Treatment options for substance use concerns
Many studies have shown a relationship, at times, between alcohol use and suicidal thoughts and/or #suicide attempts.
Sometimes people wonder, “When is alcohol a problem?” Common signs that may suggest further consideration include:
- Drinking more or for longer than you intended.
- Family members or friends voice concerns about your drinking or drinking that interferes with activities.
- Being unable to reduce your drinking or stop drinking entirely.
We are currently experiencing a time marked for many people by higher #stress and more difficult life circumstances. Also, relationship separation or problems, financial challenges and general uncertainty. Here are five things you can consider to improve your health:
Take a self-assessment for at-risk alcohol use
Information and resources are available about substance use, including alcohol. If you are worried about your use of alcohol, take an anonymous and confidential self-assessment. Share the results with your #healthcareprovider so you can discuss care and treatment options.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Access treatment services
VA offers treatment options for substance use concerns that range from alcohol use impacting your health to life-threatening addictions.
- Start a conversation with your primary care provider about your overall health. Also, discuss how changes in your alcohol use may help your health in different areas, such as sleep and diabetes management.
- Locate a substance use disorder (SUD) program or a local recovery coordinator (LRC) at your #VA medical center. Each #VA medical center offers SUD programs or treatments and has LRCs who develop recovery-focused programs for #Veterans.
- To search for SUD treatment outside of VA, the Substance Abuse and #MentalHealthServices Administration offers 24/7 free, confidential help with treatment referral and information services for individuals and families facing #mentalhealth or substance use disorders. Call 800-662-4357.
Access #VA #mentalhealthservices
#Mentalhealthconditions may contribute to use of alcohol and/or other substances. Conditions include depression, #posttraumaticstressdisorder (#PTSD) and military sexual trauma. #VA offers #mentalhealthservices for #Veterans. Below are a few resources for accessing #mentalhealthservices:
- Find the nearest VA medical center to make an appointment and see a #healthcareprovider.
- Vet Centers provide combat #Veterans and their families with a broad range of counseling, outreach and referral services. These include individual and group counseling for alcohol and drug misuse, #PTSD, #suiciderisk and more. Call 877-WAR-VETS (877-927-8387) to access these free and confidential services.
Think about firearm safety
70% of #Veteran deaths by #suicide involve a firearm. Use of alcohol or other substances may be a way of coping with distress and in times of crisis. People may act impulsively. Consider additional safe storage practices, such as keeping firearms locked, unloaded and stored separately from ammunition to help create a safer environment. Safe storage also protects all members of the household, including children, from accident and injury. Download and read this brochure on reducing firearm safety risks.
Create a safety plan
Work with your #healthcareprovider to create a safety plan to reduce or stop your drinking and continue your journey to recovery. Having a plan in place and sharing it with a loved one can also help guide you through difficult moments and help prevent a crisis.
You are not alone
You are not alone in your path to wellness and recovery. Visit MakeTheConnection.net to view other #Veterans’ candid descriptions of life with problems due to alcohol use and what they did to get started on their road to recovery. Make time to seek out the support you need. Call a helpline, join a support group or get individual counseling.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of #suicide, contact the #Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, text to 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
Matthew Miller, Ph.D., MPH, is the director of VA’s #SuicidePrevention Program, Office of #MentalHealthandSuicidePrevention.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
