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Reckless Behavior

Learn more about reckless behavior, treatment options, self-help tools, and resources to overcome challenges.

What is reckless behavior?

Maybe you’ve noticed lately you’re a lot more interested in risky and dangerous activities. Or perhaps you’re pushing things to the extreme, spending large amounts of money on a whim, or not thinking about the consequences of your actions until it’s too late. If this is the case, you may be showing signs of reckless behavior.

Serving in the military, especially if you were in a combat zone, can sometimes require engaging in a certain amount of risk to stay alive and protect yourself. However, engaging in risky behavior on an ongoing basis — particularly once you’ve returned from deployment or just in order to get an adrenaline rush — can lead to serious injury or death.

The reasons for pursuing reckless behavior differ from person to person and may or may not be directly related to the kinds of dangerous situations someone encountered in the military. Your reckless behavior may seem minor, like not wanting to obey speed limits and traffic lights, or more risky, such as driving extremely fast or picking a fight with people who irritate you. Many people who repeatedly do reckless things are seeking a feeling of excitement. For some people, however, no risky behavior ever seems to be exciting enough — no matter how thrilling the activity.

“Serving in a combat zone made civilian life kind of boring. When I first got back, I felt like ‘civilian’ rules just didn’t apply to me.”

Choosing to engage in reckless behavior affects more people than just you. It can also cause the people you care about to worry, and can be dangerous to yourself and others.

Reckless behavior is different from acting irresponsibly only once in a while. A pattern of reckless behavior may involve the following features:

  • Repeatedly going over the limit in almost any activity
  • Doing risky or hurtful things to yourself or others
  • Putting others at risk
  • Ignoring or not thinking about the potential results of risky activities
  • Not paying attention to others' concerns about your actions
  • Feeling regret after irresponsible actions

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What can I do if I’ve noticed myself engaging in reckless behavior?

There are things you can do to prevent yourself from engaging in risky behavior. Try to remember to:

  • Establish periods of downtime, especially if you often feel riled up, overly excited, or angry.
  • Take deep breaths when you feel stressed, and give yourself a break by relaxing in a peaceful, quiet place.
  • Plan ahead to avoid situations that might lead to reckless or dangerous behavior—for example, try to leave early or late to avoid rush-hour traffic, or arrange for a ride home if you’ll be drinking.
  • Recognize cycles of reckless behavior and work with your close family and friends to identify and avoid them.
  • Find safe ways of getting an adrenaline rush in new activities that won’t lead to negative consequences.
  • Find a way to avoid or get out of potentially risky situations.
“I had this sense of invincibility. But looking back, I see how ridiculous it would have been for me to survive all that time overseas just to come back and hurt or kill myself in some reckless stunt.”

Your close friends or family may be the first to notice your reckless behavior. Consider sharing with them what you're feeling and experiencing that leads to this behavior and ask what they've noticed. They may be able to provide support and help you find resources to address the issues you’re dealing with.

Take the next step to connect with care.

Every day, Veterans from all military service branches and eras connect with proven resources and effective treatments. Here’s how to take the next step: the one that’s right for you.

New to VA? Apply for health care benefits.

Already enrolled in VA and interested in mental health support? Schedule a mental health appointment.

  • If you’re already enrolled and using VA health care, the fastest way to schedule VA appointments is to call the VA facility where you want to receive care.
  • With VA Appointments tools, you can schedule some VA health care appointments online, view details about upcoming appointments, and organize your health care calendar.
  • If you’re not using VA medical services, contact your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center to talk about your needs.

What about other options at VA? VA offers a variety of tools and resources.  

  • The Veteran Training online self-help portal for overcoming everyday challenges includes modules on managing anger, developing parenting and problem-solving skills, and more.
  • Mental health apps for Veterans cover a variety of topics, ranging from PTSD to anger management to quitting smoking.
  • VA TeleMental Health connects you with a VA mental health provider through a computer or mobile device in your home or at your nearest VA health facility. You can learn more about this option from your local VA medical center.
  • Community-based Vet Centers provide confidential counseling, community engagement and referral services to eligible individuals and their families. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA healthcare or have a service connection to receive services. Find a Vet Center near you or call 1-877-927-8387, 24/7 to talk with a fellow Veteran about your experiences.

What about support beyond VA?

There’s a whole community of support ready to help with whatever you’re going through. Use this tool to find resources near you.

Explore these resources for more information about Veterans addressing reckless behavior.

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Additional Resources

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Vet Center

Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers across the nation in all 50 states and US territories that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including counseling to eligible Veterans, service members - including National Guard and Reserve components – and their families. Counselors and outreach specialists, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief, and transition after trauma. To learn more, find your nearest Vet Center. Teams are also available 24/7 by phone at 1-877-927-8387.

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Veterans Crisis Line

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Free support is confidential and available 24/7. Dial 988 then Press 1, chat here or text 838255.

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Self-Help Tools

Veterans can access online courses that provide instruction and training in problem-solving, parenting, anger management, sleeping better, managing stress and more.

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