Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. For many veterans, exposure to combat, life-threatening situations, military sexual trauma, or other service-related stressors increases vulnerability to PTSD.
If you or someone you love is struggling, it’s important to know that PTSD in veterans is common, treatable, and not a sign of weakness. At Sabino Recovery, our trauma-first approach to mental health and addiction treatment is designed to address the root causes of distress while supporting whole-person healing.
What Is PTSD in Veterans?
PTSD develops when the nervous system remains stuck in survival mode after trauma. During military service, veterans may be exposed to combat, improvised explosive devices, life-threatening missions, or experiences of personal violation. Others may carry unresolved trauma from earlier life experiences, such as childhood trauma, which can be intensified by the stress of service.
Trauma can also include interpersonal experiences such as sexual abuse trauma, betrayal trauma, or emotionally destabilizing relationships. Regardless of the source, PTSD symptoms are the nervous system’s attempt to stay protective.
At its core, PTSD is not a character flaw. It is a physiological and psychological response to overwhelming stress.
How Common Is PTSD in Veterans?
PTSD in veterans is more prevalent than in the general civilian population. Research estimates that:
- 11–20% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan experience PTSD in a given year
- Approximately 15% of Vietnam veterans were diagnosed at the time of study
- Around 12% of Gulf War veterans experience PTSD
- Lifetime prevalence among veterans using VA care can reach over 20%
Women veterans face unique risks, including higher rates of military sexual trauma. While male veterans are statistically more likely to experience combat-related trauma, both men and women are affected.
Although PTSD is treatable, many veterans do not seek care. Stigma, access barriers, and fear of career consequences all play a role.
What Can Trigger PTSD in a Veteran?
Triggers are reminders of traumatic experiences that activate the stress response system.
Common triggers include:
- Loud noises such as fireworks or gunshots
- Certain smells (diesel fuel, burning materials)
- Crowded environments
- Anniversaries of traumatic events
- News coverage of war or violence
Triggers can also surface decades later, particularly as veterans age. Memories may become more vivid after retirement or during life transitions.
Substance use can intensify triggers. Veterans may turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to numb symptoms, but this often worsens hypervigilance and emotional reactivity.
Symptoms of PTSD in Veterans
PTSD symptoms generally fall into four categories:
Re-Experiencing
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Intrusive memories
Avoidance
- Avoiding reminders of trauma
- Social withdrawal
- Emotional numbing
Negative Mood and Cognition
- Persistent guilt or shame
- Feelings of detachment
- Hopelessness
Hyperarousal
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbance
- Being easily startled
- Constantly feeling “on guard”
Many veterans also experience anxiety or depression. Specialized care such as anxiety treatment or support from a dedicated depression treatment center may be beneficial.
Some individuals may develop patterns consistent with mood instability or personality-related symptoms and benefit from bipolar treatment or personality disorder treatment.
How PTSD Affects Quality of Life
PTSD can impact nearly every area of a veteran’s life:
- Strained relationships
- Difficulty maintaining employment
- Increased risk of substance use
- Chronic sleep problems
- Social isolation
Substance use is particularly common. Veterans may struggle with alcohol or other substances as coping mechanisms. Comprehensive addiction treatment can address trauma and substance use together.
Treatment may include support for alcohol use, benzodiazepine dependence, heroin addiction treatment, opioid addiction, or stimulant use. When both trauma and substance use are present, an integrated dual diagnosis program is often recommended.
Effective PTSD Treatment for Veterans
PTSD is highly treatable with evidence-based approaches. At Sabino Recovery, our trauma-first philosophy guides every aspect of care through our comprehensive therapy services.
Effective treatments include:
- EMDR therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Structured individual therapy
- Connection through group therapy and support sessions
- Restorative practices such as mindfulness therapy
- Experiential modalities like our equine therapy programs
Family relationships are often impacted by PTSD, making family therapy an important component of healing.
We also incorporate nutritional therapy and holistic modalities, reflecting our commitment to whole-person care and our philosophy around what holistic addiction treatment involves.
Veterans seeking immersive care may benefit from our residential treatment program within our broader continuum of programs. For those with co-occurring substance use disorders, we also offer a non-12-step approach for those who prefer alternatives to traditional recovery models.
When to Seek Professional Help
You may consider reaching out if:
- Symptoms interfere with daily functioning
- Substance use increases
- Sleep becomes severely disrupted
- Thoughts of self-harm arise
Our compassionate admissions team can guide you through next steps, including insurance verification.
You can also explore more about our philosophy on our About Us page, meet our clinical team, learn about our specialized equine staff, view our photo gallery, or take a virtual tour.
Healing Is Possible
Many veterans who complete treatment continue their growth through structured aftercare and long-term continuing care. Ongoing connection through our alumni network and shared experiences in our alumni testimonials reinforce that recovery is sustainable.
If you’re exploring options, you may also find answers in our frequently asked questions.
PTSD in veterans is real. It is complex. And it is treatable.
With trauma-informed care, individualized support, and a safe environment designed for healing, recovery is not only possible — it is within reach.
