Substance abuse is all too common for those returning from combat.

Active military and veterans who have been through combat exposure often turn to drugs in an attempt to calm the negative emotions they experience. Some active military members and veterans end up using alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in order to calm their negative thoughts.

This out of control spiral often results in broken relationships with loved ones, a slow mental breakdown, and can even lead to suicide if left unaddressed.

What is Drug / Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse and chemical dependency, is a term used to describe the repeated harmful use of illicit substances despite the negative consequences that come as a result.

These substances often lead to drug dependence, which describes a variety of symptoms a user will experience as they fall victim to drug abuse. These often include:

  • Strong desire for the drug
  • Difficulties in maintaining control while using said drug
  • Persistent use despite the harmful consequences
  • Placing drug use as priority over other activities
  • Buildup of tolerance with persistent use

Substance abuse often leads to a severe dependence on the drug, with certain drug abuse resulting in withdrawal effects. Withdrawal, especially opiate withdrawal, includes the negative physical responses to stopping drug use and occurs because dependency drastically alters the body. However, those who continue using the drug often have to use larger amounts of it in order to feel the same effects they once experienced.

Signs of Drug Abuse

There are a variety of signs of drug abuse, both physical and psychological, and include:

  • Abnormal respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting
  • Impotence
  • Aggressiveness
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Numbness towards previously enjoyable activities

The biggest loss as a result of substance abuse is the loss of family and friends. The effects of drugs consume the body and mind, destroy relationships, and ultimately change the personality of those who choose to abuse it.

Chemical dependency also results in severe mental degradation that could ultimately lead to self-harm and even suicide.

illicit substances and prescription drugs

Why do Active Military, Veterans, and First Responders Abuse Drugs?

Active military and veterans are exposed to multiple situations that cause extreme amounts of anxiety and grief, such as multiple deployments away from loved ones and combat exposure. In order to calm those negative feelings, many turn to alcohol or illicit drugs in order to curb the effects and end up falling for drug addiction.

Active duty military personnel have a notable low level of illicit drug use, due to the strict drug policy in place by the military. However, upon discharge from duty, many veterans might turn to drugs such as meth, cocaine, and heroin as they attempt to calm the side effects of their negative experiences.

Why Should I Go to Warriors Heart For My Drug Abuse Treatment?

Our team is made up of a series of counselors and professionals who have experienced or have a relationship with veterans who have undergone the damaging effects of PTSD, chemical dependency, and addiction as a result of combat exposure and deployment.

Our substance abuse treatment center offers a variety of treatment programs tailored for your schedule. These programs include day, inpatient, and outpatient treatment options that provide flexibility for your schedule and allow for a tailored program that will help treat the ill effects of chemical dependency.

Our substance abuse treatment center offers a variety of treatment programs tailored for your schedule. These programs include day, inpatient, and outpatient treatment options that provide flexibility for your schedule and allow for a tailored program that will help treat the ill effects of chemical dependency.

We seek to provide service to those brave men and women from the armed forces and law enforcement who have put their lives at risk in order to protect our freedom.

Don’t Fight The Battle Against Substance Abuse Alone

Don’t Fight The Battle Against Substance Abuse Alone

No soldier fights alone, and neither should you as you battle through addiction. Warriors Heart helps treat active military and veterans nationwide from our drug addiction treatment center located in San Antonio Texas. We offer a variety of programs for substance abuse treatment all with support from our staff who have dedicated their lives to ensure that active military, first responders, and veterans get the care they need.

Contact us today and start healing. (844) 448-2567