The Military Family and The Military Family and Addictions: Understanding and Addictions: Understanding and Counseling within the Context of Counseling within the Context of the Military Culture the Military Culture Mark A Mortier, NCC, LPC, MAC Mark A Mortier, NCC, LPC, MAC Beacon Counseling/ Genesis Beacon Counseling/ Genesis Counseling Centers: Williamsburg, Counseling Centers: Williamsburg, Hampton Hampton Jan M Brown, Executive Director Jan M Brown, Executive Director Spiritworks Foundation, Spiritworks Foundation, Williamsburg Williamsburg
Transcript
The Military Family and Addictions: The Military Family and Addictions: Understanding and Counseling within Understanding and Counseling within
the Context of the Military Culturethe Context of the Military Culture
Mark A Mortier, NCC, LPC, MAC Mark A Mortier, NCC, LPC, MAC
LanguageLanguageCode of ConductCode of ConductCustoms and TraditionsCustoms and TraditionsDressDressLifestyleLifestyleSanctionsSanctions
Living in a Military Family Living in a Military Family NowNow
Additional stresses of Deployment, TDY, Additional stresses of Deployment, TDY, Training, Demanding WorkTraining, Demanding Work
Marriage Relationship and Relationship Marriage Relationship and Relationship with Parent(s) who are affected by with Parent(s) who are affected by military lifemilitary life
Living on a Military installation, “bubble”Living on a Military installation, “bubble”Transitions/Challenges and Change:Transitions/Challenges and Change:Moves, Life Disruption, Broken Moves, Life Disruption, Broken
Connections with Friends, community, Connections with Friends, community, schools schools
Cultural Aspects of Military Cultural Aspects of Military LifeLife
Hard to answer: “Where’s Home Hard to answer: “Where’s Home You lived overseas, feel connected to another You lived overseas, feel connected to another
culture, culture, You lived overseas in an “American Bubble” ?You lived overseas in an “American Bubble” ?Your Parents represent different cultures?Your Parents represent different cultures?Consider/don’t consider self a “military brat” ? Consider/don’t consider self a “military brat” ? Do you want a “Global Nomad” lifestyle ? Do you want a “Global Nomad” lifestyle ? Hard to find acceptance “back home”Hard to find acceptance “back home”Rules, expectations, humor is differentRules, expectations, humor is different
Are You a Military Brat ?Are You a Military Brat ?
Residence in Foreign CountriesResidence in Foreign Countries
Trends in The MilitaryTrends in The Military
High Operations TempoHigh Operations Tempo
Ongoing DeploymentsOngoing Deployments
Transformation: High Level of ChangeTransformation: High Level of Change
High Rates of Marriage/ DivorceHigh Rates of Marriage/ Divorce
Entitlement Mentality of New MembersEntitlement Mentality of New Members
Single Parents - Growing PopulationSingle Parents - Growing Population
Dual Working ParentsDual Working Parents
Participants Participants
ProfessionProfession
Practice SettingsPractice Settings
Contact with Military Members, FamiliesContact with Military Members, Families
Questions You Want Answered TodayQuestions You Want Answered Today
Resources For Military Resources For Military Members and Families Members and Families
Alcohol/ Substance Abuse Alcohol/ Substance Abuse
Behavioral Health and SupportBehavioral Health and Support
Off-Post ServicesOff-Post Services
Army Substance Abuse Army Substance Abuse ProgramProgram
Serves: Military, DOD Civilians and RetireesServes: Military, DOD Civilians and Retirees-Alcohol and Drug Control Officer (ADCO)-Alcohol and Drug Control Officer (ADCO)-Employee Assistance Program Coord. -Employee Assistance Program Coord. -Installation Biochemical Test Coordinator -Installation Biochemical Test Coordinator -Risk Reduction Program -Risk Reduction Program -Prevention Coordinator-Prevention Coordinator
OCONUS/Overseas: ASACS for AdolescentsOCONUS/Overseas: ASACS for Adolescents Medical Command: Counseling ProgramsMedical Command: Counseling Programs CONFIDENTIAL ALCOHOL TREATMENT AND CONFIDENTIAL ALCOHOL TREATMENT AND
EDUCATION PILOT (CATEP) PROJECT.EDUCATION PILOT (CATEP) PROJECT.
The Air Force Alcohol and Drug Abuse The Air Force Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT)
and Demand Reduction and Demand Reduction (DR) programs (DR) programs
Include substance abuse (SA) prevention, Include substance abuse (SA) prevention, education, treatment, and urinalysis testing. SA education, treatment, and urinalysis testing. SA prevention and treatment policies and programs.prevention and treatment policies and programs.
Our members are held to the highest standards Our members are held to the highest standards of discipline and behavior, both on and off duty. of discipline and behavior, both on and off duty. Individuals who experience problems related to Individuals who experience problems related to SA will receive counseling and treatment as SA will receive counseling and treatment as needed; however, all Air Force members are held needed; however, all Air Force members are held accountable for unacceptable behavior.accountable for unacceptable behavior.
Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP), Substance Prevention (NADAP), Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation (SARP)Abuse and Rehabilitation (SARP)
• DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAM ADVISOR.—The DAPAs are responsible for advising commanding officers on all NADSAP matters. Provide command education, prevention, screening, and counseling programs. DAPAs also provide aftercare, probationary supervision, motivational training, and referral services. • ALCOHOL TREATMENT FACILITIES.— ATFs provide help to fleet and shore commands by counseling personnel involved with drugs and alcohol. Individuals not requiring inpatient treatment may receive help in these nonresident-counseling programs.
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth: Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less) Outpatient Partial hospitalization/day treatment
National Guard Family National Guard Family ProgramsPrograms
Training and SupportTraining and SupportEmotional Support, Counseling: MFLCEmotional Support, Counseling: MFLCFinancial ProgramsFinancial ProgramsChildren and Youth ProgramsChildren and Youth ProgramsUse Active Duty ProgramsUse Active Duty Programs
Substance Abuse among the Military, Substance Abuse among the Military, Veterans, and their FamiliesVeterans, and their Families
A Research Update from the National Institute on Drug AbuseA Research Update from the National Institute on Drug Abuse April April 20112011
Backdrop: The ongoing operations in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) continue to strain military personnel, returning veterans, and their families. Some have experienced long and multiple deployments, combat exposure, and physical injuries, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Substance Abuse among the Substance Abuse among the Military, Veterans, and their Military, Veterans, and their
FamiliesFamiliesA Research Update from the National Institute on Drug AbuseA Research Update from the National Institute on Drug Abuse April April
20112011
Alcohol abuse is the most prevalent problem and Alcohol abuse is the most prevalent problem and one which poses a significant health risk. A study of one which poses a significant health risk. A study of Army soldiers screened 3 to 4 months after Army soldiers screened 3 to 4 months after returning from deployment to Iraq showed that 27 returning from deployment to Iraq showed that 27 percent met criteria for alcohol abuse and were at percent met criteria for alcohol abuse and were at increased risk for related harmful behaviors (e.g., increased risk for related harmful behaviors (e.g., drinking and driving, using illicit drugs). And drinking and driving, using illicit drugs). And although soldiers frequently report alcohol although soldiers frequently report alcohol concerns, few are referred to alcohol treatment. concerns, few are referred to alcohol treatment.
Substance Abuse among the Substance Abuse among the Military, Veterans, and their Military, Veterans, and their
FamiliesFamiliesA Research Update from the National Institute on Drug AbuseA Research Update from the National Institute on Drug Abuse April April
20112011 Substance abuse is also a key concern. While Substance abuse is also a key concern. While the 2008 Department of Defense Health the 2008 Department of Defense Health Behavior Survey reveals general reductions Behavior Survey reveals general reductions over time in tobacco use and illicit drug use, it over time in tobacco use and illicit drug use, it reported increases in other areas, such as reported increases in other areas, such as prescription drug abuse and heavy alcohol use. prescription drug abuse and heavy alcohol use. In fact, prescription drug abuse doubled In fact, prescription drug abuse doubled among U.S. military personnel from 2002 to among U.S. military personnel from 2002 to 2005 and almost tripled between 2005 and 2005 and almost tripled between 2005 and 2008.2008.
Substance Abuse among the Substance Abuse among the Military, Veterans, and their Military, Veterans, and their
FamiliesFamiliesA Research Update from the National Institute on Drug AbuseA Research Update from the National Institute on Drug Abuse April April
20112011
Mental illness among military personnel is also a Mental illness among military personnel is also a major concern. In another study of returning major concern. In another study of returning soldiers, clinicians identified 20 percent of active soldiers, clinicians identified 20 percent of active and 42 percent of reserve component soldiers as and 42 percent of reserve component soldiers as requiring mental health treatment. Drug or alcohol requiring mental health treatment. Drug or alcohol use frequently accompanies mental health use frequently accompanies mental health problems and was involved in 30 percent of the problems and was involved in 30 percent of the Army's suicide deaths from 2003 to 2009 and in Army's suicide deaths from 2003 to 2009 and in more than 45 percent of non-fatal suicide attempts more than 45 percent of non-fatal suicide attempts from 2005 to 2009.from 2005 to 2009.
ALL Service BranchesALL Service Branches
Behavioral Health/ Mental Health Behavioral Health/ Mental Health programs at clinics/Hospitals. Family programs at clinics/Hospitals. Family Members seen on space available basisMembers seen on space available basis
Family support services: assistance with Family support services: assistance with transitions, money, marriage, parenting, transitions, money, marriage, parenting, abuse prevention, job hunting, etc. abuse prevention, job hunting, etc.
Family Life Chaplains have MFT training Family Life Chaplains have MFT training and often see children. and often see children.
Off-Post ServicesOff-Post ServicesService member needs referral, Service member needs referral,
expected to use on-post services firstexpected to use on-post services firstHigher ranking service members may Higher ranking service members may
seek services as private pay. seek services as private pay. Family members can access Tri-care Family members can access Tri-care
easily, still need referral for LPC’seasily, still need referral for LPC’sSpouses often seek help for Spouses often seek help for
marriage, child concerns, other marriage, child concerns, other issues emergeissues emerge
Military One Source, 12 sessions EAPMilitary One Source, 12 sessions EAP
Questions ?
Military Brat 101Military Brat 101
How does growing up in a military family How does growing up in a military family affect Kids today and in the future. affect Kids today and in the future.
Book: Book: Military Brats and other global Military Brats and other global nomads: Growing up in organizational nomads: Growing up in organizational familiesfamilies
How do you define “Military How do you define “Military Brat”Brat”
Origin ?: British Regiment Attached Origin ?: British Regiment Attached Traveler= B.R.A.T.Traveler= B.R.A.T.
Now means: “kid growing up in a U.S. Now means: “kid growing up in a U.S. military family and identifying military family and identifying himself/herself as a Brat”himself/herself as a Brat”
Not every kid growing up in a military Not every kid growing up in a military community identifies themselves as a community identifies themselves as a “Military Brat”“Military Brat”
Factors: Factors:
How Long you have “served” with your How Long you have “served” with your parentsparents
Number of movesNumber of moves
Overseas AssignmentsOverseas Assignments
Lived on – post or off-postLived on – post or off-post
Learned a language other than EnglishLearned a language other than English
Attended American or International Attended American or International SchoolsSchools
Attachment to the military lifestyleAttachment to the military lifestyle
Living OverseasLiving Overseas
Connected with the culture: lived “on the Connected with the culture: lived “on the economy”, learned the language, made economy”, learned the language, made foreign friends, developed a connection foreign friends, developed a connection with the host country. with the host country.
- OR-- OR-
Overseas, but primarily in American Culture: Overseas, but primarily in American Culture: Didn’t learn language, Stayed in the Didn’t learn language, Stayed in the American “Bubble” or “Little America”, no American “Bubble” or “Little America”, no strong foreign relationships. strong foreign relationships.
Terms for Kids who have Terms for Kids who have lived Internationallylived Internationally
Global NomadsGlobal Nomads
Third Culture Kids (TCK’s)Third Culture Kids (TCK’s)
Missionary Kids (MK’s)Missionary Kids (MK’s)
Internationally MobileInternationally Mobile
Military BratsMilitary Brats
Average of 8 major changes before Average of 8 major changes before age 18age 18
Third Culture KidThird Culture Kid
American CultureAmerican CultureForeign CultureForeign CultureMilitary Culture Military Culture
Advantages to Being a Advantages to Being a Military Brat/ Third Culture Military Brat/ Third Culture
KidKid
Flexible, can Adjust to ChangeFlexible, can Adjust to ChangeOpen to Other Cultures, New Open to Other Cultures, New
Experiences Experiences Confident when Facing ChallengesConfident when Facing ChallengesObserve and CommentObserve and Comment International WorldviewInternational Worldview International CareersInternational Careers
Military Brat’s: Risk and Assets/ Military Brat’s: Risk and Assets/ Protective FactorsProtective Factors
Military Kids Tend to Have More Life Experience Military Kids Tend to Have More Life Experience and Assets Than their Civilian Counterpartsand Assets Than their Civilian Counterparts
Military Families have Fewer Social Supports Military Families have Fewer Social Supports NearbyNearby
After each Transition Many Assets have to be Re-After each Transition Many Assets have to be Re-establishedestablished
Each Transition Exposes Military Kids to Potential Each Transition Exposes Military Kids to Potential Risk Factors Until they are Re-connected to: Risk Factors Until they are Re-connected to:
Low MotivationLow Motivation Erratic EffortErratic Effort Struggle with Struggle with
ChangeChange DisconnectedDisconnected High Risk for High Risk for
TroubleTrouble
SchoolSchool
Effect of being a Brat on your Effect of being a Brat on your futurefuture
Most Brats do well in college/ training for a Most Brats do well in college/ training for a careercareer
Many join the military of find other ways to Many join the military of find other ways to live overseaslive overseas
Many end up serving their country or others Many end up serving their country or others in service fields or governmentin service fields or government
Tend to seek out other Brats (this is helpful Tend to seek out other Brats (this is helpful in marriage)in marriage)
May seek stability or a global nomad May seek stability or a global nomad lifestyle. lifestyle.
LifeLife
Challenges of MobilityChallenges of Mobility
Rootlessnes: Where’s home?Rootlessnes: Where’s home? Who will I keep in touch with? (quick Who will I keep in touch with? (quick
release of friends)release of friends) Isolate, keep distance from others, Isolate, keep distance from others,
superficial relationshipssuperficial relationships Distrust of Adults, used to decisions made Distrust of Adults, used to decisions made
by authoritiesby authorities Challenges of planning aheadChallenges of planning ahead Internal values vs. going along with others. Internal values vs. going along with others.
Everyone is Handles Change Everyone is Handles Change Differently Differently
Three Responses to ChangeThree Responses to Change
11. . BetterBetter
Normal Normal 22. Return to. Return to
Life “New Life “New Normal” Normal”
DISRUPTIONDISRUPTION
33. Worse. Worse
What Makes Things Worse What Makes Things Worse For KidsFor Kids
Poor relationships in the family, conflictsPoor relationships in the family, conflicts Not included in Decision making, listened to. Not included in Decision making, listened to. Not valuing your parents workNot valuing your parents work Emotional flatness (past pain not addressed)Emotional flatness (past pain not addressed) Poor Preparation for ChangePoor Preparation for Change Misinformation, Worry Misinformation, Worry Lack of Community ConnectionLack of Community Connection Trouble Making FriendsTrouble Making Friends Isolation, Inactivity, depressionIsolation, Inactivity, depression
The Military Family and The Military Family and Deployment/ ReunionDeployment/ Reunion
Deployment and Family Deployment and Family StabilityStability
Constant Adaptation and Change: Pre-Constant Adaptation and Change: Pre-Deployment, R & R, Through ReunionDeployment, R & R, Through Reunion
Increase in Conflicts and IrritabilityIncrease in Conflicts and Irritability Responsibilities Shift, usually increaseResponsibilities Shift, usually increase Hard to Communicate Feelings, to ReasonHard to Communicate Feelings, to Reason Coping Skills are Stretched to the LimitCoping Skills are Stretched to the Limit
What Helps:What Helps: Communication, Patience, Family Communication, Patience, Family Plan, Friend/Family Support, ActivitiesPlan, Friend/Family Support, Activities
Deployment FactorsDeployment Factors
Number of Deployments, TimingNumber of Deployments, TimingDegree of Change ExperiencedDegree of Change ExperiencedActive Coping with Feelings, SituationActive Coping with Feelings, SituationFamily Stability: Adapting to Roles & Family Stability: Adapting to Roles &
Responsibilities that Maintain Responsibilities that Maintain RelationshipsRelationships
Kids can Cope with Difficult Situations Kids can Cope with Difficult Situations if they feel Safe, Loved and Supportedif they feel Safe, Loved and Supported
What Kids Dislike/Like about What Kids Dislike/Like about DeploymentDeployment
DislikeDislike Parent is MissedParent is Missed Worry about SafetyWorry about Safety Change in ActivitiesChange in Activities Parent OverwhelmedParent Overwhelmed More ResponsibilitiesMore Responsibilities Caretaking Younger KidsCaretaking Younger Kids Missed Holidays, EventsMissed Holidays, Events Mid-Term LeaveMid-Term Leave Waiting for ReunionWaiting for Reunion
Source: Army Affiliated Students, 2005-2007, Source: Army Affiliated Students, 2005-2007, Compiled By Mark Mortier, Ft. Richardson Compiled By Mark Mortier, Ft. Richardson ASACS Counselor ASACS Counselor
LikeLike Freedom, Relaxed RulesFreedom, Relaxed Rules Eat out MoreEat out More Family Stay’s ActiveFamily Stay’s Active Relative May help OutRelative May help Out Easier ChoresEasier Chores Different Role, “Needed”Different Role, “Needed” Travel to See FamilyTravel to See Family Mid-Term LeaveMid-Term Leave
Deployment and LossDeployment and Loss
Ambiguous Loss: Vague, Unclear, Ambiguous Loss: Vague, Unclear, Indescribable: “they know they are missing Indescribable: “they know they are missing something”, something”,
“ “They Know Things Feel Different” They Know Things Feel Different”
“ “ The premise is that ambiguity coupled with The premise is that ambiguity coupled with loss creates a powerful barrier to coping and loss creates a powerful barrier to coping and grieving, and leads to symptoms such as grieving, and leads to symptoms such as depression and relational conflict that erode depression and relational conflict that erode human relationships.”human relationships.”
Boss ( 2006) Cited in:Boss ( 2006) Cited in: Parental Deployment and Youth in Parental Deployment and Youth in Military Families: Exploring Uncertainty and Ambiguous Military Families: Exploring Uncertainty and Ambiguous LossLoss, Huebner et All, Family Relations, 56 (April 2007), , Huebner et All, Family Relations, 56 (April 2007), pgs. 112-122. pgs. 112-122.
Active Coping with FeelingsActive Coping with Feelings
conflicts, AOD Use are serious responses. conflicts, AOD Use are serious responses.
What HelpsWhat Helps:: Sharing Feelings openly, Sharing Feelings openly, Adults/Peers who understand, Daily Routine, Adults/Peers who understand, Daily Routine, Skills, Support Groups, Counseling as Skills, Support Groups, Counseling as neededneeded
Different WorldDifferent World
Traumatic Brain InjuryTraumatic Brain Injury
Battle StressBattle Stress Parents coming back from deployment in a Parents coming back from deployment in a
conflict zone, there is every chance that conflict zone, there is every chance that your parent has had experiences that are your parent has had experiences that are life changing. life changing.
War is not a pretty sight and existing in or War is not a pretty sight and existing in or near a battle zone can expose them and near a battle zone can expose them and their comrades to some very unpleasant their comrades to some very unpleasant happenings.happenings.
What is Post Combat Stress?What is Post Combat Stress?
Post Combat Stress Post Combat Stress Long term reactions to combat and Long term reactions to combat and
operational exposureoperational exposureCan impact quality of lifeCan impact quality of lifeCan result in a diagnosis of Post Can result in a diagnosis of Post
Loss of Interest Loss of Interest *Alcohol *Alcohol Consumption Consumption *Substance Abuse*Substance Abuse
*Anxiety or Panic*Anxiety or Panic
GuiltGuilt
FearFear
DenialDenial
*Irritability*Irritability
*Depression*Depression
*Intense Anger*Intense Anger
*Agitation*Agitation
ApprehensionApprehension
FlashbacksFlashbacks
Mixed FeelingsMixed Feelings
Kids and parents alike say that a Kids and parents alike say that a homecoming can be the best and the homecoming can be the best and the worst time of a deployment. A survey worst time of a deployment. A survey of military teens found some of military teens found some common thoughts at reunion time: common thoughts at reunion time:
Like / Don’t LikeLike / Don’t Like
What Kids Like/ Dislike about What Kids Like/ Dislike about ReunionReunion
LikeLike Getting to see ParentGetting to see Parent Special Meals/ TripSpecial Meals/ Trip Parent Involved in Their LifeParent Involved in Their Life Together for Holiday or Together for Holiday or
Event Event Less CaretakingLess Caretaking Less/ Different ChoresLess/ Different Chores Roles ChangeRoles Change Balanced ParentingBalanced Parenting Anticipation/ ExcitementAnticipation/ Excitement
Source: Army Affiliated Students, 2005-2007, Source: Army Affiliated Students, 2005-2007, Compiled By Mark Mortier, Ft. Richardson Compiled By Mark Mortier, Ft. Richardson ASACS CounselorASACS Counselor
DislikeDislike Parent Tries to “Fix” Parent Tries to “Fix”
EverythingEverything Expected to be PerfectExpected to be Perfect Extra House CleaningExtra House Cleaning Their Changes not Their Changes not
AcknowledgedAcknowledged ““Catching Up” on Catching Up” on
DisciplineDiscipline Roles ChangeRoles Change Rules StricterRules Stricter Person Seems DifferentPerson Seems Different Expectations Not MetExpectations Not Met
Teen Thoughts About ReunionTeen Thoughts About Reunion
I made it. Will you be proud of me? I made it. Will you be proud of me? Will you notice I have been helping out?Will you notice I have been helping out? I’ve missed you a lot, did you miss me?I’ve missed you a lot, did you miss me?Have you changed? I’ve ChangedHave you changed? I’ve Changed I’m scared you won’t like me the way I I’m scared you won’t like me the way I
amamGreat. But don’t change anything - Great. But don’t change anything -
we’re doing fine. we’re doing fine. Ugh? More hassles now. Ugh? More hassles now.
It’s okay to have concerning thoughts It’s okay to have concerning thoughts about your parent’s return, it is not about your parent’s return, it is not
disloyal.disloyal.
Reunions can be as hard as Reunions can be as hard as separations. While your separations. While your parent/caregiver was gone, you have parent/caregiver was gone, you have all changed. all changed.
Most Families Adjust WellMost Families Adjust Well
When you get back together again When you get back together again everyone needs to adjust to changes. everyone needs to adjust to changes.
It takes time, patience, effort and a It takes time, patience, effort and a sense of humor.sense of humor.
Tips for a Successful Reunion:Tips for a Successful Reunion:
Remember, your family will be Remember, your family will be different but, with the right attitude, it different but, with the right attitude, it can be better or at least you can cope. can be better or at least you can cope.
Be patient - the longer your Be patient - the longer your parent/caregiver was gone, the more parent/caregiver was gone, the more time it takes for you and your family time it takes for you and your family to adjust. to adjust.
Go slow - watch out for overload! Too Go slow - watch out for overload! Too much activity can cause stress and much activity can cause stress and conflict. conflict.
Reunion: Alcohol / Drug Reunion: Alcohol / Drug
Problems Problems
It’s Back! If it was a problem before it It’s Back! If it was a problem before it is likely to return or be compounded. is likely to return or be compounded.
Issues can emerge in military Issues can emerge in military member, spouse or adolescent member, spouse or adolescent
Denial and frustration can go on for Denial and frustration can go on for along time, or a crisis can spotlight it. along time, or a crisis can spotlight it.
Prescription Drug abuse is harder to Prescription Drug abuse is harder to ID ID
Reunion: Alcohol / Drug Reunion: Alcohol / Drug
Problems Problems A military member getting treatment is A military member getting treatment is
often seen as a sign of weakness, often seen as a sign of weakness, especially for leaders. Enabling exists. especially for leaders. Enabling exists.
Kids don’t understand it, may have Kids don’t understand it, may have liked the freedom they had with a liked the freedom they had with a parent using, may seek to sabotage parent using, may seek to sabotage treatmenttreatment
Variable spouse support, especially if Variable spouse support, especially if there is conflict, deep relationship there is conflict, deep relationship issues. issues.
Elmendorf general dies of Elmendorf general dies of gunshot on basegunshot on base
By JULIA O'MALLEY | jo'[email protected] JULIA O'MALLEY | jo'[email protected] Published: July 28th, 2008 05:03 PMPublished: July 28th, 2008 05:03 PM
The commander of the 3rd Wing at The commander of the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base died of what is Elmendorf Air Force Base died of what is being described as a self-inflicted gunshot being described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest at his on-base home wound to the chest at his on-base home Sunday night, the Air Force said this Sunday night, the Air Force said this afternoon. afternoon.
What makes treatment more What makes treatment more
difficult difficult
Culture of Drinking in the MilitaryCulture of Drinking in the Military““You should be able to Control it” You should be able to Control it”
messagemessageTendency to overlook until it is really badTendency to overlook until it is really bad““Band of Brothers”Band of Brothers”More rigid roles in familiesMore rigid roles in familiesGoing away to treatment can affect Going away to treatment can affect
career. career. Expectation that culture is understandExpectation that culture is understand
QuestionsQuestions
FriendsFriends
“An alarming statistic shows an estimated 18 service members kill themselves everyday due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”
WJFW News (Wisconsin) June 7, 2011
Recovery Factors for Service Members
Despite a century and a half of experience dealing with addiction in soldiers and veterans, the United States military continues to struggle with an epidemic of addiction to this day. In our country’s current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the unpredictability of counterinsurgency tactics has led to a very high occurrence of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among troops and veterans. Many of these veterans have high rates of co-occurrence with PTSD and substance abuse. Among many discouraging statistics about veteran wellness, a recently released report by the Army found an increase in high-risk behaviors, including substance abuse, in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. These high-risk behaviors have ultimately led to higher mortality among veterans at home than among active-duty soldiers stationed overseas.
Resources for Individuals, Families & Professionals:
BrainLine.org is a WETA website funded by the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center through a contract with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation. Government funding support is not an endorsement of WETA or any of its products, including this website.
24 Life-Changing iPhone and iPad Apps for People with Brain Injury, http://www.brainline.org/content/2011/05/23-lifechanging-iphone-ipad-apps-for-people-with-brain-injury.html Military & Veterans, http://www.brainline.org/landing_pages/categories/military.html Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), http://www.brainline.org/landing_pages/categories/ptsd.html
Once a Warrior, Always a Warriorhttp://www.brainline.org/content/2011/06/once-a-warrior-always-a-warrior.html Traumatic Brain Injury: What Military Families Need to Knowhttp://www.brainline.org/content/2011/05/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-what-military-families-need-to-know.html
Resources for Individuals, Families & Professionals:
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) assists the DoD and VA in optimizing care of service members and veterans who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI), at home and in the deployed setting, through state-of- the-art clinical care, innovative research, care coordination, and educational tools and resources.
http://www.dvbic.org
24/7 SUPPORTCRISIS INTERVENTION (24/7)
US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)Suicide Prevention Hotline1.800.237.8255
Military OneSource1.800.342.9647Help for active duty military and their dependents, including 12 free non-medical counseling appointments.
INFORMATION & REFERRAL (24/7)
Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE)Outreach Call Center1.866.966.1020
Information and education on behavioral health and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Download pdf information sheet.Navy Safe Harbor1.877.746.8563
US Marine CorpsWounded Warrior Regiment1.877.487.6299
Wounded Warrior Resource Call Center1.800.342.9647Help with questions about care of our wounded ill and injured.
INFORMATION & REFERRAL (BUSINESS HOURS)
Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) 1.800.581.94377:00 AM - 4:00 PM (CST), M-F
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC)1.800.870.92448:00 AM - 5:00 PM (EST), M-F
US Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2)1.800.237.13368:00 AM - 7:00 PM (EST), M-F
For additional information and resources for Military Members,
