Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Bartenders may be able to help veterans in need
By Staff Writer
If a patron is sitting at the bar alone and has something to get off their chest, chances are pretty good that the bartender will lend an ear. However, a recent pilot study indicates that these professionals might be able to provide more than good conversation to veterans who might suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions.
In the pilot study, researchers from Ohio State University reviewed the survey results of 71 bartenders working at 32 separate Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. Of these participants, 73 percent described their relationship with customers as being family-like. About 70 percent reported that veteran patrons "always" or "often" opened up about their problems.
Of the participating bartenders, 80 percent also said they would be willing to refer troubled patrons to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
According to the researchers behind the study, this is important, as a number of veterans are not willing to seek out help on their own. For instance, individuals who are afflicted by psychological trauma or PTSD may be in need of treatment such as cognitive therapy.
Based on the results of their study, the researchers believe that bartenders are well-suited to assist veterans in getting the help they need.
