You might already have a sense of the hidden wounds borne by too many of our warriors.
Unfortunately many veterans, the men and women who have bravely served our country, often return from their service with deep physical and psychological scars. Among these, complex post-traumatic stress (CPTSD) and addiction stand out as two of the most challenging and intertwined issues they face.
The journey home is not merely about geographical relocation. It involves a complex transition to civilian life, often marred by the lingering shadows of their experiences. Addressing both complex PTSD and addiction simultaneously in veterans requires a nuanced, compassionate, and multi-faceted approach to drug detox and rehabilitation.
In this latest resource guide from InsightsSuccess.com, we will see how veteran-focused drug detox can be designed in a way that helps addiction and complex PTSD simultaneously!
Understanding the Connection Between CPTSD and Addiction
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Veterans are particularly susceptible due to the nature of military combat and the high-stress environments they operate in. CPTSD is a form of PTSD where the sufferer also faced trauma as a child, whether through a natural disaster or some other form of adverse experience.
As mentioned in a CBS News article, around 17 vets take their own lives in the US every day due to trauma. Child abuse and child sexual abuse significantly impact the development of PTSD and addiction, contributing to long-term mental health issues.
Seeking Answers for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Recovery
However, traditional medications have failed to cure these issues, which is why many turn to drugs. For instance, many veterans have recently turned to psychedelic-assisted treatment in Mexico. The treatment uses some drugs that are illegal in the USA.
Similar to this, a lot of people use drugs, alcohol, or prescription pharmaceuticals as a coping mechanism for mental health issues. This self-medication is a last-ditch effort to dull the painful PTSD symptoms, often leading to alcohol abuse and drug abuse.
Unfortunately, this often leads to substance dependence and addiction. This creates a vicious cycle where PTSD symptoms exacerbate substance use, and substance use exacerbates PTSD symptoms. As mentioned in an Addiction Center article, two out of every ten veterans who have PTSD also have substance use disorder. The high comorbidity between substance abuse and PTSD further complicates treatment and recovery efforts.
The Importance of Integrated Treatment for Substance Abuse
Traditional treatment programs often address either CPTSD or addiction, but seldom both in an integrated manner. For veterans, this bifurcated approach is ineffective because the disorders are so deeply interconnected. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) plays a crucial role in diagnosing PTSD and addiction, highlighting the need for comprehensive care. Effective treatment requires an integrated approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously, recognizing their interplay and the need for comprehensive care.
Integrated treatment involves coordinated care between mental health professionals and addiction specialists. This holistic approach ensures that while veterans are undergoing drug detox, their PTSD is also being treated. This is essential as PTSD often coexists with other mental disorders and mental health illnesses, necessitating a comprehensive treatment plan.
Treating PTSD and Complex PTSD for Veterans in Arizona
This approach is particularly required in places where the number of army officials is decreasing because of such issues. For example, there were 454,620 veterans in Arizona in 2022, a 13.62% decrease from 2012. Therefore, treating drug use disorder and PTSD is important here to promote a positive image of veteran life.
Therefore, the government of Arizona has developed the state’s own Medicaid program: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). According to Purpose Healing Center, the program was founded in 1982 and covers over two million residents. It makes accessing medical treatment for mental health problems easier for the patients.
Consider learning more about AHCCCS for using Medicaid benefits for treatment in Arizona. It covers various treatment programs and services, so there is something suitable for everyone. For instance, it offers residential and outdoor rehab, medical drug detox, medication-assisted treatment, etc.
Challenges in Treating Veterans with PTSD and Addiction
Treating veterans with co-occurring PTSD and addiction presents unique challenges. Veterans often face barriers to seeking help, including stigma and the fear of being perceived as weak. Moreover, the more severe symptoms of PTSD, such as hypervigilance and mistrust, can make it difficult for veterans to engage in traditional therapeutic settings. The complexity of PTSD symptoms, including severe symptoms, requires tailored interventions.
The complexity of PTSD symptoms, coupled with the physical and psychological demands of addiction recovery, requires tailored interventions. For instance, withdrawal symptoms from substances can exacerbate PTSD symptoms, making detox a particularly delicate phase. Thus, a carefully monitored and supportive environment is crucial during detoxification.
The Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Effective Recovery
Addressing both physical and mental health in treatment is essential to ensure comprehensive care for veterans with co-occurring disorders.
However, treating addiction and PTSD in veterans is vital, especially for those who are pregnant. That’s because a ProPublica article states that severe complications in pregnant veterans have almost doubled when compared to the rates in 2010. The rate of complications is now over 184 per 10,000 hospitalizations, with black veterans having the highest rate.
Drug addiction can increase the chances of such complications. Moreover, it can also ruin anyone’s life, and even standard buprenorphine treatment can get things complicated. A similar case is reported by The New York Times, where a woman, Jade Dass, whose child was taken away.
A Case History of PTSD And Addiction
She had a history of drug use and was taking Suboxone for treatment during pregnancy. She was concerned about using Suboxone when she was pregnant, as it is also a drug. However, her doctor and several popular websites stated that she should continue taking Suboxone. After giving birth to her child, the presence of Suboxone in her urine was reported to Arizona’s child welfare agency. Physical or sexual abuse can significantly impact the development of PTSD and addiction.
Her child was taken away, but she was given time to demonstrate that she and her husband could take care of the baby. However, when she was at the Maricopa County Jail, her father said that she would lose her rights to her daughter.
So, something like drug misuse or even PTSD from a traumatic event can cause such drastic events that can be life-altering. Therefore, to avoid such challenges and complications, it is advised to seek immediate help for drug detox. In this case, Jade could have found a proven treatment provider in Maricopa County and sought help to avoid this situation.
The Components of Effective Veteran-Focused Drug Detox Programs for Mental Health
An effective veteran-focused drug detox program should be comprehensive and include multiple treatment strategies. Here are some key components of such a program:
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): MAT can be highly effective for veterans undergoing detox. Drugs like naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone can help control cravings and withdrawal symptoms. When combined with psychotherapy, MAT can significantly improve outcomes for veterans.
- Peer support programs: Connecting with others who have gone through similar circumstances is generally beneficial for veterans. Peer support groups offer a feeling of understanding and companionship that may be very healing. These support groups may offer inspiration and encouragement throughout the healing process.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: This involves simultaneous treatment of PTSD and addiction. It requires a team of healthcare providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and addiction counselors, who collaborate to create a comprehensive treatment plan. Addressing the comorbidity of PTSD and substance abuse is crucial, as childhood traumatic experiences and substance use are strongly associated with current PTSD symptoms.
Dual diagnosis is very common in veterans as they are more vulnerable to drug use and mental health problems together. For instance, an article from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states that they are more likely to binge drink. Moreover, veterans with PTSD are twice as likely to smoke (6 out of 10) than those who don’t have the condition.
Keeping Ahead of the Latest Advancements in Healthcare
Whether you are a veteran, an Armed Forces family member, or simply someone interested in the intersection of trauma and substance use disorders, we hope you have found our latest resource to be helpful and, to risk a pun on our name, insightful!
Keep a browser tab open to InsightsSuccess.com, and visit us daily for the latest resources on crafting a successful, thriving life for you and the ones you love!
FAQs on Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Addiction
What relationship exists between addiction and PTSD symptoms?
Addiction and PTSD are frequently linked because many people use drugs to cope with the pain brought on by traumatic events. Self-medication for symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, and sleeplessness may be helpful in the short term. However, it can eventually result in the development of drug use disorders.
In what ways are drugs a coping mechanism?
Drugs offer a little reprieve from stress and trauma because they may change mood, lessen anxiety, and dull unpleasant feelings. Substances may provide a deceptive sense of relaxation and control, which is why people experiencing intense emotions find them intriguing.
Which form of resistance against addiction is more prevalent?
Denial is the most widely used defensive tactic in addiction. People frequently deny the seriousness of their drug usage and how it has affected their lives. By living in denial, they can avoid confronting the truth about their addiction and the underlying problems that are causing it.
Are addiction and PTSD in veterans treatable?
Addressing PTSD and addiction simultaneously in veterans is not only possible but essential for their recovery and well-being. Through integrated, compassionate, and comprehensive care, we can help our veterans heal from the invisible wounds of war and reclaim their lives.
We must guarantee that they receive the necessary assistance and care when they return. The road to rehabilitation is difficult, but with the correct resources and support, veterans may overcome their barriers and live happy, healthy lives.
