In a pioneering move to address the complex mental health needs of UK Armed Forces (UKAF) veterans, Change Grow Live, the UKs largest drug and alcohol charity, has partnered with UKAF mental health charity PTSD Resolution (PTSDR) to launch a programme which provides integrated care for veterans struggling with both substance misuse and post-traumatic stress.

Alcohol has historically been used in the UKAF to encourage bonding and to deal with difficult experiences.  Among veterans who sought help from their GP for stress or mental health issues, 18% met the criteria for alcohol misuse (Kings College London 2020)*. Yet, the two related conditions are often treated separately by mental health services, with veterans required to address addiction issues before they can receive trauma treatment.

The six-month pilot programme which initially supports 30 veterans in St Helens, aims to address the disconnect between the two services. It combines Change Grown Live's expertise in substance misuse treatment with PTSDR's specialisation in veteran mental health, using Human Givens Therapy, a proven approach for treating trauma. The integrated approach could have far-reaching implications beyond mental health and substance misuse. For example, contributing to reducing homelessness among veterans, improving their employment prospects, and helping to reunite families affected by these issues.

Charles Highett, CEO of PTSD Resolution, stated:

"Too often veterans suffering from military trauma or related mental health issues are told by other health services that they first have to resolve any addiction issues before getting treatment for the underlying trauma. We treat all veterans, provided they are sober for the therapy session of course. The new research will confirm the efficacy of this approach.”

Dr. Ben Grall, Specialty Doctor and member of Change Grow Live's Veterans Task Force, added:

"At CGL, we've seen firsthand the complex interplay between substance misuse and mental health issues among veterans. This partnership with PTSD Resolution enables us to address these challenges holistically, providing veterans with the full support they need and deserve."

The progress of the programme, which aligns closely with legislative changes to the Armed Forces Act and the Government's 10-Year Drugs Strategy, will be jointly monitored by both organisations. Success will be evaluated based on engagement and retention in treatment, improvement in PTSD symptoms and overall mental health, impact on substance abuse recovery, and veteran satisfaction with the services provided. If successful, the pilot has the potential to be expanded nationwide, potentially transforming the landscape of veteran care in the UK.

Veterans interested in participating in this groundbreaking programme, which is free, are encouraged to contact their local Change Grow Live service for more information. Other organisations working in veteran support, mental health, or substance misuse fields are invited to follow the progress of this pilot and consider how they might participate in or learn from its outcomes by joining Change Grow Live’s Veteran Support Working Group, by emailing VeteranSupportWorkingGroup@cgl.org.uk

More information can be found at:
www.ptsdresolution.org
www.changegrowlive.org