How to Help Fellow Veterans Overcome Addiction

Unfortunately, some veterans will turn to drugs and alcohol following service in the military. For example, it has been reported that 1 in 10 returning soldiers from the wars in Afghanistan or Iraq have experienced a problem with alcohol and drugs; while 1 in 3 turned to substance abuse as a way of coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The military provides veterans with a sense of brotherhood, whether they served together or not. Therefore, it makes sense that veterans will want to help their fellow soldiers overcome addiction or PTSD; utilizing the services of Stoneroselaw.com or similar to fight for any disability compensation that may be due. For this reason, we are offering some informative advice on how you can help soldiers overcome substance use disorders.

Gain a Degree

If you want to learn more about addiction and how to help both people and veterans overcome an addiction, you should seriously consider an addiction studies degree from the University of South Dakota. This military-friendly qualification has been deemed “The Best for Vets”, which offers classes in drug and alcohol abuse, prevention, treatment and working with families living with addiction. It can, therefore, be a superb career choice for a soldier, as you can pay affordable online tuition costs for courses you can take during active service.

Encourage Veterans to Speak to a Health Professional

Leaving the military can be difficult for some veterans. During their time in service, they were given responsibility, had important jobs and felt a sense of pride as an active service member. So, when they leave the military behind them, they can become disconnected from their sense of community, pride and accomplishments.

The first step a vet can make towards their recovery is to talk to a health professional, who can recommend a range of treatment options. The Department of Veteran Affairs has a medical center that offers highly-trained SUD and PTSD specialists, who have been trained to treat both issues. They can then design a recovery program that is suited to a veteran’s needs.

Learn to Recognize the Signs of Substance Abuse

Not every veteran will be willing to talk about their substance abuse problems. If you want to help veterans make a recovery, you should aim to recognize the signs of substance abuse. For instance, do they find any excuse to drink alcohol? Do they seem angry at the prospect of cutting back on their drinking? Have they withdrawn from social settings or failing to live up to their professional or personal responsibilities?

If you believe a person could be suffering from a substance use disorder, you should reach out to them and encourage them to seek help as soon as possible. The chances are, the problem will not resolve itself and waiting to confirm a suspicion could only give more time for the addiction to deepen.

Stage an Intervention

An intervention could be the one thing a veteran will need to realize he or she is living with an addiction. If they are displaying symptoms of drug or alcohol abuse, it is important to stage an intervention for the sake of the veteran’s family and friends.

However, an intervention should be carefully planned to ensure they have a realistic plan following the event, which could result in a life-long change. It is, therefore, important to research a rehabilitation and treatment facility to be presented to the vet during the intervention. You should also request for a doctor or intervention specialist to guide both the family and the person struggling with addiction.

While a veteran might not be quick to admit their addiction, your help them to open up about their issues and seek the help they need to take back control of their life.