Have you read this article - The Specter of Addiction and Suicide Among Veterans?

2015-11-01T13:12:04-05:00

Have you read this article - The Specter of Addiction and Suicide Among Veterans?

Veterans with drinking and drug problems experience an additional layer of isolation. The feeling that we can’t relate to non-veteran addicts and alcoholics is pervasive among the veterans in recovery whom I know personally. But I’ve come to learn that addiction is indiscriminate, and we have more in common with civilian addicts than we’re perhaps inclined to believe.

http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/10/23/the-specter-of-addiction-and-suicide-among-veterans/?_r=1

We can’t talk sensibly about veteran suicide without first talking seriously about veteran addiction. Drug and alcohol abuse are major indicators of suicide. This is especially true in the veterans community. There’s no doubt that we’re facing a mental health crisis. Our mental health professionals in the V.A. and in the civilian world have a tendency to over prescribe mood stabilizers, tranquilizers and anti-depressants. These drugs all have legitimate uses, and many patients absolutely need them. But if our focus is on using drugs to treat post-traumatic stress disorder or other combat related problems, we might, in fact, be making things worse. It’s possible that I’m wrong; I speak entirely from my own experience. But for me, I could not come down off the ledge until the drugs and alcohol were off the table.

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Response by CPT Jack Durish made Nov 1 at 2015 1:18 PM

2015-11-01T13:18:15-05:00

Addiction is not "indiscriminate". I've read that there are genetic factors that make some individuals more prone to addiction than others. We need to study these more and, if true, screen for those at greater risk. That being said, it does "seem" that we are seeing a greater incidence of suicide and other aberrant behavior among veterans of combat than ever before. This also calls for further study and implementation of effective treatments. Sadly, our government has looted the treasury to provide care for other populations within our citizenry. Maybe if veterans represented a greater voting block they might receive more attention. However, inasmuch as such a small percentage of citizens serve, that will never happen.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Nov 1 at 2015 2:12 PM

2015-11-01T14:12:39-05:00

No not yet

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Nov 1 at 2015 4:07 PM

2015-11-01T16:07:56-05:00

In addition, many veterans feel that they are not getting help for their PTSD, TBI and other health issues. They are in so much pain that they take to self-medicating; often with disastrous results...

Response by PFC Stuart Holbrook made Nov 1 at 2015 4:40 PM

2015-11-01T16:40:41-05:00

No experience with suicide but I can relate to being an alcoholic! Have 7 yrs.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Nov 1 at 2015 10:40 PM

2015-11-01T22:40:29-05:00

Thanks for sharing. I've been very fortunate in that I'm not an addict or ever seriously contemplated suicide (I did at one point but realized it would have left my daughter fatherless and been a coward move on my part).

I do however have friends who are "at risk." I'll let them know about this resource.