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Veterans Day is a time to remember and celebrate the people who have made sacrifices to serve in the military. If you have a veteran in your life, you know the toll that service can take. Mental health issues, including substance abuse, are common among men and women who have seen combat overseas. We should all recognize this struggle and be more aware of the issue. With awareness comes understanding, compassion and real change.

Facts About Veterans And Substance Abuse

1. Prescription Abuse Among Vets On The Rise

Use of illicit drugs by active military personnel is quite low. Compared to civilians, men and women in the military rarely use illegal drugs because of strict policies and enforcement by random drug testing.

On the other hand, prescription drug abuse is a real problem for both active duty military personnel and veterans. The rate of misuse of prescriptions increased from 2 percent in 2002 to 4 percent in 2005 and 11 percent in 2008.

2. Veterans Have A Drinking Problem

Alcohol may be legal, but it is a substance of abuse for many people and veterans are no exception. The Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center says that one in eight troops get streatment for alcohol abuse after returning from overseas deployment. While women are not immune from the problem of drinking, men are the ones who are really struggling. Twenty three percent of male veterans binge drink, compared to 14 percent of female veterans.

3. Substance Abuse And Veteran Suicides

For most of modern military history, suicide rates have been lower for troops and veterans than for civilians. Starting in 2004, though, the incidents of suicide in the military have been rising. In 2008, the rate of suicides in the military surpassed the rate among civilians. Substance abuse is often involved in cases of suicides. According to the Army Suicide Prevention Task Force, one-third of suicides included abuse of prescription drugs.

4. PTSD Is Linked to Substance Abuse

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a common mental health issue for veterans. The experiences of combat haunt military personnel - some develop the flashbacks, panic attacks, nightmares and other symptoms that characterize PTSD. Many turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. Nearly a quarter of veterans with PTSD will also develop a substance abuse problem, and one-third of those seeking treatment for substance abuse also have PTSD.

5. Treatment Is Available For Vets

If you are a veteran and you struggle with drug or alcohol use, or you care about a vet who is having a problem, know that help is available. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several services for vets, including screening and diagnosis. This first step can even be done anonymously. The veteran can then decide to take steps to get treatment. Options for treatment are varied and include therapy, couples and family counseling, support groups, care for a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse, and medication. The VA offers residential treatment as well as outpatient care and continuing care.

Substance abuse is a common problem among veterans because of the experiences of active duty. Mental health care is crucial to these important people and they deserve to have the best treatment modern medicine can offer.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with drinking, drugs or mental illnesses like PTSD, contact the VA and find out how to get access to treatment. It could save the life of the vet you love.

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5 Facts About Veterans And Substance Abuse

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Veterans Day is a time to remember and celebrate the people who have made sacrifices to serve in the military. If you have a veteran in your life, you know the toll that service can take. Mental health issues, including substance abuse, are common among men and women who have seen combat overseas.

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Veteran substance abuse is a growing problem in the USA. As military members return from deployment suffering from physical and mental health problems and disabilities due to their experiences while deployed, substance abuse becomes more prevalent. Combat today is vastly different than it was even 40-50 years ago, and the new war on terror has increased the trauma and emotional toll combat has had on our service members.

Prescription drug abuse is on the rise among veterans because many are treated with powerful narcotic pain medications for injuries. Over time, veterans can become dependent on these drugs and eventually an addiction can develop. Alcohol abuse and addiction is also more common among the military population while some other substances are used far less frequently and are far less of an issue.

Why is Veteran Substance Abuse so Common?

There are several different reasons why veteran substance abuse is so common. These service members have gone through some very tough and traumatic experiences while they were deployed, and this has left psychological or physical scars, sometimes both. Substance abuse may be an attempt to self-medicate or to deal with problematic symptoms of mental or physical disorders or injuries.

Any veteran who has issues with alcohol or drug abuse should seek proper substance abuse treatment as soon as possible. Veterans who have a substance abuse issue can contact the US Department of Veterans Affairs for treatment program options. This help can be sought in the private sector also. Substance abuse is a problem that will not just go away.

The Links between Substance Abuse, Depression, and Suicide Among Veterans

A number of studies have shown that there are links between veteran substance abuse, depression, and suicide. In one study that involved roughly 600 veterans who were deployed to either Afghanistan or Iraq, 39{787773d50040b773714487418b65c4bb8fbff3685c01a098af1ab61b21b6e057} of the vets were screened and showed positive for probable alcohol abuse. 3{787773d50040b773714487418b65c4bb8fbff3685c01a098af1ab61b21b6e057} of the vets screened were positive for probable drug use.

A larger study that involved more than 675,000 active duty personnel determined that the rate of both substance use disorders and depression has increased among active members of the military. Another study determined that the rate of suicide across all military services in the USA increased between 2005 and 2007.

The Veterans Alcohol and Drug Dependence Rehabilitation Program

The Veterans Alcohol and Drug Dependence Rehabilitation Program is a veteran substance abuse treatment and rehab program operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The program offers a variety of therapies and support services to eligible veterans who have a substance abuse disorder. Treatment services are provided at numerous VA medical centers and clinics around the country.

In order to qualify for veteran substance abuse treatment through the VA the veteran must be enrolled in the VA health care system. In addition, the veteran must have a discharge that is not dishonorable. Honorable, General, and Under Honorable discharges are usually eligible.

Why are Some Service Members Hesitant to Use the VA for Substance Abuse Treatment?

For some who need veteran substance abuse treatment the VA may not be the preferred treatment provider for a variety of reasons. The wait times at some VA locations can be extensive. There is still a stigma associated with substance abuse, and some veterans may feel that they could receive better treatment and care in the private medical sector instead.

Rural Areas May Pose Unique Challenges to Effective Substance Abuse Treatment

Another potential obstacle to proper veteran substance abuse treatment is location, and vets in rural areas may have far fewer treatment options open to them. In some cases when there is not an appropriate VA facility within a reasonable distance a veteran may be able to seek private sector care that is covered by the government.

Substance Abuse and PTSD

In many cases veteran substance abuse and PTSD or other mental health issues are co-occurring disorders, and both disorders must be treated in order for the veteran to fully recover. If the substance abuse is addressed and treated but the other mental health disorders are not then the substance abuse is far more likely to start again in the future.
MAKE A DONATION TODAY Help keep our Lifeline for Vets standing strong. We are veterans helping veterans.

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Veteran Substance Abuse - What do the Statistics Tell Us

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Veteran substance abuse is a growing problem in the USA. As military members return from deployment suffering from physical and mental health problems and disabilities due to their experiences while deployed, substance abuse becomes more prevalent.

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Helping Veteran criminals offenders who have served during peace and wartime with their substance abuse

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PORT ST. LUCIE - Back in 2014, I wrote the article "Justice for Veterans," which outlined a unique approach to the legal system for veterans.

St. Lucie County's Veterans Court is an extension of this approach. Veterans Court represents a nontraditional approach to criminal offenders who have served both during peace and wartime.

Since its inception, Circuit Judge Robert E. Belanger has helped to reduce criminal recidivism and lower incarceration costs by keeping veterans who have committed nonviolent crimes out of jail. Rather than focusing only on the crimes they commit and the punishments they receive, Veterans Court also attempts to solve some of the participants' underlying health, substance abuse and psychosocial problems.

The Veterans Court is eligible to anyone who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces, has been charged with a crime appropriate to the court, and resides in the 19th Judicial Circuit. Admission to Veterans Court is not automatic. Veterans must seek entry into the program.

Veterans Court is also dependent on a nonadversarial courtroom atmosphere where a single judge, dedicated court staff, the treatment team, and the mentors work together toward the common goals of breaking the cycle of substance abuse and criminal behavior, and addressing mental and physical health issues. An environment with clear and certain rules is created, and each participant's compliance is within his or her own control.

Many former service members have a hard time re-entering the civilian population. Multiple deployments, post-traumatic stress disorder, disability and substance abuse, compounded by the lack of jobs, family, housing, and other social obstacles have taken their toll on veterans.

Combat veterans who have had "run-ins" with the law or are struggling with addiction don't need to end up in jail; they need counseling and assistance.

The key to success in the Veterans Court program is the mentor. Each veteran in the program is assigned a mentor, another veteran, who is most of the time from the same branch of service or wartime era. That way the veteran is not alone. His or her mentor is there for them every step of the way. A strong bond is forged between the mentor and the veteran. Working together, nearly all veterans are able to successfully complete the mandated program and go back to their lives.

In recognizing that these are the men and women whom have placed their lives "in harm's way" to defend the USA, we owe them a second chance. Veterans Court, in most cases, is that second chance.

Consequently, veterans are desperately needed to serve as volunteer mentors to assist veterans through the legal process, including appearing with them at their court dates or providing transportation to mandated drug screenings and/or counseling sessions.

Veterans who are interested in becoming a mentor or wishing to volunteer with the Veterans Court are asked to contact Luis Diaz, mentor program supervisor, at 772-462-6772 or diazl@stlucieco.org.
Dana Matthews is a retired lieutenant colonel, Army Ranger and veterans advocate.
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Dust Off: Veterans Court gives many a second chance

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PORT ST. LUCIE - Back in 2014, I wrote the article "Justice for Veterans," which outlined a unique approach to the legal system for veterans. St. Lucie County's Veterans Court is an extension of this approach. Veterans Court represents a nontraditional approach to criminal offenders who have served both during peace and wartime.

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Addition Center: Guiding You from Rehab to Recovery

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Addition Center: Guiding You from Rehab to Recovery

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Understanding why Veterans turn to drugs and alcohol and how we can help.

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Why Veterans Turn To Drugs And Alcohol

Many who are serving or have served in the United States military struggle with addiction; several treatment options are available for addiction in veterans.

Veterans who have seen combat may have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in addition to an addiction.

Traumatic events such as combat exposure and multiple deployments can trigger drug or alcohol use, which all too often lead to addiction.

Common Questions About Rehab

Addiction In Veterans: PTSD

Many veterans suffering from an addiction have co-occurring PTSD. Once referred to as "shellshock," and later "battle fatigue," PTSD can be caused by witnessing warfare or other significantly tragic or startling events.

Although most cases of PTSD are caused by combat, veterans may also develop the disorder after sexual abuse - about 23% of women veterans have reported being sexually assaulted during their time in the military.

Some symptoms of PTSD include:

Flashbacks

Memory problems

Low sense of self-worth

Hopelessness

Trouble sleeping

Relationship problems

Aggression

Self-destructive behavior (self-harm or substance abuse)

These symptoms may be triggered by anything that is a reminder of the traumatic incident. Many veterans turn to substance abuse to self-medicate and numb their pain.

More than 20% of veterans with PTSD also suffer from an addiction to or a dependence on drugs or alcohol.

People with PTSD have a harder time overcoming addiction than those without it. The symptoms of withdrawal combined with the symptoms of PTSD amplify negative feelings and emotions that may lead to a relapse.

Addiction treatment programs that focus on PTSD and addiction simultaneously can be the most successful for veterans.

Addiction In Veterans: Prescription Medications

Veterans with PTSD are often prescribed anxiety medications, many of which are highly addictive. To curb the risk of addiction, some doctors prescribe non-addictive Antidepressant medications such as Paxil or Zoloft. But even veterans without PTSD can become addicted to Painkillers prescribed for combat-related injuries.

Common medications prescribed to veterans include:

Veterans taking these drugs may develop a dependence on them, meaning they exhibit a tolerance to their effects and show symptoms of withdrawal when quitting. As time goes on, veterans may spiral into full-blown addiction; this is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior.

In an attempt to mitigate drug abuse among service members and veterans, some advocates are pushing for tighter regulations on how long addictive medications can be prescribed.

Looking for a place to start?

Reach out to a treatment provider for free today.

Alcohol And Illicit Drugs In The Military

Few service members risk using illicit drugs in the military because it can result in a dishonorable discharge. Drinking, however, is an ingrained part of military culture that often carries on into civilian life. All too often, veterans and service members self-medicating with alcohol succumb to an addiction.

Approximately 20% of service members reported binge drinking at least once a week. This rate is even higher for those with combat exposure.

Some veterans addicted to prescriptions for pain and PTSD turn to illicit substances. Illicit drugs like Heroin are often cheaper and easier to obtain than prescription Painkillers.

Break free from addiction.

You have options. Talk about them with a treatment provider today.

Statistics On Addiction In Veterans

Treatment For Veterans

Veterans looking for treatment for their addiction have more options than the average civilian. In addition to traditional inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, veterans have the unique option to seek treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This is beneficial for veterans who may not be able to find an affordable treatment program on their own.

Featured Centers Offering Treatment For Veterans

The VA offers:

One-on-one counseling

Family counseling

Group therapy

PTSD treatment

Inpatient/Outpatient rehab

Medications for withdrawal

Some veterans prefer to avoid the VA when looking for any type of medical care because it can take a long time to get treatment. In cases of serious PTSD and/or addiction, getting immediate treatment is essential and seeking treatment outside of the VA can be beneficial. There are many other treatment options for addicted veterans with underlying PTSD.
If you're a veteran struggling with an addiction, contact a treatment provider and get help today.

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Many who are serving or have served in the United States military struggle with addiction; several treatment options are available for addiction in veterans. Veterans who have seen combat may have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in addition to an addiction.