2010

Addiction can manifest in any client population. Thus community-based counselors in all areas of specialization must be prepared to address addiction issues as they arise in their clients. Addiction is a powerful illness capable of destroying lives, particularly as permanent sobriety may take multiple attempts. For most addicted individuals, asking for help is a difficult task. Stigma and shame are hindrances to finding assistance. In addition, losing credibility, rank, family, and friends are grave concerns. These concerns are particularly problematic for addicted veterans of the Armed Forces (Campbell, 2008). Veterans, especially those who have been deployed, are often left with emotional and psychological wounds treated by “self-medication” or excessive alcohol and/or drug use (Hazelden Foundation, 2007).