PTSD, Substance Abuse and Returning OEF/OIF Guard and
Reserve Veterans
Program Description
North Carolina’s citizens serving in the NC National Guard and Reserves are returning
home from combat tours in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
(OEF/OIF). These veterans (and/or their families) have begun to contact LMEs for
assistance with post-deployment life functioning problems. It is essential that our
MHDDSAS system respond in a knowledgeable and determined fashion. Most returning
OEF/OIF veterans experience post-deployment stressors and the majority cope well with
the transition from combat back to the noncombat environment. This training will
explain and discuss the clinical features that indicate ineffective and/or maladaptive
coping for those returning with PTSD. Relevant research on assessment, diagnosis, and
effective treatment planning will be reviewed.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of this workshop, participants should increase their ability to effectively
care for clients by being able to:
 Become familiar with the contributions of North Carolina’s Guard and Reserve
citizens and their involvement in the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq;
 Discuss the phases of change and adjustment experienced by OEF/OIF veterans
and their families with the context of the military culture regarding predeployment, deployment, sustainment, and post-deployment;
 Recognize the relevant stressors and normal human responses to trauma and
chronic stress to include mental health and substance abuse issues;
 Review the diagnostic categories relevant to returning veterans and discriminate
between normal readjustment issues, post-traumatic stress and Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder;
 Utilize case studies to apply concepts reviewed in this training and define a
working hypothesis for intervention and or referral strategies;
 As well as implement these skills in their daily practice.
Agenda
8:30 am
9:00 am
10:30 am
10:45 am
12:00 pm
1:15 pm
REGISTRATION
∙Introductions, Review of Agenda and Learning Goals
∙Situation Report: What do the Numbers Tell US
∙Stats on NC’s involvement in OEF/OIF
∙Deployment Psychological/Emotional Response
BREAK
∙Implications for all Returning Veterans
∙Post-Deployment Changes: Signs and Symptoms
∙Risk and Resiliency Factors
∙Combat Stressors: Where Trauma Begins
LUNCH
∙Myths and Facts about PTSD
2:30 pm
2:45 pm
4:15 pm
4:45 pm
∙The Continuum of Responses to Combat Stressors
∙Normal Responses—Adjustment Disorders
∙Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(s)
BREAK
∙Case Studies—PTSD, Substance Abuse, of Readjustment Issues?
∙Case Study #1 –Group Process
∙Case Study #2 – Group Process
∙Clinical Interventions and Resources
∙Clinical Cautions and Concerns
ADJOURNMENT
Faculty
L. Worth Bolton, ACSW, LCAS, CCS, is currently working with the Behavioral
Healthcare Resource Program in the School of Social Work at the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to coming to UNC, Worth has 25 years of work experience
in substance abuse services to adults and adolescents in a wide variety of service settings.
He is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the graduate Social Work program at UNC
coordinating and teaching in the Certificate in Substance Abuse Studies Program. Worth
is past Chair and Board Member of the N.C. Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Studies
and currently serving on the N.C. Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board. Worth
is also past Chair of the Steering Committee of NASW in the Alcohol, Tobacco and
Other Drugs Practice Section. He has provided training, consultation, and technical
assistance to business/industry, social service agencies, and the military. Worth is a
Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist and is certified in Clinical Supervision and
Addiction Services. Additionally, Worth is a two-tour combat veteran having served in
Viet Nam from 1969-1971 and ahs worked with the military and veteran groups since
that time on mental health and substance abuse issues as a consultant, trainer, and clinical
preceptor.