Those who serve in the military make great sacrifices to serve their country. Most people are aware of the time they spend away from loved ones, the dangerous situations they are put in during service, and the strict rules they must adhere to every day. However, less is discussed of what happens to their families and loved ones while they are on active duty. While they are out fighting for freedom, there may also be a war at home.
Stressors of Family at Home
Our military service people simply do not receive the attention and support they deserve for all they do for our country. There is even less awareness of what life is like for partners and children of those left at home while the service person is on active duty. These courageous families are not only offering emotional support to their military spouse or parent, but they have extensive stressors as military families. Some of these stressors include:
- Loneliness
- Anxiety about the safety of the military serviceperson
- Increased responsibilities
- Single parenting, including managing the anxiety of children
- Financial concerns
- Holding onto burdens alone so as not to add stress to the military serviceperson
The stress of military personnel missing out on milestones, birthdays, anniversaries, and more is hard enough to manage. Less talked about are the family members who also miss out on sharing those events with their partner or parent while they are away. Having an active duty family member serving brings with it a unique set of stressors.
Risks of Developing Substance Abuse
While military personnel have clear-cut objectives for their service, military families may not even know where their loved one is or if they are still alive. Even when the service seems relatively safe, if communication is interrupted or there are accidents or other events, it can create an emotional roller coaster for spouses and children. These stressors can lead to using alcohol or drugs to escape the pain or manage the stress.
In a 2016 report by SAMHSA, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health summarized findings regarding substance use and military families. The data indicated that “military wives” were more likely to drink or use illicit drugs than their peers. Alcohol use and binge drinking were particularly higher amongst wives of active-duty soldiers than the average population of women the same age. Because frequent use of alcohol or drugs and binge drinking can lead to an addiction, military wives are at an increased risk of substance abuse.
When Stressors Become an Emotional War
Active duty personnel may be facing physical warfare, but their families who are left behind often face an emotional war. Trying to manage all of the stress and anxiety of uncertainty, fear, and increased responsibilities can lead to depression, anxiety disorders, or other mental health diagnoses. Even just the extra stress alone can feel like emotional warfare.
When spouses or children try to self-medicate with substances, the situation worsens. Without the support of their service person, it may also be difficult to recognize and seek treatment for substance abuse and mental health diagnoses.
The Isolation of Military Families
Despite the number of families who live on military bases, many of whom are experiencing similar situations, spouses and children may feel very isolated. They may feel pressure to “keep it together” for their family member who is serving. They may be afraid of talking about problems with others or affecting their family member’s military status. Particularly when they are around those who are not military families, the unique stressors that lead to substance abuse can feel very isolating.
In the 2016 report on military families, only 0.9% received treatment for substance abuse. Part of the reason for this statistic is due to a lack of information about how military families can receive treatment.
How to Win the Substance Abuse War
Even if families may feel isolated, military families do have access to treatment for substance abuse. Both children and spouses of military personnel can receive treatment for drug or alcohol addictions through TRICARE. The first step is realizing that substance abuse is impacting the life of you and your loved ones. Finding an approved facility and making that phone call will put you on a trajectory toward healing. Your spouse may not be the only one facing a war. But you have the power to take charge of your life and win this battle. Facing your substance abuse and seeking treatment is one of the most courageous things you can do in this life.
Military families often fight a silent, invisible war while their spouse or parent is on active duty. There are a unique set of stressors and emotions involved in being a military family. Even if you find yourself battling substance abuse, there is help and hope for your recovery. Rancho Milagro Recovery is one of the few facilities that is approved for TRICARE. We specialize in helping military families heal from drug or alcohol addiction. Call us at (951) 526-4582 to learn more about our peaceful ranch setting that is accessible from many military bases in Southern California. Our rescue animals can support your healing in a way that only animals can, and there are plenty of trails for walking and hiking. When you need to find healing, our compassionate staff are here for you. The silent war of substance abuse that you are fighting does not need to last forever