Finding Help for Co-Occurring Disorders Among Military Members

Co-occurring disorders, also called dual diagnosis or comorbidity, refer to having both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder (SUD). For example, SUD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would be co-occurring disorders. Evidence shows that treating both disorders concurrently provides better treatment outcomes. For this reason, clinicians form treatment plans that address the symptoms of both disorders.

The specific dual diagnosis of PTSD and SUD is particularly common among active-duty military and veterans. According to The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), around 80% of individuals struggling with PTSD will develop another co-occurring disorder. Studies shared by the VA also indicate that roughly 52% of men and 28% of women with PTSD also struggle with a SUD.

Fortunately, many treatment facilities are well-equipped for co-occurring disorders while treating the unique needs of military personnel.

Seeking Help for Co-Occurring Disorders

Over time, the symptoms of one disorder will typically worsen the symptoms of the other. A service member struggling with PTSD may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to numb their emotions, reduce anxiety or help them sleep. However, prolonged substance use can actually interfere with sleep, increase anxiety and make it harder to regulate emotions.

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While it may be difficult to decide when an intervention is absolutely necessary, there are symptoms of SUD and PTSD that indicate a service member is struggling with a diagnosable co-occurring disorder.

Signs of Substance Abuse:

Signs of PTSD:

One of the major side effects of PTSD is substance use. As substance use progressively worsens, this self-medicating can devolve into a SUD, creating a co-occurring disorder with PTSD. Individuals seeking treatment for PTSD are 14 times more likely than the rest of the population to also be diagnosed with a SUD, but help is available.

Evidence-Based Treatments for Co-Occurring Disorders

Since all veterans are different, treatment plans to address co-occurring disorders will vary as well. However, research has shown that one of the most effective approaches to treating a co-occurring disorder of substance use and PTSD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

An evidence-based talk therapy, CBT is designed to help individuals recognize the relationship between traumatic events and addictive behavior. CBT focuses on the relationships between irrational thinking patterns, negative emotions and harmful behaviors, such as substance use. Also, by addressing traumatic events, CBT helps individuals process their emotional reactions to the event.

Clinicians may add other trauma-informed therapies to help minimize the impact of trauma on a service member. Prolonged exposure therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy) are both common evidence-based therapies proven effective in reducing “emotional triggers” to past traumas.

To address substance use, co-occurring treatment plans may also incorporate 12-step programs. Individuals may be required to attend 12-step meetings, study program literature and “work the steps.” In some cases, especially when addiction involves opioid dependency, treatment plans will include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help reduce opioid cravings and prevent relapse.

Specialized Approaches for Military Members with Co-Occurring Disorders

Due to their unique experiences of serving in the military, veterans and active-duty service members struggling with co-occurring disorders typically benefit from individualized treatment plans. This may include specialized, peer-led support groups for military personnel and veterans, as well as educational classes and coping skills workshops that focus on relevant situations, such as chronic pain, trauma and adjusting to civilian life.

Through these types of group settings, military personnel can tell their stories and better identify with other group members experiencing similar emotions and problems. Servicewomen struggling with co-occurring disorders may also benefit from a women-only setting. 

According to studies, 23% of female veterans who accessed VA services experienced a sexual assault while serving. Military sexual trauma is a major contributor to PTSD among women in the military. As such, treatment programs may include gender-specific group therapy sessions, allowing servicewomen to share their traumatic experiences in a non-judgemental, supportive environment.

Family Involvement and Aftercare Planning

In most cases, family members are significantly impacted by a loved one’s struggles with a co-occurring disorder. Before treatment, family members and partners of service members may have felt anger, shame, resentment and confusion. Family counseling can be a crucial part of a treatment program. In fact, research shows that family involvement during the recovery process can greatly improve treatment outcomes.

Family counseling gives loved ones the opportunity to learn about the disorders and the process of recovery. Also, a counselor can help families and partners process their emotions and communicate effectively in an effort to heal relationships.

Family involvement plays a key role in aftercare planning as well. Although the individual may have found help for their co-occurring disorder through treatment, they may require assistance when transitioning back into daily life. This could mean collaborating with case managers to locate resources within the community, which promotes lasting recovery after completing a treatment program.

The Recovery Village Rehabilitation Centers

Visit the following websites to learn about The Recovery Village’s network of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. Call today for admissions. Each center is ready to help people learn how to cope with their addiction and uncover the root causes for their substance use disorder.