Veterans And Opioids

The Relationship Between Veterans And Opioids

It is common knowledge that the United States is in the middle of an Opioid epidemic, and that no group has been spared. Addiction and overdose rates continue to rise, and we are now at the point where drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the US. The brave men and women who have served in the US military often face a tough time adjusting back to civilian life. This can open the door to the abuse of drugs and alcohol, including Opioids. Consequently, addiction issues involving veterans and Opioids are becoming more common.

Veterans Returning Home

Veterans face a lot of obstacles when coming home. Anxiety disorders, old and fresh injuries, and loss are all hanging over the heads of men and women returning from active war zones. While many civilians can see veterans coming home as a good thing for their mental health, it isn’t always an easy thing to adjust to, and can actually add a lot more strain. Jonathan Kirk Davis, a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, explained:

Returning home today, there isn’t much security for the majority of veterans. Many face unemployment, feelings of alienation, and lack of financial support. When they do need help, it is hard for them to come forward to friends and family because of their background, and insecurities around where they fit in now. When this happens, it opens a door to self-medication.

Veterans And Opioids

Serving in the military can be physically and mentally straining. The stress involved would push many ordinary citizens to use illicit drugs. Those who are enlisted in active duty and veterans, however, are more often introduced to Opioid use through prescription.

Opioids are some of the most commonly prescribed Painkillers in the world, especially for severe pain that accompanies traumatic injuries. Many servicemen and women are prescribed Opioid Painkillers as a result of injuries they suffer in the line of duty, both in and out of combat. Unfortunately, Opioids are incredibly addictive, and even those who strictly follow prescriptions may develop a dependence. This is especially true of particularly potent and long-lasting Opioids. Even worse, the euphoric effects of most Opioids can temporarily lessen the emotional trauma that many veterans experience, leading many to use these drugs to self-medicate a variety of mental health conditions.

PTSD, Veterans, And Opioids

One of the biggest issues that many veterans face is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD can include:

• Flashbacks
• Memory problems
• Low sense of self-worth
• Hopelessness
• Trouble sleeping
• Relationship problems
• Aggression
• Trouble concentrating
• Self-destructive behavior
• Substance abuse

Originally known as “shellshock” and later “battle fatigue,” PTSD is all too common among soldiers today, but many who suffer from the disorder don’t come forward for treatment because of the associated stigma. Retired service members often cite fear of personal embarrassment, disappointing their former comrades, and being dishonorably discharged as reasons why they don’t seek help. These reasons push Veterans to hide what is going on from friends and family and look for other solutions, such as self-medicating with Opioids.

Because many Veteran’s don’t seek help for PTSD, doctors improperly prescribe medication. An Opioid, that was prescribed to treat physical pain can cause an adverse reaction when mixed with PTSD, worsening the already present symptoms or creating others. The patient may discover that the drug temporarily alleviates the symptoms of PTSD, leading them to use more and more. Eventually, tolerance develops and their body becomes physically dependent on the substance to function normally.

PTSD As A Co-Occurring Disorder In Veterans

Opioids only mask the symptoms of PTSD. They do not actually treat the condition. This means that as an Opioid addiction develops, the user’s PTSD is still present. This combination of a mental health condition and addiction is known as co-occurring disorders.

Over 20% of Veterans who suffer from PTSD will develop an addiction or dependence to drugs or alcohol. Most of these individuals think they’re doing what’s best for them and their loved ones but are actually creating a worse issue. When mixed with substances like Opioids, the effects of PTSD can become worse, including worse flashbacks, worse aggression, and worse sleeping problems. This will push most who are suffering from these problems to abuse increasing amounts of Opioids, creating a dangerous cycle that quickly spirals into addiction.

Treatment For Veterans

When treating an addiction and a co-occurring disorder, especially one as severe as PTSD, finding somewhere that has a good understanding of both can be invaluable to the process of recovery. If you are, or someone you love is, a veteran struggling with an addiction, do not be afraid to come forward. Treatment providers are available to answer your questions about rehab and help you to make an informed decision. Take the first step to recovery; contact a treatment provider today.

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