Representative Carolyn Dykema, the founder and chair of the MetroWest Veterans Consortium, joined Shrewsbury State Representative Hannah Kane and other members of the veterans’ community for the spring 2017 meeting of the consortium, which was held at Veterans, Inc.’s facility in Shrewsbury on April 7. Denis Leary, Executive Director and Jason Palitsch, the Government and Public Affairs for Veterans, Inc., welcomed the consortium. Members discussed the connection between trauma and substance abuse, with speakers emphasizing the importance of securing support services and providing treatment to the veterans community.
Executive Director Denis Leary opened the meeting with an overview of addiction, specifically referencing opioids, and provided his expert clinical perspective on the challenges veterans face in seeking treatment. He also led a tour of the recently-renovated facility. Dr. Sharon Baker, the clinical director of the Women’s Integrated Treatment and Recovery Program at the Brockton VA, highlighted the intersection of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder (SUD), and military sexual trauma (MST) that many in the military experience. She also highlighted the disproportionate effects of military sexual trauma for female veterans. Participants also shared ideas for improved screening processes and acknowledged the increased importance this issue has taken on in light of the recent opioid epidemic.
“With more veterans doing multiple tours of duty, it is more important than ever to ensure access to supports upon returning from service,” said Rep. Dykema. “This is especially true in the areas of trauma and substance abuse treatment. Our veterans and their families deserve these supports as they transition back into civilian life.”
The VA reports that between 37 and 50% of Afghanistan/Iraq vets have been diagnosed with PTSD, depression, or other emotional disorders.1 Furthermore, 4 out of 5 Vietnam veterans with PTSD symptoms still present with symptoms decades later.1 The links between trauma, unmet support needs, and substance use for returning veterans is well documented by multiple sources and identified by the VA as an important area of focus. Stakeholders continue to engage on this issue from a wide range of perspectives.
Issue Date:
May, 2017
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