Troops afflicted with PTSD, alcoholism

Vietnam veterans learned years ago there is a huge difference between self-medicating and being addicted. Most of the time rehabs did not work for them simply because they were not alcoholics but were just using substances to stop feeling. It looks as if that lesson has not been learned in too many cases of new veterans.

Troops afflicted with PTSD, alcoholism
News 4 San Antonio
By: Delaine Mathieu
July 25 2013

SAN ANTONIO -- Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center are conducting a study on veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and alcoholism. It's the only one of its kind in the nation, funded by the Department of Defense. "I felt that I was successful, because I didn't pick up a weapon and blow my brains out," said Jerry Thornton.

The 58-year-old spent 12 years in the Army as a supply sergeant. The things he saw during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm changed him. "I experienced bodies, children." He started drinking while he was in the military, but the PTSD set in later. "I didn't know it was actually affecting me," said Thornton. "But it resulted in a divorce and the loss of my family." He became defensive and nervous. He was afraid of everything, including crowds at concerts, sporting events and even going inside H-E-B.

"It was one door," he said. "One door entering and one door to exit."

He drank to numb the pain.
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