I think addictions, both alcohol and drugs, are an issue with PTSD. When they have looked at whether or not the rates are higher than on the civilian side, I think we're probably seeing higher rates of depression. But I do think that when we're looking at treatment focus specifically, the first part is stabilization. That involves looking at all, not just PTSD, but all of what the person is presenting with. So if it is addiction, that needs to be addressed, whether it's assessing for depression and suicide or making sure the person is stable before they start doing specific, trauma-focused therapy.
On April 17th, 2013. See this statement in context.