Staying Clean and Sober in The Everyday World

Many veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other combat-related trauma self-medicate with alcohol and other drugs, so therapists need to be aware of the need to treat both.  The Newport News Daily Press reported March 31 that self-medication is especially prevalent among active military because soldiers are reluctant to seek mental-health counseling, fearing the it could hurt their careers.  Addiction specialist Larry Ashley, a Vietnam War veteran, said that combat veterans have unique needs that civilian counselors often are unequipped to deal with.

With today being Veterans Day I felt it important to give them special attention.  The things that our troops experience during combat are more than anyone should have to ever undergo.  These things are drastic and devastating.  Our veterans get the feeling that no one understands what they have been through.  They feel lost and ashamed that they can not re-assimilate into society in what would be considered normal fashion.  They can not return to the life they once had because they are different.  Any one who has undergone some type of detestation can begin to relate in a small way.

The Veteran, not knowing what else to do turns to drugs and/or alcohol to numb some of the pain they are feeling.  Their treatment is two-fold and in the counseling circles is known as Dual Diagnosis.  This simply means that the patient not only has a substance abuse problem that must be addressed they also have a psychological problem that requires special attention.  These Veterans need special love and attention not only from their families but from a specialist in the field of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans.  The local Veterans Administration Hospital will have more information so please contact them. 

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