MARCH 4, 2022 – One out of every 15 veterans suffers because of substance abuse. This statistic is slightly less alarming than it sounds, since it’s lower than the national average of one out of every 11 adults who suffers with addiction more generally.
Still, finding the right addiction help for veterans is crucial, since people who served in the military need treatment professionals who understand the unique trauma they suffered.
But how can you get them the help they need? Learn everything you need to know.
Spotting the Signs of Substance Abuse
There are several major warning signs that a veteran may be suffering with substance abuse. These include:
- Hiding substance use – Often, someone addicted to a substance will try to hide it, because they’re embarrassed or because they know open use could lead to confrontation. It’s common for addicts to have substances stashed in their car or hiding places at home.
- Work troubles – Addiction can be all-consuming. Many addicts therefore have difficulty focusing on work and maintaining a steady job.
- Personal relationship struggles – As with work, the all-consuming nature of substance abuse makes it difficult for many addicts to maintain personal relationships.
- Jokes about substance abuse – Sometimes, a veteran will make jokes about their disorder. This attempt to address the elephant in the room is important, since it shows that the veteran has some level of self-awareness about the issue. Still, it also could be a sign that they need help.
The US Department of Veteran Affairs states that substance abuse often develops as a way to cope with “stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.” Unfortunately, these coping mechanisms can all too easily lead to dependencies.
Luckily, a veteran’s loved ones will often be able to spot the signs of trouble. Once they do, it’s important that they find the help that the veteran needs.
Getting Help for Addicted Veterans
Once you’ve spotted the signs of substance abuse, there are several actions you should take. The first is examining your own relationship with the veteran.
You want to avoid enabling them with a codependent relationship. This means you shouldn’t try to shield them from the consequence of their actions. As well, you need to establish healthy boundaries.
Once you’re confident that you’re not contributing to the problem, it’s important to suggest a rehab program. Some research is helpful here, since there are various forms of rehab, each of which can have different forms of effectiveness, depending on the situation.
It’s also worth speaking with an expert, who can provide personalized advice to your situation.
When you’re ready, the best thing you can do is talk to your loved one and let them know they need help. In some situations, a group intervention may be the best course of action.
Remember: though it may be difficult, the support of loved ones is extremely important to a recovering veteran.