Substance use is an increasingly serious issue among members of the United States Armed Forces and within America’s veteran population. While the rate of substance use disorders among those with military service is only slightly higher than the general population as a whole, the prevalence of an SUD and a co-occurring mental health issue, such as PTSD, depression, suicide risk, and trauma are much higher, making targeted treatment options a critical need.
Drug Use Among Active-Duty Military Personnel
Service members have a higher risk of having a substance use disorder, especially if they have experienced active deployment in a combat zone. Substance use disorders can lead to problems in deployed personnel for many of the same reasons they would affect productivity in the general population.
Substance abuse impacts the readiness and operational effectiveness needed in the military field. Working under the influence of drugs can place these individuals in danger, even at risk of death, during combat situations. Substance abuse, even if it is just prescribed pain medications, can impair decision-making and learning abilities and poor on-the-job performance. It can also put others in danger. While the risk of substance abuse disorders may be higher, there are contradicting statistics on illicit drug use by veterans and active duty service members. Compared to civilian populations, those currently in the armed forces generally exhibit lower rates of illegal substance abuse.
Research indicates that less than 1% of active military personnel reported using illicit drugs, while about 22% of civilians aged 18-25 were reportedly current users of illegal drugs or misusing prescription drugs.
Alcohol Abuse Among Military Members
On another note, among military personnel, alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, is a much more common occurrence. Studies show 30% of military members binge drink alcohol while only 24.7% of the general population reported binge drinking. Over 33% of military service personnel met the criteria for possible alcohol use disorder.
Drug Use Among Veterans
Illicit substance abuse among veterans is a pressing issue, with government studies showing alarming trends. Research indicates that nearly 5% of veterans report having used illegal drugs of any kind and more report abusing or misusing prescription drugs. Marijuana accounts for the majority of reported illegal drug use among military veterans in recent years, seeing sharp increases since 2020. Cannabis use disorder has increased by more than 50% among veterans, as reported by the Veterans Health Administration system.
Younger males who have served in the military are particularly vulnerable to substance use disorders. Male veterans between the ages of 18-25 often exhibit higher rates of drug use and diagnosed substance use disorders than the general population. This data highlights the need for personalized treatment and support for veterans struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
Alcoholism Among Veterans
Additionally, alcohol misuse is prevalent among military veterans, with a substantial number experiencing alcohol-related substance use disorders. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health analysis found veterans are more likely than non-veterans to engage in heavy drinking, and alcohol use disorders are the most common substance use disorder among this population. Almost twice as many veterans entering treatment centers report frequently misusing alcohol compared to those in the general population who have reported it.
This increased risk of alcoholism among veterans may be attributed to several factors, including coping with the stresses of reintegrating into civilian life. Additionally, research has found a correlation between combat exposure and problematic alcohol use, with veterans experiencing more combat being more likely to misuse alcohol than those with no combat experience.
Factors Contributing to Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Military
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing an effective substance use disorder treatment program aimed at supporting the mental health and fitness of military service members.
Why Do Active-Duty Military Members Use Drugs or Drink?
Active-duty members often face significant stress and trauma related to deployments, combat operations, and separation from families. These experiences can cause someone to reach for coping mechanisms that involve alcohol or drug misuse as a way to manage stress or numb emotional pain. Active-duty military members have been shown to have an increased risk of problematic drinking.
Just like with veterans, conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression are common among active-duty members. When struggling with mental illness, it can often lead to military substance abuse. This may even come in the form of misusing prescribed opioid pain relievers to self-medicate their posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD.
Some military environments can facilitate easier access to drugs or alcohol, depending on deployment locations. This accessibility can contribute to higher rates of substance abuse among active military personnel. The long, demanding hours of military service, on top of physical strain, and the need to maintain peak performance under pressure, can contribute to drug abuse as a means to stay alert, cope with physical demands, or even bond with peers.
Why Do Veterans Use Drugs or Drink?
Among veterans, several factors contribute to drug or alcohol abuse including stress, trauma, mental health issues such as PTSD, and challenges of transitioning from military life to civilian life. Helping a veteran make this transition may take significant support from military family members.
Veterans often experience high levels of stress and trauma during their service. Stress can also arise from prolonged periods of deployment overseas. These experiences can lead to experimenting with whatever coping mechanisms are available, which may involve misuse of pain medications or other illicit substance use.
There is a period of readjustment when someone leaves the service and reintegrates into their family life, which can be a challenge to a person’s mental health. Drug abuse can be more prevalent during this coping period.
Is PTSD Associated with Drug Abuse?
Environmental stressors, including combat exposure and deployment, may lead to mental health issues such as PTSD and depression. These disorders are prevalent among veterans and are strongly associated with veteran substance abuse as individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol to medicate or cope with symptoms of their PTSD or other mental health disorders.
A veteran may have been exposed to drugs during their time serving, either because those around them were using or as a means of managing pain or mental health symptoms. This exposure can contribute to ongoing substance use after service. Transitioning from combat service to civilian life can be challenging for a veteran, often leading to feelings of isolation, loss of purpose, and difficulty adjusting to new routines. Substance use may become a way to cope with these stressors and uncertainties.
Impact of Illicit Drug Use on Veterans and Active-Duty Military
The use of illicit drugs can have profound effects on the physical and mental health of veterans and the active military population. Physical health issues that may arise from illicit substance misuse may include the following:
Liver damage
Cardiovascular issues
Respiratory problems
Infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis
Substance use is often linked to worsening mental illness in service members and veterans, including:
Heightened PTSD symptoms
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior, possibly caused by PTSD
Illicit substances can significantly impact military preparedness and operational effectiveness. Substance use compromises cognitive functions critical for making sound decisions, potentially jeopardizing mission success and safety. Drugs can impair physical performance, reducing stamina, coordination, and overall fitness levels required for military duties. Substance use may also lead to disciplinary problems.
The consequences of illicit drug abuse extend beyond individual health and cognitive ability. Substance or alcohol misuse can isolate individuals from their support networks, leading to strained relationships and social isolation. Military personnel found using drugs may face legal repercussions, discharge, or loss of security clearance, impacting career prospects and economic stability. Treating veteran substance abuse and its associated health and social consequences imposes financial burdens on the military and broader society.
Addiction Treatment Options for Veterans and Active-Duty Military
Effective addiction treatment for veterans and service members is essential for promoting recovery and improving overall well-being.
Rehab Programs Tailored to Active-Duty Military Personnel
Early intervention is critical in addressing substance use issues among military personnel. Timely identification and treatment can mitigate the impact on focus and ensure personnel receive the support needed to recover and return to duty. Continuous support through counseling, peer assistance programs, and rehabilitation services is also emphasized to promote sustained recovery.
TRICARE is a healthcare program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families, that offers comprehensive coverage for addiction treatment. TRICARE coverage includes services like detoxification, outpatient counseling, residential treatment programs, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options, ensuring service members have access to substance use treatment that is tailored to serve their needs further.
Rehab Programs Designed for Veterans
Veterans have access to a minimal range of specialized treatment programs designed to address their unique needs. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers comprehensive addiction treatment programs tailored for veterans. These programs often include a combination of medical detoxification, behavioral therapies, and rehabilitation services to address substance use disorders effectively.
The MISSION Act, established in 2018, allows access to healthcare services through the Community Care Network. This allows veterans to benefit from substance use treatment centers in their community when they don’t have access to a VA facility or when specialized substance use disorder care is needed.
Community support plays a crucial role in veterans’ recovery from addiction and substance use disorders. Programs like the VA’s peer support services provide encouragement, understanding, training and shared experiences that can enhance treatment outcomes and act as the first step to long-term recovery.
By leveraging the benefits of these resources and support systems, veterans can receive the comprehensive care needed to overcome substance use disorders and achieve sustained wellness.
Learn How Wiley, a Military Veteran, Overcame Addiction
Wiley, a military veteran, shares his inspiring story of overcoming drug and alcohol addiction at Longbranch Recovery. From feeling hopeless and alone to finding hope and healing, learn how Wiley discovered his purpose when he overcame the stigma of seeking help, found support in the veteran community, and transformed his life through comprehensive addiction treatment. and how addiction treatment.
Active-Duty Military & Veterans Addiction Treatment Programs
We understand the unique pressures and experiences of those who serve our country. We’re proud to offer substance use disorder treatment programs tailored for both active-duty military personnel and veterans. From onsite detox and inpatient care to IOP and supportive living, Longbranch Recovery is there for every step of the recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/sources-definitions/illicit-drug-use.htm
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-military-life
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/substance-use-problems/
