POST COMBAT RISK-TAKING BEHAVIOR
Risk-Taking behavior definition
• Riding a motorcycle at high speeds with or without a helmet
• Driving a vehicle at very high speeds • Abusing alcohol or drugs
• Driving while intoxicated
• Various extreme sports
Website: http://www.magellanmflc.org/media/8996/postcombatrisktakingbehavior.pdf
STATISTICS
• Service Members returning from combat are 25% more likely to die from post-combat injury related deaths than those who served in the military, but did not see combat.
Website: http://www.militaryonesource.mil/social/webinar-archives?program=deployment%7Ccontent_id=283578
UNDERSTANDING RISK-TAKING BEHAVIOR
• Creating strong bonds – a sense of brotherhood • Preparing for the worst case scenario – kill or be killed
• Emphasis on remaining hyper-vigilant and looking at all situations with suspicion • Conditioned for quick reactions and decision – reacting on impulse or reflex
• Ability to clear mind of other distractions – focus on mission at hand
UNDERSTANDING RISK-TAKING BEHAVIORS Continue
• A threatening or potentially threatening event occurs
• Chemicals are released in the body causing a flight or fight response
• Fight or flight increases arousal and intensifies the initial response
• Endorphins are released
• Emotional and physical pain are reduced
POST-COMBAT INVINCIBILITY
• A conditioned emotional response to trauma • Feelings of power and excitement during combat
• Creates a feeling of invincibility – “I survived combat, therefore I can survive anything in civilian life.” Post combat:
• Civilian life may seem boring
• A desire to recreate the combat rush ( this can intensify with multiple deployments and exposure to violence and death)
• The desire to recreate the combat rush can lead to risk-taking behaviors
• The sense of brotherhood disappears as units re-organize and adjust after a return from deployment; i.e. – assignment and unit changes
SURVIVING POST-COMBAT
SURVIVING POST-COMBAT Continue
• Stay busy
• Find safe and structured ways to exert physical and mental energy
• Take a motorcycle safety course and join a motorcycle club
• Engage in competitive sports such as: baseball, football, basketball, paint ball, martial arts, boxing
• Engage in non-competitive sports such as: Jogging, biking or working out at the gym
• Build a network of friends and confidants
• Have diversity in your life; find that balance
Summary
• Repeated exposure to combat creates a continuous fight or flight response and release of chemicals such as adrenalin and endorphins
• Surviving post-combat requires devising a plan, staying busy and engaging in safe and structured activities
• Support should be an important component of the postcombat plan
• If these suggestions don’t work and risk-taking behaviors continue, seek help from a behavioral health professional