by Kristen Furia

Created on: January 04, 2009

Many of our American warriors have ended their tour of duty in Iraq only to find that the transition back to home is not always an easy one. The exposure to war, and more specific, the actual act of killing can cause a mental disorder known as PTSD. The urge to suppress feelings with the use of drugs or alcohol may entice a soldier into starting a habit that can be addicting and very hard to resolve without help.

The horrors witnessed and committed during times of war can cause long-term mental disorders. The most commonly referred to is post traumatic stress disorder or
PTSD. The most common symptoms include depression, hypersensitivity, and drug abuse. The drugs are often used as a way to alleviate the severity of the PTSD
related symptoms. Addiction and post traumatic stress disorder are considered "co-existing" disorders. This can make treatment more difficult and should only be handled by a professional treatment facility. Complete rehabilitation is necessary if you want a life of sobriety as a contributing member of society.

Inpatient treatment facilities for PTSD and related drug abuse will usually prove to have a higher success rate for complete rehabilitation. Normally, an inpatient stay is about three to six weeks. An individual assessment of the individual will give the doctors and staff a clearer understanding of that person and their most problematic symptoms and behavioral habits. Soldiers will be given the opportunity to address the events that took place during battle while in a controlled environment. If withdrawal from any substance abuse occurs, the symptoms will be treated to make the stay as comfortable as possible. An inpatient treatment facility will also provide the means to communicate with others in the same or similar situations. Group meetings will become an essential part of most treatment plans. Patients are required to remain at the treatment facility 24 hours a day, usually 7 days a week. This provides the largest amount of support available. It also eliminates the risk of attaining drugs or alcohol.

Outpatient therapy is great when used as follow-up treatment to a hospital stay. It can provide additional support to our warriors in transition, and help them to cope with the stress "triggers" they may encounter, on a regular basis. This extra encouragement from a professional therapist can be what it takes to overcome
PTSD and addiction. Outpatient therapy can also be helpful if the individual does not want to quit working or stay close to family and friends. More responsibility will then be placed onto family members as a strong support group will be a requirement for success. Outpatient therapy may also require more of the soldier's willpower and determination to win the battle. A person's environment alone can often lead to drug abuse when they are faced with the opportunity.

Our soldiers who are returning home only to face the nightmares of PTSD and addiction will need all of the support and understanding they can receive. It is crucial to seek the assistance of a professional treatment facility and staff as soon as possible. This will increase the chances of total and complete rehabilitation. Providing our soldiers with the very best care available should be a number one priority.

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