Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition or psychiatric disorder experienced by people who have witnessed or gone through a past traumatic event such as assault, death of a loved one, war, combat, a serious accident, terrorist attack, or violence. Symptoms include flashbacks, anxiety, irritability, isolation, difficulty sleeping, persistent fear, self-destructive behavior, and problems with concentration. But, there is hope. Here are six positive affirmations for veterans suffering from PTSD and alcohol abuse.
PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder in Military Veterans
Combat veterans are at high risk of PTSD. In fact, among those who have served in active combat, at least 17% exhibit symptoms of PTSD. To counter the symptoms of PTSD, service members turn to alcohol, leading to binge-drinking (taking 4 to 5 drinks or more in less than 3 hours) among one-third of military veterans. Moreover, at least 1 out of 10 military veterans who return from Afghanistan and Iraq also experience a drinking problem.
In turn, the alcohol abuse may worsen the symptoms of PTSD, leading to depression and suicidal thoughts. It may also cause self-destructive behavior such as:
- Engaging in dangerous behavior such as drunk driving
- Having problems at work
- Losing interest in hobbies, leading to isolation and more stress
- Alcohol addiction
Therefore, it is important to focus on helping affected veterans deal with PTSD and alcohol abuse. Apart from seeking medical and psychiatric help, positive affirmations can also go a long way in encouraging your loved one to counter the effects of PTSD and drug abuse.
Importance of Positive Affirmations in Veterans Experiencing PTSD and Alcohol Abuse
Affirmations encourage your loved one to stay optimistic, inspires and supports them towards and during the road to recovery. It opens up the mind to personal improvement and leads to positive thoughts and behaviors.
Positive Affirmations for People Experiencing PTSD and Alcohol Abuse
You Are Strong Enough to Get Through This
When a loved one experiences flashbacks related to a past traumatic event, it would help if you made them aware of what is going on. Remind them that however real it feels, it is not happening. Tell them that they can get through the episode.
Affirm that they are strong enough to resist the urge to take alcohol and manage to maintain sobriety.
You Are Getting Better Everyday
If your loved one is making efforts to get better, telling them that it’s working may encourage them to do more. It may even make them feel better, hence decreasing the overall effects of PTSD and alcohol abuse.
You Are Stronger Than Your Temptation
Encouraging your loved ones to stop alcohol abuse because they are stronger than the temptation can actually manage alcohol consumption. They feel good about themselves and try to do what is best for them.
You Are in Charge of What Happens Next
Letting your loved ones know that they are in control helps them face their addictions. They think of the consequences of their actions and may refrain from alcohol abuse to prevent its effects.
The Feelings Will Pass
When a loved one experiences negative emotions, tell them that it’s a feeling, it will pass. Remind them that they have felt it before, and it passed- it will always get better.
You Are Not Alone in This
Inform your loved ones that they are not alone, and there are other people who love them and would like to see them all better. Highlight the presence of a spouse, child, relatives, and close friends. This may encourage them to fight to get better for the people who he/she loves.
Start Recovery for PTSD and Alcohol Abuse at Fairwinds Treatment Center
At Fairwinds Treatment Center, we help individuals learn coping mechanisms to deal with past trauma and focus on a healthy, stress-free future. Our rehabilitation programs include treatment modalities curated according to the individual needs of our clients.
If you are looking for positive, effective PTSD and alcohol addiction recovery for yourself or a loved one, we can help. Contact us for more information and treatment discussions with our admissions team.
