Take Control of Your Drinking
VetChange mobile app and online program can help
Many people enjoy drinking a few alcoholic beverages. But have you ever wondered how much is too much? Too much alcohol, on a single occasion or over time, can take a serious toll on your health. If you're considering drinking less, VA can help along the way.
Heavy drinking can lead to dangerous health conditions such as sleep disorders and heart disease. VA offers many treatment options to help you avoid these risks to your health. VA's VetChange mobile app offers proven self-help tools that build skills to help you stop or cut back on problem drinking.
Break the cycle
If traumatic events have impacted you and you use alcohol to self-medicate your PTSD, you're not alone. Nearly 1 out of every 3 Veterans seeking treatment for substance use disorder also has PTSD. Using alcohol to treat PTSD symptoms can make it harder to cope with stress and trauma. Alcohol abuse can increase some common PTSD symptoms:
Panic attacks
Mood problems
Attention problems
Illness such as diabetes, heart disease, or liver disease
VetChange can help you cut down or quit drinking with guidance and tools to help manage your stress symptoms.
Use VetChange to stay on track
VetChange is a completely confidential way for you to:
Set personal goals to stop or cut back on drinking
Track your progress and stay motivated with daily feedback
Educate yourself about common situations that trigger drinking
Learn how to cope with stress, sleep problems, anger, and other feelings
You can use VetChange alone or with counseling. VetChange is not intended to replace professional treatment. Let your healthcare provider know if you are interested in VetChange. The app is free and available for iTunes (iOS) and Google Play (Android) download.
Online screenings
If you think you may suffer from either undiagnosed PTSD or alcohol abuse, you can take one of My HealtheVet's online screenings. The results are not recorded. You choose to share what you learn with your health care provider. Together, you and your health care team can decide your best next steps. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, send a Secure Message (sign in required) to your doctor.
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