American troops have been actively entrenched in battle for well over a decade, and the effects are taking their toll on generations of individuals, spouses, and families in ways that are often visible, but just as often, not visible. It’s these invisible scars of battle, the post-traumatic stress disorders that, when left untreated, can lead to alcoholism, drug addiction, violence, and a wide range of other issues, that we see in our treatment centers on a regular basis. It is these invisible scars of battle that keep our participants and their families up at night, worried about what their future may look like. And it’s these invisible scars of battle that are often forgotten by our communities once our troops come home, the fighting has ended, and the media has turned to other stories.
PTSD is a tricky diagnosis, especially for those with the dual diagnosis of addiction. It can happen to anyone who has lived through a traumatic event, and it is not easy to identify, even to the individual having the experience. While most of us can relate to having nightmares, or moments of anxiety, most cannot identify with these in their most extreme form, and we cannot comprehend how these could lead to a reliance on drugs or alcohol to calm these feelings. Often, even the people closest to an individual suffering from co-occurring PTSD and addiction may blame the individual for not being strong enough to avoid excessive alcohol or drug use. We simply can’t comprehend the factors pushing this person to their breaking point.
In this interview, Sharlene Prinsen candidly shares the story of her husband’s struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction, which led him to jail and near-suicide, before he was finally diagnosed with, and treated for, the dual disorder PTSD and addiction he had been struggling with for years.
We cannot continue to shut our eyes to the invisible scars of battle, and we cannot continue to blame those who have put their lives on the line to fight in battle for the self-medicating efforts they may turn to when they come home. ‘Supporting our Troops’ must go a lot further than a mantra in time of war.
You can listen to the full podcast here. If you or someone you know appears to suffer from PTSD and substance or alcohol abuse, contact us to learn how we may be able to help.
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