Veterans with Mental Illness Have High Rates of Substance Use Disorders
Veterans with mental illness often also struggle with substance use disorders, according to a study of records from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Medical News Today reports that the researchers examined data from veterans who were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric disorders. They found that of the more than 1 million veterans diagnosed with a mental disorder, the rates of substance abuse disorders ranged from 21 percent to 35 percent.
The researchers report in the American Journal on Addictions that veterans with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have the highest rates of substance use disorders.
They do not have a mental illness; they only abuse alcohol
and drugs and only given a mental illness Dx so that they can collect benefits of all kinds!
I have no idea where or why you would come up with such a insensitive statement. I do work with vet’s as well as I am one that have an SUD(26 years in recovery)& a co-occurring D/O that is in remission as well. I have not seen anyone “faking” since I started this work in 1991. I personally would gladly trade my physical disabilities in to be healthy, for the small amount of compensation I recieve. Yes, there are a small percentage of malingerers, just like civilian’s collecting L&I in the general population; however, to make a blanket statement as you did is not only unfounded, it is disrespectful & ignorant.