The rate of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may be up to 15 times higher in the military population than it is in the general population, which likely explains in part the prevalence of substance use disorder in the military. Consequently, when people see or hear the term PTSD, they likely think of veterans.
Around the world, governments are ordering people to stay home and to practice social distancing if a trip outside is necessary. The unprecedented spread of COVID-19 has us all rightfully cautious. From malls to medical centers, virtually any place where people gather has temporarily closed their doors as we weather this storm. However, many people depend heavily on urgent medical services and cannot afford to miss critical appointments. Luckily, most centers have existing telehealth protocols in place so they can continue essential treatment from a distance.
Has your use of substances gotten out of control? Are you struggling with addiction? Do you feel like a slave to your addiction? Do you know that it is time to get your life on track? Are you going to start looking at treatment options after the Covid-19 pandemic is over? Don’t wait. Now could be a perfect time to start treatment and reclaim your physical and mental health.
It is no mystery that many people turn to substances and alcohol as coping mechanisms. Symptoms of stress and anxiety are often treated by “self-medication” instead of counseling or therapy. Past or present traumatic experiences are well-known to create long-term stress, anxiety, and other related wellness disorders.
Remember what you know. Now is the most important time ever to not allow negative or fearful thinking to pull you back toward the rabbit-hole of addiction. Thoughts are not a reality unless you allow them the power to become a reality. Thoughts, in and of themselves, are harmless. It’s the action that can create harm and consequences.
Someone with PTSD can feel helpless and hopeless. Suicidal thoughts are common, as is the abuse of alcohol or other substances in an attempt to stop the intrusive thoughts, memories, and experiences triggered by PTSD.
It’s the holiday season and festivities abound. Many of those festivities include alcohol or sometimes other substances that can make relapse easy.
Human nature makes us want to postpone what we know might be uncomfortable, or something that we are a little afraid of. It always seems that it will be easier in the future, but the truth is that the best time isn’t in the future, it’s right now.
Relapse. A word that strikes fear in the heart of anyone who loves someone battling addiction. A word filled with shame for those who have achieved sobriety and then began to drink and/or use again.
To begin to calculate the value of treatment for substance abuse, it is helpful to first understand the costs related to substance abuse. Substance abuse impact is expensive, not just to the person using the substance, but to their family, workplace and society.