BEFORE June becomes a memory, the US Department of Veterans Affairs reminds us June is PTSD Awareness Month. Sadly, people suffering from PTSD carry painful memories that disturb the peace of their souls.
TO BE sure, PTSD is not limited to our brave soldiers and veterans. In homes where substance use disorder thrives PSTD symptoms can mimic battlegrounds—addiction minefields—where substance abuse dramatic events unfold. In these families, walking on eggs is the norm. The PTSD trauma increases when family members try to hide and deny the family addiction. Still, even the youngest family members sense the hushed-up internal explosions. And parents and guardians wonder why their kids “act out.”
I BELIEVE many will proclaim, “Be there, done that.” However, instead of reliving painful domestic screaming episodes, the following information may help us face the truth. And that Truth will set us free to experience the ultimate freedom to know, love, and appreciate ourselves.
FOR INSTANCE, ARE YOU AWARE …
“People with PTSD have more problems with drugs and alcohol both before and after developing PTSD. Even if you do not have a problem with alcohol before a traumatic event, if you have PTSD you are at increased risk for developing a drinking or drug problem. Eventually, the overuse of drugs or alcohol can develop into substance use disorder (SUD).”
