Addiction in Fighter Pilots: What You Need to Know

Do you ever find yourself just feeling helpless? Like you have just run out of options or you are just at a loss for words?

You might find yourself feeling this way quite often if a fighter pilot you know and love has found themselves in the midst of addiction – whether it be to drugs or alcohol.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY2luGTX7Dk

Oftentimes, those who have spouses or other loved ones who have found themselves in the midst of addiction are incredibly unsure what to do…

What do you say?

How do you help them?

When have you done or said too much?

You will frequently find yourself asking questions like that as you struggle to decide what to do – what is best and how much is too much. However, when dealing with addiction in fighter pilots, other military personnel, or really just any addict in general, there are a few things to keep in mind…

You will never understand.

This is probably no secret to you – and your addicted loved one has probably also made this very clear – but you will never understand. A special circumstance that comes with fighter pilot addiction is the events leading up to the addiction…

So, not only will you not understand what it is like to be addicted to something – unless you are a recovering addict yourself – you will also not understand what it is like to see the things they have seen and be in the positions they have been in. The events that take place in war take a toll on fighter pilots both mentally and physically, easily leading them to addiction.

So, as you try to help your loved one, be open-minded and try to console them with the typical, “I understand.”

They will need time to grieve.

They may want you involved in their grieving and they may not – it is all about how they feel best about going about it and what is beneficial to their healing.

Most fighter pilots, and other military personnel alike, often find themselves holding their emotions in. This can also aid in their falling into addiction.

Grey Jet Plane

As they begin to recover, they will need to grieve for two things: the times they had in the military – losses suffered, terrible acts were seen – and the quitting of their drug of choice. The drug is their crutch and it has continued to be a part of their life. In order to recover, it takes a grieving period just realizing that it is time to lose the substance and move on.

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, addicts need help, love, and support. But, they also need you to be understanding and to learn how to properly help them.

Aiding an addict in recovery is a team effort that takes time and dedication from everyone.

 

 

Addiction and Substance Abuse: How is it plaguing our military?

It is no secret that the military is a tough job…

While people do go into the field willingly, it does not come without first understanding what they are getting into and the events they could potentially be exposed to.

Line of Soldiers Walkin

The harshness of the elements, lack of sleep, extended time away from family – all of these factors combined can really begin to change a person.

Why is substance abuse so prevalent?

While everyone is affected by these situations, some struggle with it in a different way. Unfortunately for some military personnel, the events of war can lead to struggles with substance abuse and addiction.

Especially in our veterans, substance abuse and addiction are becoming increasingly prevalent…

Combat is vastly different from how it used to be and now the increased trauma and terror has begun to take a toll on our service members.

One main door to addiction is prescription pain killers…

As these service members return from war with injuries causing excruciating pain, they are frequently treated using prescription painkillers. However, this method of treatment is highly addictive and over time can lead to abuse and addiction of the prescribed medication.

Substance abuse can be used as a method to deal with problematic symptoms of mental or physical injuries or disorders.

What is the statistics?

Numerous studies have shown a correlation between veteran substance abuse, depression, and suicide. In fact, in a single study involving around 600 veterans – who had been deployed to either Iraq or Afghanistan – 39 percent showed a positive screening for probable alcohol abuse. Furthermore, 3 percent showed a positive screening for probable drug abuse.

So, what does that mean? That means that in that single study, a total of 42 percent of veterans showed signs of probable abuse – whether it is drugs or alcohol. The numbers speak for themselves – that is almost 50 percent of our veterans.

Furthermore, these statistics show numerous people who are at risk of suicide. One of the major negative causes of addiction is the depression and sadness it can lead to. Unfortunately, this depression and sadness can also lead to harming others, self-harm, and even suicide.

Do you know a veteran that needs help? Or maybe you are the veteran or a current fighter pilot suffering from addiction?

Make yourself aware of the signs of addiction and take action before it is too late.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SeqZs4tURI

Get the help you need, today. A Substance abuse Inpatient program can help start Your new future waiting right outside the door of recovery.