Veronica Raussin

Special to the Daily News

This Memorial Day, millions of #Americans will honor the memory of the #men and women who died while in U.S. military service. It commemorates all those individuals who sacrificed their lives.

Outside of this day, we must never lose sight of the millions of servicemen and #women who made it home to their families but are fighting a new battle. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates that more than 3.9 million veterans have a substance use disorder or #mentalillness.

Moreover, substance use disorders significantly increase suicidality among veterans ages 18 and older. #Suicidalthoughts and #behaviors occur frequently among veterans ages 19 to 49.

In Massachusetts, there are more than 300,000 veterans, over half of them over age 65. There are many reasons why veterans struggle with addiction and mental health issues.

“There is a correlation between veterans and #substanceusedisorders, #homelessness, and #suicide. Yet, this is preventable with early intervention and treatment,” said Michael Leach, of Addicted.org. 

Many veterans struggle to adjust to civilian life, face #financial hardships and have difficulty finding employment or accessing benefits. Mental and emotional health concerns can lead to significant problems, such as unwanted thoughts or feelings.

Untreated #trauma is common among veterans, which can lead to substance use as a means of coping. Veterans also face barriers when accessing help, such as cost and insurance gaps. Communities experience inadequate funding and limited access in rural locations. #Stigma regarding addiction and #mentalillness is also problematic.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org                            Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com 

Fortunately, there are options to consider. Outside of the VA-Facility locator through the U.S. Department of #VeteransAffairs, other resources include:

- #Military and veterans services are offered through city websites and the state website Mass.gov;

- SAMHSA provides a treatment facility locator where veterans can find services specific to their needs;

- Helpful hotlines include the #VeteranCrisisLine, 1-800-273-8255, and the Lifeline for Vets, 1-888-777-4443.

When covering costs, families may consider combining VA benefits with other forms of insurance, such as private health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare to reduce costs.

Families play a significant role in supporting veterans. Speak to them often, openly and honestly about their #substanceuse. Express concern, but do not pass judgment. Help them find treatment. Be patient and show compassion for what they're going through. Remember, addiction and #mentalhealthissues are treatable.

Drug and alcohol treatment centers often offer specialized treatment programs for veterans and treat co-occurring disorders. Treatment centers have become increasingly better equipped to help #veterans.

It takes families and communities coming together to help our #veteran population. Too many #men and #women who served this country are struggling in silence.

While on this #MemorialDay, we honor those who lost their lives, we must also continue to fight for those who are alive with us today.

Veronica Raussin is a community outreach coordinator at Addicted.org, the website associated with Drug Rehab Services. She is passionate about spreading awareness of the risks and dangers of #alcohol and #drug use.
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