A recent VA study has confirmed that opiate based medications are being overused in returning veterans with PTSD from war trauma. Many of the veterans suffered physical wounds, but a large portion do not, and the opiates are simply being used to mask emotional symptoms. This is due to the lack of funding for treatment of PTSD in the VA. The current techniques of individual and group therapy combined with EMDR (a hypnotic induction treatment) are highly effective, but time consuming and expensive. Opiates are cheap and feel good. At least for a while!
There is a long history of opiate use in the military. Milk of poppy was given to Roman soldiers entering battle to quell fears and keep them from feeling wounds. The first large-scale study was post Civil War where “old soldiers disease” was described, referring to men chronically addicted to Laudanum. Every town square in America was populated by hopelessly addicted veterans, many with chronic pain and other with PTSD. Psychotherapeutic treatments had not been developed.
The science of PTSD treatment today is well advanced and effective. The treatment of chronic pain is also much more efficient is providing relief. Giving opiates to treat PTSD while avoiding real, legitimate treatments is a disgrace we all share. We must ensure our veterans receive proper access to effective care!