Several people give in to alcohol every year, but a major portion of these people are veterans. Studies show that veterans are at a high risk of developing alcohol addiction. This is mainly due to the stress they undergo in the field and also because of the adjustment issues they face after deployment.
The job of a veteran is surely stressful and demanding, but alcohol is certainly not an option to relieve stress. Alcohol addiction among veterans can hinder their performance in the field and can develop other health conditions as well. Read ahead to know more about how addiction affects veterans.
Increasing Alcohol Abuse among Veterans
Veterans and active service members often consume alcohol to adjust themselves to new environments and also to relieve stress. Even the studies prove that the service members deployed to hot areas have consumed more alcohol than the ones in other regions.
Alcohol abuse can seem normal for the moment, however, the side effects it brings along can affect veterans in the future. Not just health issues, but active service members can also suffer from poor performance due to alcohol use.
If you know a veteran and suspect them of alcohol addiction, then here are a few signs to look out for:
- Drinking in private
- Hiding alcohol and being secretive about their drinking habits
- Engaging in risky activities
- Losing interest in hobbies and professional goals
- Aggression and irritability
- Insomnia
- Nausea and shakiness
PTSD and Alcohol Addiction in Veterans
PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a common disorder found among veterans. This is usually caused due to the traumatic events they face in the field. Veterans suffering from PTSD are likely to rely on alcohol to overcome stressful situations. This leads to other health-related issues like:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-destructive behavior
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
If the veterans continue to abuse alcohol, then they are bound to suffer from severe health issues that can also affect their work. Therefore, veterans must seek professional assistance from Skyward Treatment as early as possible. Contact our team now for more details.