Posted on May 18, 2015
How do you help a reservist with severe PTSD who doesn't want his chain of command to know?
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So, I found out some information on a soldier this weekend that is severely struggling with PTSD. To the point that he is Drunk 24-7 when he is not at Drill. This soldier has been having issues since he came home but seems to be able to hide this as he is a reservist and none of the people in his unit live anywhere near him. Im torn between trying to help him myself which I have found out many people have tried and he doesnt want the help or letting his chain of command know the situation
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PTSD
Chain of Command
PTSD Chain of Command
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 24
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You HAVE to let the CoC know, even if it costs your friendship. People with PTSD get stuck in their own situation and don't make the best decisions, they can only make the best decisions based on their own perceived options. If they don't want to get help, sometimes the best otion is to bring the help to them. Our lives all depend on each other within the unit, and you have a man with a chink in his armor. If someone suffers because he wasn't able to perform at 100%, that will haunt you for the rest of your life. Prayers from Tucson, my little brother.
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SSgt (Join to see)
SFC Mark Merino
I appreciate you sharing your struggle with alcoholism. Shining a light onto the dark places in our lives is never easy. I have a great deal of respect for you for having done it.
I appreciate you sharing your struggle with alcoholism. Shining a light onto the dark places in our lives is never easy. I have a great deal of respect for you for having done it.
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SFC Mark Merino
SSgt (Join to see) the funny thing was that I had a dozen people debating on how to "label" my drinking. I am/am not an alcoholic, I'm a binge drinker, I'm just using alcohol to mask my problems, my ex causes me to drink, I had low self-esteem.........it just doesn't matter what "label" they assign anyone. I don't make good decisions when I drink. Take alcohol out of the equation and enjoy the benefits.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
I drank to pass out which meant not having to deal with reality, but then the sun would rise and I was miserable all over again.
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SSgt (Join to see)
The important thing, SFC Mark Merino, is that you recognized the effect that alcohol was having in your life. You recognized it was not positive. You cut it out and reaped the rewards.
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SrA (Join to see), the substance abuse is a gigantic red flag. Even wothout PTSD present, it is not difficult to assume that alchoholism is working in tandem with depression - a dangerous combination. You need some experts on your side; don't try and go it alone. I don't know what the Soldier's (Airman's?) job is, but being drunk all the time is a potential danger to many people and property beyond just the man himself.
Is it your opinion that the alchohol use is due to PTSD or that the PTSD is amplified due to the depressant nature of the booze? Your friend needs help, and needs to find better outlets than the bottle. How far are you willing to go?
Is it your opinion that the alchohol use is due to PTSD or that the PTSD is amplified due to the depressant nature of the booze? Your friend needs help, and needs to find better outlets than the bottle. How far are you willing to go?
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SrA (Join to see)
Well I only know this person thru a friend, He is ARMY not Air Force, I know the unit he is in as it was a sister unit to my Last Army Command. I know that it is PTSD related as I know that this particular soldier has been diagnosed with PTSD but To help a brother regardless of what he thinks of me for doing it there is no end to how far I would go to make sure that a brother does not end up as one of the #22
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1SG (Join to see)
Then SrA (Join to see), you have your answer. You'll need help on this one, and if his CoC is somehow blithely unaware that they have a Soldier having a meltdown, they need to be. Tell the commander or 1SG what you've told us, and what you suspect the causation might be, and offer your services to assist.
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You need to make this known to his COC before it is taken to a level of know return. There are several agencies that the COC can get involved to assist this Soldiers but unless someone lets them know how serious the problem really is bad things are to come.
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