DID YOU KNOW...

Define Veteran: A veteran is a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable (Szymendera, 2015). National Guard and Reserve components must meet the same criteria.
Tennessee Population: The Department of Veteran Affairs has documented 506,000 veterans living in the state of Tennessee (Dept. of Veteran Affairs, 2014). The Census Bureau lists 24,920 veterans living in Montgomery County which neighbors Fort Campbell, KY (US Census, 2010-2014). Fort Campbell is fifth largest military population in the army and seventh largest in the DoD (Military Installations, 2015).

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Only 20% of OEF/OIF veterans report problems that include PTSD, depression, and/or alcohol and substance misuse  (Sripada, 2013).


The occurrence of alcohol use and PTSD diagnosis have been increasing; in fact, 40% of service members with PTSD meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. (Carter, 2011)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms of PTSD:
According to the Dept. of Veteran Affairs
www.ptsd.va.gov
1. Reliving a traumatic event.
    - nightmares, flashbacks, reacting to triggers

2. Avoiding situations that make you think about a        traumatic event(s).
    - feeling uneasy in crowds, fear of driving, loud or
      busy places.

3. Changes in beliefs and/or feelings.
    - lessening of positive feelings toward already              established relationships, feelings of distrust.

​4. Increase in alertness or irritability. 
    - trouble sleeping or concentrating. Reacting to  
       noises or surprises, constantly being on the
       lookout for danger.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Symptoms of TBI:
According to the Dept. of Veteran Affairs
http://www.polytrauma.va.gov/understanding-tbi/
Symptoms depend on the severity of the TBI which also affects the rate of recovery. 

1. Physical changes and/or issues, problems                    walking, fatigue

2. Changes in behavior

3. Problems with thinking skills

4. Headaches, dizziness, irritability

5. Memory problems

​6. Problems paying attention. 
References:
Carter, A. C., Capone, C., & Eaton Short, E. (2011). Co-occurring Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorders in Veteran Populations. Journal Of Dual Diagnosis, 7(4), 285-299. doi:10.1080/15504263.2011.620453
Sripada, R. K., Rauch, S. M., Tuerk, P. W., Smith, E., Defever, A. M., Mayer, R. A., & ... Venners, M. (2013). Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Treatment Response in Prolonged Exposure for PTSD. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 26(3), 369-375. doi:10.1002/jts.21813
Szymendera, S.D., (2015). Congressional research service. Who is a “Veteran”? - Basic eligibility for veterans’ benefits. Retrieved from http://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42324.pdf

Department of Veteran Affairs References:
- PTSD: National Center for PTSD. www.ptsd.va.gov
- State Summaries: Tennessee, 2014. http://www.va.gov/vetdata/docs/SpecialReports/State_Summaries_Tennessee.pdf
- Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries, Polytrauma/TBI System of Care. http://www.polytrauma.va.gov/understanding-tbi/

US Census Bureau
- Tennessee Quick Facts. http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/47
- Montgomery County, TN Quick Facts. http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/47125,47
- Clarksville Tennessee Quick Facts. http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/4715160,47125,47
- Fort Campbell North CDP, KY Quick Facts. http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/2128486,4715160,47125,47

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Montgomery County Veterans Treatment Court                                                                      
vtc@mcgtn.net
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