Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that develops after a person is exposed to traumatic events such as sexual assault, serious injury or the threat of death. In the typical case, the individual with PTSD persistently avoids all thoughts and emotions, and discussion of the stressor event and may experience amnesia for it. However, the individual relives the event through intrusive, recurrent recollections, flashbacks, and nightmares.
Persons considered at risk include combat military personnel, victims of natural disasters, concentration camp survivors, and victims of violent crime. Veterans frequently experience ‘survivor’s guilt’ for remaining alive while others died. Veterans trying to cope with their PTSD may turn to substances to alleviate their symptoms, which may lead to SUD which refers to the overindulgence in and dependence of a drug or other chemical leading to effects that are detrimental to the individual’s physical and mental health, or the welfare of others.
As part of this thesis, I looked at various support options offered to veterans, and found that conventional rehabilitation centers have a shockingly low rate of success of only 15%. Part of their ineffectiveness lies in the fact that their programs are too prescriptive and not individualistic, their spaces are clinical and not homely and welcoming. While significant advances are being made in the field of medicine, there seems to be a lack of complementary advances in rehabilitation architecture. Additionally, Studies have shown that drug abuse costs the US economy over $500 billion a year, thus validating the need to rethink the current drug rehabilitation system.
I do not undermine or undervalue the social and personal side of rehabilitation, which is out of the architect’s hands, however, I feel that rethinking a traditional recovery center can influence the patient’s perception of the program, and possibly make him or her more willing to change. I will look at new, alternative, holistic programs that are being advocated and followed by a rising group of professionals in the medical field since these programs are proving to be a more effective means of recovery for veterans. I will attempt to merge my scientific findings with complementary architectural solutions. The close relationship between the two will help create an environment that is more conducive to recovery.