For many veterans, their military service brought challenges that can be hard to navigate. Their experiences — whether in combat or when adjusting back to civilian life — are stressful and can be traumatizing, and for some, can lead them to turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope. While there are some symptoms of addiction stand out immediately, the signs of drug abuse in veterans may not always be what you expect. What seems like mood swings, withdrawal from family or friends, or difficulty sleeping could actually indicate a deeper problem. Recognizing a problem with substance use early in veterans is important in helping them get the support and care they need to heal.
Substance Abuse among Veterans
The stressors of military life, such as permanently moving their families, serving in combat, trauma, and readjusting to the civilian world, make our veteran population more susceptible to addiction. To cope with the psychological distress, many veterans turn to legal or illegal substances.
The effects of substance misuse and addiction can be far-reaching, but the first signs of addiction may be subtle. The physical effects of drug or alcohol addiction can vary widely. They will also depend on factors like their drug of choice, the frequency and amount of use, their body size, and any co-occurring mental health disorders.
Despite the differences in physical symptoms, some common social and behavioral red flags could mean a veteran is struggling with substance use.
Signs of Substance Abuse
Effects of Substance Use
As substance use continues, veterans may find that the challenges they face become more overwhelming, leading to a downward spiral in various aspects of their lives. The impact of continued drug or alcohol use can appear in several significant ways:
Financial Problems: Increased spending on drugs or alcohol can drain savings and create a cycle of debt, leading to financial instability and possibly the inability to afford basic necessities.
Frequent Tardiness or Absenteeism: Holding steady employment or staying involved at school can become difficult as a person’s drug use begins to affect their performance. Constant lateness and unexcused absences may result in disciplinary action or even being fired, further compounding stress and a sense of failure.
Declining Work or School Performance: Declining memory, concentration, and decision-making can result in poor performance at work or school, not only limiting a veteran’s opportunities for advancement or success, but also affecting their self-worth.
Strained Relationships: Substance use causes conflict in relationships with family and friends. Veterans may become more withdrawn, irritable, or aggressive, leading to arguments and feeling alone or abandoned.
Skipping Commitments: People who misuse substances often find it difficult to stick to personal or professional commitments. Missed appointments, broken promises, and being unreliable in general can damage trust.
Physical and Mental Health Problems: Addiction takes a toll on the body and mind. Veterans in active addiction may experience worsening of known chronic conditions, new health problems, or increased severity of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
The appearance or combination of these challenges can create a feedback loop, where the effects of a veteran’s substance use lead to a greater need to cope, therefore more use.
To break the cycle, a person needs to address the root causes of their alcohol or drug addiction in order to learn how to manage stressors in a healthy way, and reclaim control over their life. This is especially important for veterans.
How Prevalent is Addiction in Military Veterans?
Nearly 11% of veterans served by the Veterans Health Administration system (VA Health System) meet the criteria for a substance use disorder when they are first seen in the clinic.
After military service, veterans go through a period of adjustment as they reintegrate into their homes and communities. This process can be challenging in many ways and increases the risk for substance use disorders.
Additional addiction risk factors for Veterans can include traumatic brain injuries, violence in relationships, and mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, or anxiety disorders.
Between 37-50% of Afghanistan and Iraq War veterans were diagnosed with a mental health condition, and 63% of those diagnosed with substance use disorders also met the criteria for PTSD. To find lasting recovery from addiction, it is important to diagnose and treat any co-occurring mental disorders at the same time.
Diagnosing Substance Use Disorders in Veterans
Addiction can develop insidiously, but knowing the signs and symptoms of substance use disorders can help. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) lists criteria mental health professionals use to identify and diagnose a substance use disorder. These criteria include:3
Using a substance for a longer period or in greater amounts than originally intended
Having a persistent desire to stop using or cut back on use yet being unable to
Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol or drug use
Experiencing strong cravings or urges to use a substance
Being unable to fulfill duties at home, school, or work due to substance use
Continuing to use the substance(s) despite the use causing problems in relationships
Giving up previously important commitments or events for substance use
Repeatedly engaging in substance use in physically hazardous situations
Continuing to use the substance despite knowing it causes or worsens physical or psychological problems
Developing a tolerance to the substance or needing more of it over time to feel the same effects
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use is abruptly discontinued or significantly reduced
A diagnosis of a substance use disorder typically requires at least two of the above criteria to be present in the past 12 months. However, if even one is present, seeking assistance from a professional can help keep misuse from worsening and provide the opportunity to address any psychological or behavioral concerns.
Only a mental health professional can diagnose a substance use disorder. If you are concerned, talk to your primary care physician, an addiction professional, or another mental health professional. Knowing if you have a substance use disorder or other mental health problems is the first step toward recovery and a healthy future.
Types of Addiction Treatment Programs
Because addiction affects people in different ways, addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Rehab programs are offered at multiple care levels to meet various of needs and circumstances. Levels of care vary from intensive, 24/7 inpatient or residential support to more flexible outpatient services, allowing individuals to receive treatment while continuing their daily lives.
Detox
Detoxification, commonly called detox, is usually the first step in overcoming addiction. During this stage, substances are safely removed from the patient’s body under the supervision of medical professionals.
Many individuals experience withdrawal symptoms during detox. Professional medical support is crucial to monitor vitals and ensure safety while minimizing discomfort.
Detox is not a standalone treatment. By removing harmful substances and stabilizing the body, detox is a necessary process that creates a foundation for clinical rehab programming.
Inpatient or Residential Addiction Treatment Programs
Inpatient or residential treatment involves staying at the facility and receiving care 24/7 from medical and clinical providers, including therapists, social workers, physicians, nurses, wellness specialists, and other recovery advocates.
Residential treatment for veterans often includes a stay that averages 30-45 days, with some clients staying in treatment longer based on their specific needs, such as the severity of the addiction, co-occurring mental health issues, and previous rehab programs. Programming may include private, group, and family therapy sessions, 12-Step study, wellness, medication management services, life skills education, as well as recreational and social activities.
Outpatient Rehab Options for Veterans
Rehab programs at the outpatient level of care involves living at home or in another supportive living environment and commuting to a rehab center for treatment. Outpatient addiction treatment includes partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP).
A PHP program generally includes 20 to 40 treatment hours per week, while IOP programs could be 10 to 20 hours of treatment per week. Both types of outpatient programs offer comprehensive care and may also include medication and case management, and various therapy modalities in individual and group settings.
Veterans Recovery Aftercare Programs
Aftercare services occur after rehab completion to sustain the progress made and foster recovery. Examples of aftercare services include 12-step meetings, support groups, recovery coaching, and ongoing outpatient counseling.
Many veterans in recovery also benefit from staying in a supportive sober living environment that helps provide a transition from residential care to independent living at home.
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.
Addiction Treatment Benefits for Veterans
Veterans seeking help for addiction have access to a wide range of treatment benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits cover various levels of care, from detox and residential treatment to outpatient services and aftercare. In addition to VA facilities, veterans can receive care from community providers through the VA Community Care Network (VACCN).
This network allows veterans to access high-quality, evidence-based addiction treatment at approved centers like Longbranch Recovery, ensuring they receive the specialized care they need. By accessing these benefits, veterans can embark on a tailored path to recovery.
When to Seek Help for Alcohol or Drug Use
If you find yourself wondering whether you or a loved one might have a problem with substance misuse, it’s a sign that reaching out for help is the right step. Evidence-based treatment options are specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by veterans, offering tailored support for both men and women who have served.
Specialized programs, such as those offered by Longbranch, focus not only on the individual’s needs but also connect veterans with peers who truly understand how they feel. These programs offer a compassionate and supportive environment where veterans can find the strength to overcome addiction and reclaim their lives.
Addiction Treatment for Veterans at Longbranch
At Longbranch Recovery and Wellness, we are proud to offer military veterans specialized treatment for substance use disorders, such as alcoholism, opioid use disorders, prescription pain medication misuse, as well as treatment for co-occurring mental health issues including PTSD, depression, trauma, and anxiety. Our experienced clinicians use evidence-based methods to help veterans get to the root of their addiction, tailoring treatment plans to each individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
Our programs are comprehensive and address the emotional, behavioral, and medical concerns of those we treat. We offer addiction treatment programs at all levels of care, including onsite detox services, residential rehab programs, intensive outpatient programs, and extended care with sober transitional housing for veterans.
After veterans complete a rehab program at Longbranch, they also have access to aftercare programs. These include weekly group and 12-Step meetings, recovery coaching sessions, and a supportive community through our Next Steps and Alumni programs.
Addiction Treatment Programs for Veterans Near You
Longbranch Recovery and Wellness provides affordable, top-quality drug and alcohol rehab programs at our facilities in Louisiana and Arkansas.
Residential Addiction Treatment Center
Longbranch Recovery in Abita Springs
Veterans Extended Care Addiction Recovery Programs
NORA House @ Longbranch Recovery in Covington
NORA House @ Longbranch Recovery in Jonesboro
Outpatient Rehab Centers
Resources:
- Victoria State Government Department of Health. (2022). How drugs affect your body.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Substance use and military life drugfacts.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th edition).
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). What are the treatments for comorbid substance use disorder and mental health conditions?
