Substance Abuse in Veterans

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that substance abuse secondary to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common phenomenon among veterans of war who have been in combat. The paper focuses on the case of JR, a Vietnam veteran suffering from substance abuse and PTSD. The paper provides a detailed case presentation as well as a comprehensive literature review. This includes a discussion of topics such as substance abuse among veterans, PTSD, treatment options and nursing interventions and opportunities to intervene.

Outline:
Abstract
Case study JR
Literature Review
Nursing Implications

From the Paper:

"Substance abuse and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) create a serious complex of psychological and physical manifestations and is a combination that has serious consequences and challenges for both the patient and nurse. Nowhere is this complex more challenging and in no population is this combination more prevalent than in the veteran returning from combat. According to Benda (2001), in 1996, 36 percent of all discharges from the military were for substance abuse issues and over 3,950,000 of the inpatient days spent at Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals were for substance abuse related care. Bailes (1998) states that in 1998 dollars and statistics, substance abuse problems cost Americans over $300 billion annually."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2002). DSM-IV-TR criteria for PTSD. Psychiatric News, 37, 25. Retrieved on November 10, 2006 from http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/ full/37/20/25-a
• Bailes, B. K. (1998). What perioperative nurses need to know about substance abuse. AORN Journal. Retrieved on November 7, 2006 from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1:21226356
• Benda, B. B. (2001). Predictors of rehospitalization of military veterans who abuse substances. Social Work Research. Retrieved on November 7, 2006 from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1:81762124
• Colenda, Christopher. (2006, March 1). Fiscal 2007 appropriations: Veterans and military quality of life. Congressional Testimony. Retrieved on November 9, 2006 from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1:119340469
• Danitz, T. (1997). Drowning the demons of war. Insight on the News. Retrieved on November 7, 2006 from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1:19199585

More papers on Substance Abuse in Veterans:

• Analytical Essay # 130481 : "Substance Abuse in Male Combat Veterans"
• Research Paper # 145938 : "Therapy for Veterans"
• Essay # 63526 : "Addiction and the Troops in Vietnam"

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