PTSD Incidence in Veterans

About 1.6 million men and women have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since the start of military operations in 2001. One-third of deployed soldiers have served at least two tours of duty; 70,000 have been deployed three times; and 20,000 have been deployed at least five times. The more times soldiers are deployed, the greater the likelihood of mental disorders. Multiple deployments are associated with a 50 percent greater prevalence of psychiatric disturbance. A recent RAND Corporation study estimated that as many as 300,000 returning veterans are suffering from post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or depression, often complicated by the presence of traumatic brain injuries, as a result of exposure to improvised explosive devices (IEDs). (See Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008; RAND, 2008, http:// veterans.rand.org). Approximately 1,000 returning veterans commit suicide each year, which is twice the likelihood of their civilian counterparts.
Meichenbaum, D. (2009). Trauma and substance abuse: Guidelines for treating returning veterans. Counselor Magazine.10: 10-15.

PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common problem in soldiers who
have experienced combat. Often the individual with PTSD will try to medicate symptoms by use of drugs or alcohol, and develop a drug or alcohol problem too. Both problems must be treated.
PTSD Resources

VA National Center for PTSD
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/

Information Line
802.296.8300

VA Suicide
PTSD Hot Line
1.800.273.TALK, Press 1

Alcoholism and Depression

Here are my ideas on dual diagnosis, also called comorbidity. 85 to 90 percent of alcoholics, depending on the population, do NOT have a coexisting (or pre-existing) mental health disorder such as depression. Often any depression or anxiety is due to the CNS depressant effects of chronic excessive alcohol use, which will dissipate with a substantial period of abstinence. If an individual has both depression and alcoholism, obviously, if the depression is severe enough to endanger the person through suicide or self-harm, then the depression will need to be stabilized immediately. However, talk therapy or even antidepressant medications for the depression will often NOT be very effective if the alcoholic continues to drink. So, generally, absent danger-to-life issues, the alcoholism should be treated first, that is, the drinking stopped and alcoholism treatment completed. Usually, if the depression is related to the alcoholism, it will not be a problem after 30 days of sobriety and treatment. Check out my website for more information and professional help.
Jan Edward Williams, MS, JD, LCADC
http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com
jwilliams@alcoholdrugsos.com
443-610-3569

How Do You treat Alcoholism?

First the alcoholic needs to decide, based on failed attempts to control use and avoid consequences, that he/she can no longer drink successfully. The next step is to find support and treatment. Often the best approach is to seek help from a professional addictions counselor or tretament program and begin attending meetings of the 12 Step Programs, namely Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcohol addiction is very powerful and most individuals need treatment and the support of others who have learned how to stay sober. Check out my website for more information, http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com.

Returning veterans

The news is full of references to the problems that returning Iraq or Afghanistan veterans have related to their deployments. I offer online support to veterans or their significant others with drug or alcohol concerns: http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com