Background
American veterans are an honourable example of a dedicated lot in America and across the globe. They are brave people who are fully committed to their country by preserving its ideals. They are a good depiction of a committed team who through thick and thin strive to save their country in war. In 2011, close to 21.5 million (9.2 %) civilians in the United States were veterans of current and past conflicts or those who that have served during periods of peace. Today this number has risen and they are estimated be to over 23.2 million. Female veterans are close to 1.8 million while the male are 21.4 million. A breakdown by race and ethnicity gives the actual figure of their population
- Black – 2.37 million
- Asian – 265,000
- American Indian or Alaska Native- 157,000
- Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander – 28,000
On average, a veteran is more likely to have more education such as a high school diploma as compared to an average American although they are less likely to have a college degree. The number of Vietnam-era veterans in 2011 were 7.9 million and those who served in 1964-1975 are 33%. The number of living veterans in 2011 who served during two wars comprise of: 740,000 who served during both Gulf War eras, 245,000, served in both the Vietnam Era and the Korean War while 182,000 served during both the Korean and World War II war. These veterans are sparsely populated across the nation in various barracks. Five states have over 1 million veterans living in Florida (1.7 million), California (2.1 million), New York (1 million), Texas (1.7 million), Pennsylvania (1 million) and (Garvin, 2010, p. 152).
Today, of all the veterans living in the United states of 25 years and older, 26% are recorded to having bachelors’ degrees in various fields. Close to that, 91% of veterans who are 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher. There are approximately 10.4 million veterans 18 to 64 years in the labour force. Veterans with disability are, 5.5 million while those with a service-connected disability rate are 3.4 million. In addition to that, there are 2.9 million veterans receiving compensation for service-connected disability whose total amounts to 36.2 million.
Statistics on American Veterans /VA Alcohol and Drug Use
It is typical for veterans particularly of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq to experience psychological issues such as symptoms of combat stress. American veterans moreover misuse drugs, alcohol and tobacco which can risk their health as well as their well-being. Although less common, alcohol and substance abuse among American veterans is a key concern. Substance use disorder results to, dependence on and abuse of alcohol and drugs such as nicotine and other hard drugs. Notably, alcohol abuse is by far the most prevalent problem that posses a significant health risk among veterans. Alcohol abuse posses a significant health risk as it is the most prevalent problem. A study of male veterans screened 3 to 4 months after their return from deployment to war zones show that 28% were at increased risk for harmful behaviours and subsequently met criteria for alcohol abuse. Though they frequently report alcohol concerns, only a few are referred to alcohol treatment. Studies highlight the need to access care for alcohol and substance related problems and also the need to improve screening. Mental illness among veterans is a major concern. Alcohol and drug abuse often accompanies mental illnesses and was involved in 40% of veterans’ suicide deaths from 2003 to 2008. Close to that, it has also led to more than 45% of all non-fatal suicide attempts from 2005 to 2008 (Koenig, 2012, p. 230).
Primary U.S military conflicts have led to a number of factors, thousands of people are killed and many are wounded while others commit suicide. These affected the veterans psychologically which led to suicidal and predominant injuries including post traumatic stress disorder. These disorders led to stress addiction as 66% of women experienced sexual harassment and sexual assault. Following these events, majority of these victims became drug addicts; men abused alcohol while women overused Rx drugs and marijuana, cocaine and heroin. Alcohol and drug abuse among veterans is more or less a way of alleviating distress in the short-run. On the contrary, alcohol and substance abuse in the long-term could bring a number of problems including stressful life events, distressful thoughts and depressant effects. Findings from various credible sources suggest that deployed veterans are at increased risks of weekly and new-onset drinking, such as binge drinking. These results also show an increase in relapse and smoking initiation among the deployed veterans. There is a strong relationship between SUD and PTSD in the veteran population for both women and men (Glantz, 2008, p. 116).
Substance abuse is the ultimate solution that many veterans turn to. It is a useful way for them to deal with uncertainty that they feel and a way to deal with the pain. Studies show that veterans are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs than the general public. It has been said that, alcohol and drug abuse is three times more common in veterans coming from Afghanistan and Iraq than veterans from other wars and the general public. For many veterans, there is no alternative to getting relief than to overuse drugs and abuse alcohol. Mental illness among American veterans is a major concern. These veterans moreover continue straining in tough operations as many experience multiple and long deployments, physical injuries, traumatic brain injury and combat exposure which have negative impacts on them.
Treatment of Drug and Substance Abuse among Veterans
Fortunately, issues with alcohol and substance misuse can be dealt with or treated. Many veterans find it quite difficult to stop or cut down substances on their own that’s why there are varieties of effective treatments available to any veteran through VA. To majority of them, alcohol and other drugs are stimulants that help ease their minds and reduce tension especially in war zones. The VA provides scientifically proven and effective services for all veterans that are eligible irrespective of the service location. VA providers fully understand occurrences of the many cases and problems of substance abuse which are continuing conditions that require optimum care over time (Moore, 2009, p. 107). Veterans’ substance use problems can quickly be resolved when attention is paid to related problems. These problems include: depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationship problems and disturbed sleep.
Various options are offered by the VA for those seeking treatment for substance abuse problems. They include the following: therapy, in a group or alone and medications to help the involved veterans reduce their drugs, alcohol and tobacco. The first step veterans ought to take is to ask for help once they experience concerns about drug use, drinking, a psychological health concern or smoking. The biggest mistake and also a denial most veterans make are complicating the issue. It is common in alcohol and substance abuse and often veterans find it hard to admit their dependence on drugs and alcohol which pose a big challenge to doctors and physicians in trying to identify their problems. Effective medications to treat alcohol dependency and reduce craving that help in managing withdrawal symptoms are adequately provided by VA. There are also effective medications for stopping tobacco which include: a nicotine replacement skin patch and lozenge or gum. Varenicline is a new method that works better than other medicines. In addition to that, there are three very effective drugs that treat addiction to extract drugs like oxycodone, heroine and pain killers. Methadone for instance is quite an effective approach for chronic addiction which may be provided within a particular program. Aside medication treatments, there are also certain treatments that do not involve medication such as: making clear and increasing the veteran’s motivation for change, analysing how substance use issues may relate to issues like depression and PTSD, helping the veterans deal with relapse risks and triggers.
Patients going to a VA could expect the following categories of care:
- First-time screening for tobacco and alcohol use in all care locations
- Medically managed detoxification
- Relapse and continuing care prevention
- Newer medicines and drug distribution therapies to reduce craving
- Short outpatient counselling (motivation)
- Marriage and family counselling (Taylor, 2010, p. 94).
Patients’ needs and desires are considered in determining the kind of care and services to be given and how intense they should be. In addition to medical treatment, these veterans also need moral support from their families, friends and the general public to enable them cope with any challenge they are face.
References
Garvin, P. (2010). The United States government internet directory. Lanham: Bernan Press.
Koenig, H. G., King, D. E., & Carson, V. B. (2012). Handbook of religion and health. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Glantz, A. (2008). The War Comes Home: Washington's Battle Against America's Veterans. CA: University of California Press.
Moore, Bret A., & Jongsma, Arthur E., Jr. (2009). The Veterans and Active Duty Military Psychotherapy Treatment Planner: Epub Edition. John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Taylor, C. B. (2010). How to practice evidence-based psychiatry: Basic principles and case studies. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub.
