Post traumtic stress and drug/acohol abuse

"Traumatized people who cannot spontaneously dissassociate may attempt to produce similar numbing effects by using alcohol or drugs.Observing the behaviour of soldiers in wartime ,Grinker and Spiegel found uncontrolled drinking increased proportionately to the combat groups losses; the soldiers use of alcohol appeared to be an attempt to obliterate their growing sense of helplessness and terror..........In another study of 100 combat veterans with severe post-traumtic stress disorder,Herbert Hendin and Ann Haas noted that 85 percent developed serious drug and alcohol problems after their return to civilian life...... The largest and most comprehensive investigaton of all , the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study, reported almost identical findingsza; 75 percent of men with the disorder developed problems with alcohol abuse or depence" *

*Trauma and Recovery, Judith Herman, M.D.

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I don't endorse this book by Judith Herman as it seems to be written from the perspective of a
somewhat radical feminist. Judith Herman is married to Jerry Berndt but, as the book cover reveals, she doesn't even use her husband's name which says something about her. However there are some interesting facts and footnotes to some interesting studies in it.

Alcoholics Anonymous (Narcotics Anonymous also) continue to describe drinking and drug use
as "diseases". This is a disservice to people suffering from these conditions. The link to post traumatic stress is firmly established. And I hasten to add that combat soldiers are not the only ones suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. There are also the millions of victims of child abuse, rape, and incest to name just a few.