Veterans & Military Personnel

Hear stories that you can relate to.

Common challenges

Every veteran and service member has a different story, but many face similar challenges while serving in the military and while transitioning back to civilian life. During both periods, some people may turn to  alcohol or other drugs as a means of relieving stress or seeking pleasure. Here are some common challenges that veterans and service members may face:

Environmental factors

In the military, celebrating, passing the time, or easing pain with alcohol or prescription drugs can be common occurrences. While illicit drug use rates are commonly lower in the military due to drug testing, use of opioid painkillers differently than prescribed is at a much higher level than civilian rates and is on the rise. It can be difficult to identify addiction or alcohol dependency, especially in yourself, when you’re surrounded by people who may regularly drink or use drugs.

Traumatic events

Military experience can leave service members with psychological as well as physical wounds, even as they transition back to civilian life. According to the National Institutes of Health, 1 in 4 veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan reported symptoms of a mental or cognitive disorder, while 1 in 6 reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conditions like PTSD have a strong association with substance use. According to the National Center for PTSD, veterans with PTSD are more likely to have substance use disorder(s) than veterans without PTSD.

Service members may also be affected by military sexual trauma after experiencing a sexual assault. For survivors of sexual violence, substance use is a common coping mechanism.

Expectations and career pressure

Opioids, alcohol, and tobacco can seem like easy solutions to the stress of a military lifestyle. In fact, the National Institutes of Health estimates that 47 percent of active duty service members binge-drink and 30 percent of all service members are current smokers. These rates are even higher among those who have been exposed to combat. In an environment where many personnel are exposed to life-threatening situations, it’s not surprising that rates of substance use are higher among veterans and service members than among civilians.

Signs of a problem

Many veterans turn to alcohol and other drugs during and after service, and it can be difficult to tell when substance use meets criteria for a disorder  — especially in yourself. Generally, it’s time for concern when drug or alcohol use interferes with your daily life, your relationships, your job, or the activities that keep your life on track. If you notice signs of an alcohol or other substance use disorder in yourself or a friend, it may be time to reach out for support.

Support for service members and veterans

You don’t have to deal with drug or alcohol problems alone. Many resources are available to military personnel and veterans, offering substance abuse prevention specialists, counseling centers, or other mental health resources for support.

If you’re considering professional care, learn what to look for and how to find a program near you when choosing addiction treatment for veterans.

Department of Veterans Affairs

For veterans looking for treatment for  substance use disorders, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your health insurance provider can connect you with a recovery program, such as inpatient rehab or outpatient therapy. Working with a health care professional can help you manage withdrawal symptoms during the detox phase of recovery (getting the drugs or alcohol out of your system) and learn ways to manage cravings. VA health care providers can refer veterans to long-term resources that have worked for others or identify effective support groups. Your local Vet Center can be a helpful starting point for finding support and starting your recovery.

Military Health System

Detecting problems with substance use early can help increase the chances of successful treatment. Health.mil has a page dedicated to identifying signs of a substance use problem, along with links to support programs tailored to specific service branches.

National Center for PTSD

Drinking and drug use are common ways to cope with bad memories and traumatic events from military experiences or other major life events. The National Center for PTSD is a great resource for learning about the latest research findings and consulting with professionals about your personal experiences in coping after a traumatic experience.

Drug Take Back Program

The Military Health System established the Drug Take Back Program to help beneficiaries properly dispose of their prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. The program is available at all military treatment facility pharmacies in the United States.

Make the Connection

VA’s Make the Connection campaign enables veterans, service members, and their family members and friends to hear stories from fellow veterans who have coped with difficult life experiences, mental health challenges, and substance use issues. The Make the Connection website features a video gallery of hundreds of veterans talking about how they recognized their problems, found support, and got better. There is a story on the site that every service member and veteran can relate to, along with information on VA and community-based sources of support.

VetChange

VetChange helps veterans determine whether their alcohol use is putting them at risk and work on reducing their drinking in a free, confidential, and self-paced program.

Veterans Crisis Line

Whether you’re concerned about your personal safety or the safety of a friend or family member who is in crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line will connect you with qualified, caring responders through a toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. This confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Sources: 

National Center for PTSD

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Sources

Substance Use and PTSD, National Center for PTSD

Substance Use and Other Mental Health Disorders Among Veterans Returning to the Inner City: Prevalence, Correlates, and Rates of Unmet Treatment Need, Substance Use & Misuse, 2013

Substance Misuse, Military Health System