Veterans Substance Abuse Disorder
Substance addiction within the veteran community is a growing concern in the United States—and the issue has only worsened in recent years. Today, nearly three million individuals serve as active duty service members, with nearly half a million in the U.S. Army alone. Additionally, more than 20 million veterans reside across the country.
Veterans often face significant physical and emotional challenges, including higher rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. These struggles increase their risk for substance use disorders involving drugs or alcohol. The good news is that a wide range of support and treatment resources are now available to help veterans overcome addiction and reclaim their lives.
Veteran Substance Abuse Statistics
Substance abuse remains a significant concern in the veteran community. Approximately 7% of U.S. veterans meet the criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD), though some age groups are at much higher risk. Veterans between the ages of 18 and 25 face the greatest vulnerability, with nearly 25% struggling with addiction. Among veterans who seek medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), almost 10% are treated for a Substance Use Disorder, including conditions like binge drinking, alcoholism, and addiction to painkillers or stimulants.
Binge drinking is one of the most common reasons veterans seek treatment, defined as consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short time. In recent years, opioid addiction has also risen significantly among veterans, with many turning to prescription painkillers or illicit drugs to cope with trauma and pain.
While coping with PTSD and trauma is a leading reason veterans use substances, other factors also contribute. Many veterans struggle with diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health conditions and face challenges adjusting to civilian life. Chronic pain management further drives prescription drug misuse in this population. From 2002 to 2008, the number of active-duty service members misusing prescription drugs doubled, with opioid medications like Fentanyl, OxyContin, Oxycodone, Vicodin, and Percocet among the most commonly abused.
Substance abuse among veterans can lead to serious consequences such as trauma, homelessness, physical health issues, mental health crises, and an increased risk of suicide. Here are a few key statistics:
- Over 80% of veterans with a substance use disorder abuse alcohol
- More than 25% abuse illegal drugs
- Nearly 10% experience co-occurring addictions, abusing both alcohol and illegal substances
Facts about Addiction
- Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug among veterans—over 10% reported using it in the past year.
- More than 10% of veterans have sought addiction treatment for heroin use.
- Approximately 45,000 veterans met the diagnostic criteria for heroin addiction in 2018.
- In the same year, about 41,000 veterans were diagnosed with an addiction to prescription painkillers.
- Hydrocodone, known by brand names like Norco and Vicodin, is among the most commonly misused prescription opioids by veterans.
- More than 5% of veterans have sought treatment for cocaine addiction.
- Male veterans are statistically more likely to experience substance use disorders than female veterans.
Why are Veterans at a Higher Risk for Developing Issues with Addiction?
The experience of war is a major contributing factor to trauma and mental health issues among returning veterans. For many, these experiences can lead to the onset or worsening of substance use disorders. The statistics are sobering—nearly 20% of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan meet the criteria for both PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD). Among veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), around 90% of those with SUD also have co-occurring mental health conditions, known as a dual diagnosis. But why is substance abuse so prevalent among veterans?
- Combat trauma significantly increases the risk of developing mental health issues. Veterans with multiple deployments are particularly vulnerable to PTSD and symptoms like nightmares, hypervigilance, and disrupted sleep patterns.
- Survivors of military sexual trauma often face mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Many turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism for the emotional pain.
- Prescription medications are frequently prescribed for combat-related injuries. In 2009 alone, nearly 4 million opioid prescriptions were written by military doctors, contributing to the rise in prescription drug abuse among veterans.
- Homelessness among veterans also correlates with increased substance abuse. An estimated 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night in the U.S.
- Stigma and access barriers often prevent veterans from seeking help. Many are hesitant to admit they have a problem due to fears of being judged or facing repercussions. Despite growing advocacy efforts, stigma around mental health and addiction persists in the military and veteran communities.
In conclusion
Substance use and addiction are pressing issues within the veteran community, affecting individuals at all stages of civilian life. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is frequently linked to substance abuse, as many veterans turn to drugs or alcohol to manage symptoms of trauma and anxiety.
If you or a loved one is a veteran facing challenges with substance use, it’s crucial to seek help as early as possible. There are dedicated resources and support systems available, including those provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Visit www.va.gov to explore treatment options and find the assistance you need.
