Veterans, active members of the military, first responders, and firefighters are often faced with several traumatic events during their service. The experiences they live each day slowly cause a feeling of dread that can lead to PTSD and cause a dependency on alcohol and substance abuse as they seek comfort from nightmares, flashbacks, and more.

Seeking the help of a PTSD and addiction treatment center such as Warriors Heart is important. Finding solace through therapy with other members from the military, first responders, and others who have dedicated their lives for the safety of others who have undergone, and are still in the same battle, is an important step towards finding peace and comfort.

In order to provide the best treatment possible, we only accept those who suffer from addiction by itself or in conjunction with psychological disorders such as PTSD.

What is PTSD?

PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and is an anxiety disorder that often comes as a result of being exposed to a traumatic event.

Military members, firefighters, EMTs, members of the police force, and other first responders might experience these stressful situations and begin using alcohol, drugs, and other substances as they seek temporary comfort. This often develops into chemical dependency and substance abuse, which further heightens the damage caused by the memories of that event.

Victims of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder don’t only include those who have gone to war and are veterans. Active members of the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy as well as those brave members who fight to preserve peace and order as firefighters, EMTs/First Responders, and law enforcement are all exposed daily to situations that might cause substance abuse or chemical dependency.

Nearly 50% of all Veterans do not seek treatment for PTSD, and those who do often receive only minimal care.

PTSD Symptoms and Signs
In Active Military, Veterans, and First Responders

According to the American Psychological Association, there are several symptoms associated with PTSD such as:

  • Recurrent and intrusive memories
  • Nightmares
  • Flashbacks
  • Intense distress after being reminded of experience
  • Inability to remember important aspects of events
  • Depression
  • Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world
  • Persistent blame of self about the cause of the event
  • Feelings of numbness and detachment from others
  • Inability to experience positive emotions

PTSD Symptoms can start as early as three months within the event. These symptoms cause great distress and often lead to disruptions in work and home life. The joy and happiness once felt are dulled by the memories of the incident, and the only option is to seek help from a treatment center such as Warriors Heart.

The joy and happiness once felt are dulled by the memories of the incident

Causes of PTSD
Among Active Military, Veterans, and First Responders

Active military and veterans are exposed to multiple traumatic events during their service, such as combat, which ultimately leads to them developing some of the post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms listed above. First responders such as EMTs, firefighters, and police members also live through stressful situations that a civilian couldn’t understand.These experiences often include:

  • Combat exposure
  • Terrorist attacks
  • Sexual or physical assault
  • Serious accidents

These events often lead to confusion, anger, and fear after the incident. The severity of those events is also a factor, with the intensity of the trauma, a loved one being hurt, strength of the reaction, and more causing greater reactions. This affects not only those who have gone to Afghanistan, Iran, Vietnam, or other wars, but also those in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, fire department, or law enforcement.

PTSD Treatment Options For Warriors By Warriors

Our founder Josh Lannon has personal experience with the damaging effects of alcohol and has dedicated his life to helping those who are undergoing the same battle. Warriors Heart has a large variety of experienced counselors located in San Antonio as well as several members with military experience who are ready and willing to help active military and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and more.

The most effective treatment for symptoms of PTSD that lasts longer than a month is seeking professional help from a counselor or inpatient treatment center such as Warriors Heart. Inpatient treatment centers are able to provide PTSD treatment and help get your life back on track.

Service Dogs for PTSD and Addiction Recovery

Service dogs can be helpful partners for those suffering with symptoms of PTSD or TBI (traumatic brain injury). The relationship you form with a therapy dog is an important step in your healing process.

Learn more about service dogs for PTSD

group of working service dogs lined up

Take The Next Step and Contact Warriors Heart

No soldier fights a battle alone, and the battle against PTSD is no different. Warriors Heart provides several options from our treatment center in San Antonio Texas for active military, first responders, and veterans nationwide. We offer treatment to members of the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy as well as firemen and members of law enforcement such as the police.

No soldier fights a battle alone

The battle doesn’t end when you get home. Call us today. (844) 448-2567