ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates that the most prevalent psychological health problem among soldiers returning from operation enduring freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD and substance abuse are integrated, complex problems resulting in impairment in functioning, military performance, and family/marital relationships. Similar to fighting in Vietnam, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have presented unique psychological stressors among veterans of these wars. Sean Thomas, a young veteran Marine deployed to Iraq during OIF and currently on disability for PTSD. He reported in 2009 that it was early to draw conclusions, but for people with severe PTSD, such as veterans, who were not responding to other PTSD treatments, the preliminary research findings on MDMA were very encouraging. It is critical that a country develop early identification, referral, and treatment for combat-related PTSD and substance abuse to reduce suffering, severity of impairment, and homelessness.
