If you are uninsured, your first step should be to check your eligibility for VA health care.
Coping Mechanisms for Veterans with PTSD and Substance Abuse
Each VA Medical Center has treatment resources, including a PTSD-SUD specialist who is trained to treat Veterans with PTSD and substance use problems. A PTSD-SUD specialist, your primary care provider, or a mental health provider can help you explore your treatment options. Military and veteran populations have a critical need for interventions that aim to reduce the burden of co-occurring PTSD and AUD.
We do not earn any commission or fee based on the treatment provider selected by the caller, and there is no obligation to pursue treatment. We have seen thousands of people reclaim their lives from addiction. The journey requires commitment, but with the right support, lasting sobriety is achievable. Finding the right care shouldn’t be limited by your background or financial situation. Florida offers a wide range of specialized and affordable options for those https://www.bioaire.co.za/2024/07/30/why-you-get-stuffy-nose-after-drinking-alcohol-and-3/ seeking treatment. At Addiction Helpline America, we only work with licensed and accredited facilities to ensure your safety and success.
To establish that your AUD is secondary to PTSD, you need medical evidence, including a diagnosis from a healthcare provider and a nexus letter linking AUD to PTSD. This evidence must show that your AUD developed due to your service-connected PTSD and that both conditions are intertwined. Participants were monitored for 6 months following participation in the study to assess treatment outcomes. Specifically, participants were contacted at 1-month, 3-months, and 6-months following study participation via telephone. Participants were directly interviewed via telephone to determine relapse status, date of initial relapse, and given the Brief Addiction Monitor (BAM) and TLFB. Available medical records were reviewed to determine relapse status for the remaining participants who were unable to be reached after three failed phone call attempts.
- If the VA denied your claim due to willful misconduct, evidence of in-service trauma or stressors that contributed to AUD can strengthen your case.
- A calm, supportive environment helps patients rebuild trust and regain a sense of safety.
- Substance use—especially when it rises to the level of addiction—can cause other problems, such as physical pain, medical problems, trouble in relationships, and difficulty keeping a job, staying in school, or meeting other responsibilities.
- It also diminishes motivation and hinders full participation in recovery programs, which could create a barrier to long-term healing.
- It is characterized by a prolonged emotional response to trauma, which can significantly disrupt daily life.
The Final Thoughts on Veteran PTSD and Substance Abuse
Over time, patients develop a sense of belonging that strengthens recovery. Group therapy often complements individual counseling, helping participants apply what they learn in real-life situations. This kind of community connection helps people rebuild their confidence and relationships while staying committed to sobriety. If you continue to be troubled or distracted by your experiences for more than 3 months or have questions about your drinking or drug use, learn more about treatment options.