Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Veterans often face unique situations that can lead to PTSD, profoundly influencing their ability to lead a stable and fulfilling life post-deployment.
If a veteran in your life is struggling with PTSD and alcohol abuse, know that help is available. Treatment programs designed specifically for veterans can help our heroes overcome their struggles and live happier, healthier lives. Call 866.430.9267 or contact Evoke Wellness at Hilliard online to learn about our veterans addiction treatment program.
Understanding PTSD
The struggle with PTSD is not uncommon among servicemen and women. It’s a stark realization that the battles won or lost in the field can lead to an entirely new set of battles back home. It’s a complex condition, often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and yet profoundly life-altering for those affected.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Flashbacks
- Severe anxiety and/or nightmares
- Obsessive thinking about the traumatic event
- Emotional numbness and avoidance of places or people that cause you to remember the traumatic event
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia
- Outbursts of anger or irritability
- Being easily startled
These symptoms are not simply experiences or feelings but the unfurling of a condition with deep roots. Professional treatment programs understand the nuances of these symptoms and aim to provide a supportive environment to address their impact on the individual.
PTSD and Alcohol Abuse in Veterans
Returning back to everyday life post-military service can be challenging. One such challenge is the prevalence of alcohol abuse among veterans with PTSD. There exists a closely intertwined relationship where alcohol, initially sought as a coping mechanism, becomes a crutch tapping into a desperate attempt to escape the very symptoms that it exacerbates.
Alcohol abuse for veterans with PTSD can be an attempt to self-medicate. Alcohol can temporarily numb feelings of anxiety, anger, and distress that PTSD evokes. However, alcohol can worsen these symptoms, depriving individuals of the stabilization from treatment.
The approach at Evoke Wellness at Hilliard is to untangle the association between PTSD and alcohol abuse. With a tailored dual-diagnosis treatment plan, the intention is not just to curb the dependency on alcohol but to treat the underlying PTSD, ensuring a comprehensive recovery with a supportive community that understands and does not stigmatize the struggles of veterans.
Contact Evoke Wellness at Hilliard for Veterans Addiction Treatment Now
PTSD and alcohol abuse often co-occur in veterans, making it crucial to address both issues simultaneously for successful recovery. At Evoke Wellness at Hilliard, we understand the complexities of PTSD and provide specialized treatment programs specifically designed to support veterans struggling with this condition. Call 866.430.9267 or contact us online for more information today.
