Intersections of Substance Use and Trauma Among Veterans
Intersections of Substance Use and Trauma Among Veterans
Information
Date & Time
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Educational Goal
Increase understanding of the prevalence of substance use and trauma among US Military Members and Veterans and treatment options.
Description
Substance Use and Trauma are pervasive issues among US Military Members and Veterans. Rates of both substance use and PTSD are higher than the general public. This presentation will report on the prevalence of these issues, offer reasons why this occurs more frequently, and determine treatment options for this population.
According to the VA, 1 out of every 3 veterans that seek addiction treatment has PTSD. CDC data found that 1 out of 3 active-duty service members binge drink, compared to 1 in 6 in the overall population. While there are cultural reasons for this increased incidence, trauma from exposure to violence and combat is a major contributor.
Habituation Theory helps us understand how the role of avoidance in coping with trauma leads to increased use of substances. Access to quality care, the decreasing stigma around help-seeking, and evidence-based therapies are critical to helping this deserving population.
Target Audience
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Substance Use Disorder Professionals
Presenters
Chief Clinical Officer, Gallus Medical Detox Centers. Before being the Chief Clinical Officer at Gallus Medical Detox Centers, Steve worked for ten years in the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is a PTSD and substance use disorder expert with over 16 years of experience in and around addiction. Steve is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work. He teaches Intersections of Mental Health, Substance Use, and Trauma along with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies, Motivational Interviewing, and Assessment Skills Using DSM-5,
and more.
Financially Sponsored By
- Gallus Medical Detox Centers