Veteran addiction is a serious issue that affects thousands of veterans every year. Unfortunately, the prevalence of mental health issues among veterans, such as PTSD and depression, can lead to a higher risk of substance use and addiction. While many veterans can overcome their addictions, relapse is common, and the need for treatment and support is urgent. That’s where a veteran addiction hotline comes in. If you or your loved one needs treatment, don’t hesitate to contact our hotline at 866-210-1303.
PTSD is one of the leading causes of substance abuse in veterans. It is believed that between 40% and 50% of veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars suffer a mental ailment or disorder. This statistic is even higher among female veterans, who are five times more likely to develop PTSD than their male counterparts, which can lead to substance abuse and addiction.
What Is Veteran Addiction?
Addiction among veterans can be defined as problematic and repeated use of drugs or alcohol, resulting in significant issues managing daily life. While the causes of substance use vary, the addiction triggers can be similar. PTSD is one of these triggers because it can lead to feelings of solitude, isolation, and depression.
The Prevalence of Addiction Among Veterans
The rate of addiction among veterans is higher than that of civilians, and the rate of substance use among veterans varies between different age groups with the same war experiences. For instance, 65% of veterans in treatment say alcohol is their primary substance of use, which over double the general population.
There are several factors that can predict addiction in veterans. These include a history of drug or alcohol use, homelessness, and a family history of addiction. Veterans need to identify these risk factors to receive proper treatment.
Challenges Faced by Veterans That Could Lead to Addiction
The challenges encountered by veterans in the U.S. after returning from war can be overwhelming. Veterans are more likely to face higher rates of unemployment and homelessness than civilians, making them more susceptible to substance use as a coping mechanism. During their service, veterans experience trauma and violence that can be difficult to overcome. Other common challenges that veterans face include:
- Isolation from loved ones and friends
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Death of fellow service members or civilians during deployment
- Returning to a civilian life that involves chronic stress and long work hours
- Working in warzones that cause PTSD
- Lingering effects of injuries or combat-related trauma
Common Types of Addiction Among Veterans
Many types of addiction affect veterans, and some are more common than others. The dangers of alcohol and illicit drugs are understood, but other forms of addiction can also be harmful. Veterans need to know the differences between the types of addictions to receive proper treatment and support. Some of the most common types of addiction include:
Alcohol Use Disorders
The most common type of addiction among veterans is alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD can range from mild to severe. Many veterans use alcohol as a coping mechanism to ease the effects of PTSD and thus become unable to control their drinking habits. This leads to alcohol dependence and, eventually, addiction.
Prescription Drugs
While many veterans use prescription drugs for various medical reasons, such as pain management and sleep issues, addiction to them is also common. Some of the most commonly used drugs include painkillers and sedatives prescribed to veterans after injuries or combat-related trauma. Others include prescription stimulants, such as amphetamines, to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression.
Opioids
Veterans sometimes receive a prescription for opioids to manage pain; however, opioid use can quickly lead to addiction if the dosage is not monitored. Common types of prescription opioids include oxycodone and hydrocodone. Heroin is also considered an opioid drug.
Illicit Drugs
Illicit drug use is a severe issue among veterans. When veterans return home, some use illicit drugs, such as cocaine, for recreational purposes. Other illegal substances include hallucinogens, such as ecstasy and LSD.
Tobacco
Tobacco use is common among veterans and civilians alike, but it can be an underlying contributor to the development of other forms of addiction, including alcohol. Some veterans use tobacco as a way to cope with the emotions that come from depression, PTSD, or anxiety.
The Intersection of Mental Health and Addiction
Veterans who deal with a mental illness are at an increased risk for substance use and addiction. This statistic is especially true for veterans in the immediate aftermath of war, as well as those who have been diagnosed with PTSD. PTSD is a debilitating condition for many veterans, leading to mental illness in the form of depression and anxiety. These conditions contribute to stress, which makes it more difficult for veterans to overcome their addictions.
PTSD and Addiction: What’s the Relationship?
PTSD among veterans is a severe condition that often triggers drug and alcohol use. While the symptoms of PTSD may seem mild at first, they can progress to debilitating levels. For some veterans, using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism is simply a way to alleviate the symptoms of PTSD.
Many veterans have PTSD after serving in a war, which can lead to addiction. The symptoms of PTSD worsen with long-term exposure to the trauma of combat. PTSD symptoms include :
- Flashbacks
- Anger and guilt
- Emotional numbness and detachment from others
- Problems sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Anxiety
Why Is PTSD So Prevalent in Veterans?
Research shows that 63% of recent war veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq satisfy the criteria for PTSD. Combat-related trauma can result from an enemy attack, witnessing a fellow soldier die, or seeing someone get injured. All of these events can increase a veteran’s risk of developing PTSD.
How Can Veterans Overcome PTSD and Substance Use Disorder?
To overcome PTSD or a substance use disorder, treatment in a clinically controlled environment is recommended. Treatment for PTSD can be complex, especially when combined with substance use disorder treatment. Many recovery centers can treat both substance use and PTSD simultaneously.
The Impact of Addiction on Veterans and Their Families
When substance use becomes chronic, it may result in strained relationships among veterans and their families. As family members watch their loved ones suffer from the negative consequences of addiction, they experience significant stress and pressure. These factors could lead to increased divorce rates and financial burdens.
Barriers to Seeking Treatment
Many obstacles can prevent veterans from seeking treatment, including access to care, stigma, cost issues, and insurance coverage. Due to these barriers, veterans often wait a long time before seeking treatment, making overcoming substance use more difficult.
Access to Care
Many veterans don’t have a VA facility available to them or may live in an area without veteran services.
Stigma Around Substance Use
The negative social stigma from peers and family members can make it difficult for veterans to ask for help or discuss their addictions.
Insurance Coverage
While all veterans are entitled to VA health care, more robust insurance coverage is needed to cover treatment costs in full. Some private insurance companies offer veteran benefits that can help offset treatment costs, but it is often not enough to remove this barrier.
The Road to Recovery
The road to recovery for veterans can be challenging, especially when quality treatment options are difficult to access. Fortunately, several options exist to overcome substance use and live a healthy, sober lifestyle. Some of the available resources include:
Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers
There are many VA medical centers equipped to provide veterans with substance use disorder treatment. VA medical centers offer a variety of substance use treatment programs. These treatment programs include intensive inpatient services, partial hospitalization, and outpatient care.
Private Recovery Centers
Recovery centers help veterans overcome substance use by offering services tailored to the individual’s needs. Recovery centers provide access to withdrawal support, psychotherapy professionals, and relapse prevention programs.
Overview of Available Treatment Options
Many treatment options are available for veterans, including residential and outpatient treatment. Veterans seeking inpatient treatment are admitted to a facility where they will reside while engaging in intensive substance use recovery services. Some of the treatment options available for veterans include:
Detoxification
Some veterans can detoxify at home alone, while others go to a detoxification center. In a facility, they will undergo supervised detoxification while engaging in other recovery services around the clock.
Behavioral Therapies
Cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing are standard psychotherapy options to help veterans overcome substance use disorders and prevent relapse. Through cognitive behavioral therapy, clinicians address the root causes of a veteran’s substance use disorders while encouraging them to change their behaviors and develop new coping skills.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment supports the natural process of recovery from substance use disorders. This type of treatment allows veterans to utilize medication to manage withdrawal and cravings, decreasing the likelihood of relapse.
Group Therapy
Group and family therapy encourage veterans to participate in a supportive environment to discuss their recoveries, develop new coping skills, and learn more about their triggers.
Support Is Key to Overcoming Substance Use Disorders
Veterans will find it challenging to overcome substance use disorders on their own. They may need family support to obtain better care and treatment. Family support groups are available in most communities and can provide a safe space for veterans to share their experiences with families impacted by substance use disorders.
Finding Support for Veterans’ Families
There are also many support groups available for family members of veterans. These groups provide help and information to family members who wonder how they can help their loved ones overcome substance use disorders.
There are no quick fixes for substance use disorders. However, through inpatient care, customized treatment programs, and effective monitoring, veterans can overcome their addictions and live a healthy life. If you or a family member is struggling with addiction, contact our 24/7 veteran addiction hotline at 866-210-1303 for urgent assistance.