It is well known that many of America’s service men and women returning from war suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Now, as new research is unveiled, it seems as though this may be a main contributor to increased incidences of drunk driving among veterans.
According to a new study conducted by the American Addiction Centers (AAC), rates of binge-drinking among veterans has increased from 14 percent in 2013 to 16 percent in 2017. That is an increase of 1.6 percent overall, yet; the increase of binge-drinking among female veterans climbed by three percent, double the increase by male veterans.
Drinking excessively, and in a short period of time, does not necessarily mean that one is more likely to drive after consuming those drinks. However, there seems to be a correlation when it comes to veterans.
Since 2014, the number of veterans that have been found drunk while they were driving has increased from 1.6 percent to 2.5 percent. That is an astounding increase of 60 percent. Washington, D.C. was among the locations that veterans were most likely to engage in drunk driving. Unlike the overall increase in binge-drinking among veterans, men were much more likely than women to drive while drunk.
The number, while high, may not be surprising to veterans that have experienced the trauma of combat. Some studies estimate that as many as 30 percent of troops returning from Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from PTSD.
Numerous studies have pointed to the disorder as one of the main contributors to binge-drinking among veterans, as they try to self-medicate. In another study that analyzed data between 2014 and 2016, it was found that over 25 percent of veterans likely to binge-drink also self-identified as being depressed.
“It is clear that something needs to be done to help our veterans,” says David Benowitz of Price Benowitz, LLP. “The State of California is currently reviewing legislation that would allow veterans to avoid a DUI conviction and instead, place them into a diversion program. Cities such as Washington, D.C., where instances of veterans being charged with drunk driving offenses are high, need to consider similar measures. This is the rehabilitation our vets need, not punishment for suffering the consequences of fighting for our country.”
