After the War Zone: A Practical Guide for Returning Troops and Their Families

by Matthew J. Friedman, Laurie B. Slone, Laurie Slone

Book Overview

From the Director and Associate Director of the VA's National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: a highly practical, user-friendly guide that answering all conceivable questions about returning from war--for veterans and families

Two experts from the VA National Center for PTSD provide an essential resource for service members, their spouses, families, and communities, sharing what troops really experience during deployment...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1600940544
• ISBN13: 9781600940545
• Release Date: May 2008
• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A++ Survival Guide for Those who have Endured High Stress Trauma

What a fantastic book! I have nothing but thanks and praise for the authors, Laurie B. Sloan, PhD and Matthew J Friedman, MD, PhD for this excellent resource guide. Not only can this book be applied to those returning home from combat with the military, but also to those who are suffering the traumatic effects of severe accidents, natural and unnatural catastrophes, sexual trauma, and even incarceration- situations that may alter perception and threaten the person's view of the world. I hear what you're saying...how dare I compare the trauma of those in jail to those in combat? I have seen situations in which young men became involved with bad choices and were sent away for a year to "straighten them out"...and it was so traumatizing that they are suffering PTSD, panic attacks and depression, with no sympathizers or help available. This book is a lifesaver. The authors hone in on exact situations regarding the challenges of deployment, from the emotional cycle of pre-deployment, to the images we all have of the return; how the expectations are different on both sides. They explain the differences in mindset necessary to deal with being in battle, vs. the mindset needed by those running a household at home (while providing support to the one who is away). They explore the emotions involved - guilt, anger, grief, isolation, etc. - with superb explanations of situations that can cause these emotions, and why it is so difficult to adjust to life after homecoming. Stressful situations may leave their mark via post traumatic stress disorder, unresolved anger, adrenaline rush, alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, and more. They discuss various treatments to alleviate these disorders, with a practical assessment of how effective each may be. Discussions about stigmas that get in the way of seeking treatment offer practical recommendations for solving these dilemmas. A resource guide is provided at the back of the book listing advocacy and support groups for assistance. This book is really a valuable resource. It should be read by every authority in the military organization, as well as military families. Also by families dealing with accident victims in their households, those who have suffered sexual abuse or physical abuse, Probation Officers and counselors who are helping parolees to weave back into society successfully. To the authors: I suspect your work has saved more than a few lives, and I thank you for your efforts.

Outstanding, Hopeful Guide- Full of Great Insights and Resources

This important work provides a broad array of information that will help returning soldiers, their loved ones, friends, and community to understand the challenges of reintegration to civilian life. It provides education and advice for neighbors, coworkers, employers, and service providers who assist returning vets and their families. Actually, the book is for anyone who wonders what to expect when a service member returns home from a war zone. It shows all of us how to help when the going gets tough (and it will). For those like me, who were personally affected by the Vietnam War and its aftermath, we know how vital understanding and support is for our latest generation of combat vets and their families. You'll find eye-opening facts on p.25, about Operation Enduring Freeedom/Operation Iraqi Freeedom. The authors point out that unlike the Vietnam War, when the draft meant that most Americans were directly affected by the conflict, the modern "all volunteer" military has left participating families feeling a sense of isolation from the rest of society. Another fact: The top two reasons returning troops seek care at VA Medical Centers are pain from musculoskeletal problems and mental health problems. This book addresses every aspect of reintegration one can imagine, such as anticipation of return, the post-deployment stage (honeymoon period) special issues for reservists and women soldiers, reactions of children, problems with PTSD, communication problems, what it's like to be a loved one left at home, issues for the extended family, the need for social support, separating myth from reality, finances, relationships, and much more. The Resource Section alone is worth the price of the book, plus there is an excellent index. Kudos to authors Laurie B. Slone, Ph.D. the Associate Director for Research and Education of the VA National Center for PTSD,and to Matthew J. Friedman, MD, PhD, the Executive Director of the VA National Center for PTSD and a Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmocology at Dartmouth Medical School. This book is broad in scope, and will change lives for the better. Very highly recommended!

important book for 2009 and 2010

As more of the 1.6 million troops mobilized for Iraq and Afhanistan return home, this book will be a very important practical resource. The authors draw upon a wealth of experience in research and treatment to write a book that is down to earth, frank, and informative.

Returning Home, What to Expect

Congratulations, you survived your deployment! The very Skills and Mindset you honed and sharpened will now get in the way of you returning to your normal home environment. This book is valuable resource for you, your family, and your community. It "tells it like it is" and how it has been for thousands of soldiers before you returning from the WAR ZONE or from supporting The WAR ZONE. I'm a Vietnam Veteran, who thought my return from combat would be a smooth transition. That was NOT the case! I was not prepared and neither was my family, my community nor my nation. By studying this book, we all can gain understanding of what is required of the returning individuals and what is required to support them through reintegration from Warrior to Good Citizen. After the War Zone: A Practical Guide for Returning Troops and Their Families