PTSD Unnecessary Conflict

416 Words2 Pages

PTSD As a Result of Unnecessary Conflict Post Traumatic Stress Disorder occurs when an individual experiences a traumatic event, such as combat, assault or natural disasters. With PTSD, individuals feel threatened and stressed beyond the healthy reaction. The physical symptoms of the disorder include alcohol and drug dependence and the inability to maintain jobs and relationships. On the psychological spectrum, symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks and social avoidance. Today, hundreds of thousands of military veterans have seen combat. Several of which have been shot at, and witnessed death. These are types of events that can lead to PTSD. The Department of Veteran Affairs reports 31 percent of Vietnam war vets to have PTSD. Veterans with PTSD face life changing challenges. …show more content…

According the Department of Veteran Affairs, more than twenty percent of those with PTSD experience substance abuse. They spend night after night resorting to alcohol and drugs in an attempt to numb the hellish memories that seem to never stop replaying. Fortunately a third of all of the diagnosed veterans are searching for substance abuse treatment, rather than spiraling further into the pit of guilt and depression (Department of Veteran Affairs). Drugs and alcohol are perpetually consumed in efforts to numb the psychological pain caused by the traumatic damage. Drug and alcohol dependency influences negative behavior, as exhibited by Glenna Tinney’s story of her father’s experience with PTSD: “I remember the day he called me and told me that he had a gun and was going to shoot himself. I knew he had a gun, and I could tell that he had been drinking.” (The Consequences of War) Drugs and alcohol are temporary solutions to an issue that can only be treated with time and professional

Open Document