As many as one-third of U.S. military veterans suffering

If you doubted the "one out of three" percentage I usually use, when you read about "experts" saying the figure is a lot less, here is more proof supporting the percentage that has been used for over 30 years by experts working on PTSD before it was "newsworthy" and the media only focused on Vietnam Vets going to jail.

Vets substance abuse, mental illness link
Published: April 20, 2011 at 11:17 PM


NEW HAVEN, Conn., April 20 (UPI) -- As many as one-third of U.S. military veterans who suffer from mental health disorders also have substance use disorders, researchers say.

Study leader Dr. Ismene Petrakis of Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn., used data from the Department of Veterans Affairs to examine rates of substance use disorders among veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. They checked those who were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric disorders.



Read more:
Vets substance abuse, mental illness link

They self-medicate because they are not getting what they need, not getting support enough to seek help still and yes, still being treated as if they "owe" us anything when they have to fight the VA for disability ratings and treatment.