Alcohol Abuse Amongst Returning Soldiers

Recent studies show that National Guard and Reserve troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq may 60% more likely to develop a drinking problem upon returning home. Many American soldiers are turning to alcohol as a way to cope with the memories of violence and death witnessed during combat. As many as one in eight of them will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which has been shown to often go hand-in-hand with binge drinking. Alarmingly, one study found that 26% of the soldier who did not binge drink prior to combat, began binge drinking upon their return.

Depression, anger, and the general challenges of readjusting to civilian life may all lead to alcohol abuse. Government and military officials are faced with the challenge of properly tending to the physical and emotional needs of those returning from a war zone, and providing prevention and recovery programs for addiction problems. Although it is thought by many that no one can be adequately prepared for the stressful effects of combat, they are doing what they can to provide support for returning soldiers. However, since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the military's mental health services have been stretched to the limit.

If you or a loved one is abusing alcohol to cope with the feelings associated with combat exposure, seek help immediately. Studies have indicated that completion of the full U.S. military aftercare treatment program provides soldiers with their best odds for beating an alcohol abuse problem. In addition to traditional treatment methods, the military is experimenting with virtual technology that enables soldiers to re-enact their combat experiences and face the associated feelings head on. In addition, there other programs including Alcoholics Anonymous and Vet support groups to assist with recovery.