The principals of Confidential Recovery and others have just launched a nonprofit treatment program to help Veterans nationwide.
"We want to stop going to funerals, we want to reduce the stigma and we want anybody and everybody who is eligible to get the best level of care possible," states Scott H. Silverman, when interviewed on Channel 12 News Cincinnati. The news program brought on Scott and his colleague Jay Wyline to discuss the new non profit called Veterans Navigation Center. "We're calling it the Veterans Navigation Center, and we are hoping it will be a pilot for the VA, not only on a statewide level, but nationally over the next three to five years," said Scott Silverman, founder and CEO of Confidential Recovery.
Jay Wylie, Operations Manager of Confidential Recovery and Veteran-in-Recovery himself also appeared on the segment (watch entire segment here). According to Jay, 80% of veterans with substance use disorder (SUD)are experiencing PTSD. And conversely, 80% of veterans diagnosed with PTSD are experiencing and SUD.
A recent report shows addiction is likely more prevalent than what is reported in US veterans. Those who've struggled with it say it's also very hard to ask for help.
"The number one thing that you do not want to do is let the team down," said Jay Wylie.
It's clear the need for it is great.
A survey of 6,000 patients in 30 VA healthcare systems shows one in 10 met the criteria for being an alcoholic (13%) or having substance use disorder.
But both Wylie and Silverman say these numbers are likely underreported.
"You help people, you don't want other people to help you," said Wylie. "Eight out of every 10 veterans who are suffering from substance abuse also have PTSD, and it's a similar number the other way around."
"We want to stop going to funerals," Silverman said. "We want to reduce the stigma, and we want anybody and everybody to get access to the best care possible."
The goal, of course, is more targeted treatment for this population.
You can reach out to this team if a veteran you know needs help HERE.
This program is open to any veteran, or they will direct you to other services if this one can't meet your needs.
🪖 🎖️Today, March 29, is National Vietnam War Veterans Day – a day dedicated to our nation's heroes who served in that war. Fifty years have passed since the final American military forces left Vietnam and our remaining prisoners of war were returned. Even after the passage of five decades, we still owe these veterans a large debt of gratitude. During the conflict, political controversy and disagreement were sadly misdirected toward those who had admirably served our nation. When these brave warriors returned from Vietnam, they received neither a hero’s welcome nor appreciation for their service that they deserved, but instead got apathy, anger and hate. Disappointingly, many were left to struggle alone with self-doubt, shame and the memories of those left behind. After their wartime service ended, these unsung heroes went to work, served in government and became involved in their communities. Vietnam War-era veterans went on to lead Fortune 500 companies, direct Oscar-winning films, create a prominent computer-programming language, map the human genome and many other outstanding accomplishments. Today, there are approximately 6 million living veterans from the Vietnam era – more than 30% of America’s veteran population. We offer our sincerest thanks on this momentous day to all of those brave souls who served! 🪖 🎖️
🪖 🎖️ Don't be afraid to ask a Veteran: “Have You Thought About Harming Yourself?” It might seem scary and awkward to ask them directly about suicide, but the Veteran in your life deserves it. Veterans are 50% more likely to commit suicide than non-Veterans. In this article, 'Veteran-in-recovery' Jay Wylie says: “It’s a conversation that needs to be had because, frankly, the Vet in question probably wants to talk about it. Being able to share your difficulties with someone who cares can be a huge relief.” Read an article about this important topic here: https://bit.ly/3a0TaI5
