Dryhootch announces plans for first Veteran run treatment center for PTSD in US

Aug. 13, 2008 - PRLog -- Dryhootch, a veterans nonprofit announced plans to rehabilitate a century old building on the grounds of the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee for a veterans peer to peer community center. This historic building was built shortly after the Civil War to treat soldiers returning from the battle field. In addition to physical injuries, "Faint Heart" or "Soldiers Heart" was this eras equivalent to PTSD. These grounds, that once provided holistic treatment in a secluded setting close to the City, will again seek to heal it warriors.

This veterans center follows the recommendations of the First Joint Commission of Veterans and VA Mental Health professionals in the country to look at how this country treats PTSD in returning troops and veterans. It studied current programs and new treatment options. The study found that many veterans are reluctant to seek help which may place a diagnosis of a PTSD mental disorder in their record. Many fear this may end their military career, or limit their choice of career in the private sector. Many younger veterans are put off by the environment of a large VA hospital treating many older veterans with debilitating physical conditions. The Dryhootch can offer a non threatening warm environment that combines the social atmosphere of a coffee house with programs that can aid the veteran in his/her readjustment.

The Dryhootch will be centered around a coffee house, offering blends such as Marine Mud, Navy Destroyer, Army bunker brew, etc.  Meeting rooms decorated with tributes to veterans of all eras will allow veterans groups, AA meetings, PTSD groups, etc to occur close to veteran housing, the VA Hospital & clinics. Social activities including poetry, music by veterans, and a planned veteran art fair that will bring the benefit of camaraderie so important to these veterans in combat.

Studies also show a high correlation of alcohol abuse and addiction with veterans suffering from PTSD. Anger issues, abuse, family problems, homelessness, employment issues, and legal problems can occur when PTSD is not dealt with early after the veteran returns home. Dryhootch will offer AA, NA meeting, along with sessions for Families to prepare for their veterans coming home, as well as employment tools, and homeless veteran support.

The Dryhootch will employ combat veterns trained as peer to peer counselers that can ran groups, provide information to veterans on programs and benefits, refer vets to the VA or a Vet Center for additional treatment while being alert to veterans potentially suicidal.

In addition to the planned physical veteran center, Dryhootch this week released its online site offering veterans information on PTSD, addition, family issues, as well as information on resources. Videos are frequently updated by staff as well as veterans who can become members and upload their own as well as photos, music, write their own blog or join discussion groups with other veterans on a wide variety of issues.

Veteran groups in other locales can use the Dryhootch model to help their veterans return home safely.

The Dryhootch has received letters of support from a wide community of veteran organizations, The WI Department of Veteran Affairs, the VA Mental Health Department, Vet Center, political leaders, etc.

Dryhootch also announced a major fund raising project to help this center become a reality as no Federal or other government funds are available.

For more information on this Dryhootch model, go to www.dryhootch.org

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Dryhootch is a nonprofit veterans community center offering peer to peer counseling, help with PTSD, addiction, family issues, and transition assistance for those returning home from war. We offer a safe place centered around a coffee house.