Alcohol Abuse among Veterans

Considering the amount of stress soldiers face daily while on duty, including international deployment, actual combat, physical injuries, psychological and emotional trauma, it is not surprising that many soldiers turn to alcohol to help them cope

Alcohol abuse is a growing serious problem in the US military.  Last 2007, the US government disclosed that more than 33 percent of the deployed troops who committed criminal offenses in Iraq and Afghanistan were reportedly under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.  The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (HSDA) also reported than more than 50% of the 30 million veterans living in the US are alcohol users, with 23 percent of male veterans and 14 percent of female veterans found to be binge drinkers and 7 percent of male veterans and 2 percent of female veterans classified as heavy drinkers.

Also, the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) reported that there were 17,641 veterans admitted in non-Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities and around 51% of veteran admissions admitted to reporting alcohol as their primary abuse substance.  Finally, data from the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center showed that one in eight troops returning home from Afghanistan or Iraq were reportedly referred to treatment for alcohol abuse problems.

What Makes a Person A Problem Drinker?

Unfortunately, one reason that many people do not seek professional help regarding their drinking problems is because they cannot tell the difference between casual or moderate drinking and heavy or problem drinking.  Generally, if a person consumes alcohol to cope with stress or to help them feel good about themselves, chances are they are on their way to having alcohol abuse problems.  Signs that a person may become a problem drinker include the following:

    Drinking more bottles and more frequently than you did before
    Using alcohol more frequently to relieve stress or anxiety
    Lying about others regarding your drinking habits
    Neglecting responsibilities at home or work because of drinking alcohol
    Getting into legal troubles involving alcohol intoxication such as when caught driving while under influence
    (DUI)
    Behavior is becoming more negatively affected by continued alcohol abuse such as not going to work, neglecting obligations, ignoring family, becoming increasingly violent or easily agitated when intoxicated
    Withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, trembling and sweating, may begin if a person has not consumed alcohol for a period of time
    The person has tried to curb their drinking but has been unsuccessful

Seek Help When You Need It

The number of solider enrolling in the treatment for alcohol abuse after being diagnosed has risen by 56 percent since 2003.   Fortunately, there is now an Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of alcohol abuse.   Our programs provide services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for alcohol abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.