Taking Care of Our Nation’s Heroes

More than one in ten veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder. But why are military servicemen and women more vulnerable to addiction than the general population?

All veterans experience significant periods of readjustment as they leave their service and become reacquainted with their family, friends, and community. However, lingering trauma and mental health concerns from deployment, combat, and post-deployment challenges can make veterans particularly at-risk for substance abuse.

On top of these social and emotional factors, veterans are greatly impacted by several issues related to addiction and substance use, including chronic pain, suicidality, trauma, and homelessness. Many veterans face difficulties related to pain management; nearly 66% report chronic pain, which puts this population at high risk for prescription opioid abuse. They may also turn to alcohol to manage pain or the symptoms of mental illness; 65% of veterans who enter treatment report alcohol as the substance they most often misuse, which is nearly double the rate of the general population.

Reported rates of illicit drug use increase when people leave military service; marijuana, heroin, and cocaine have become major points of concern, along with licit substances like prescription opioids and alcohol.

The stigma of mental illness and addiction adds to the challenges faced by members of the armed forces. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, half of military personnel have reported that they believe seeking help for mental health problems would negatively impact their career. This burden stays with them long after their service has concluded; as such, many individuals dealing with a dual diagnosis do not receive the care they need. Fortunately, comprehensive treatment is available.