Military veterans face unique addiction risk factors: combat trauma, military sexual trauma, chronic pain from service-related injuries, difficulty transitioning to civilian life, and a military culture that historically stigmatized mental health treatment. An estimated 1 in 10 veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan has a substance use disorder.
Common Substances
Alcohol is the most commonly misused substance among veterans, often co-occurring with PTSD. Prescription opioids prescribed for service-related injuries are a significant pathway to addiction. Tobacco use rates among veterans are substantially higher than the general population.
Treatment Options
The VA healthcare system offers comprehensive addiction treatment at no cost to eligible veterans, including residential treatment programs, intensive outpatient, MAT (the VA is the largest MAT provider in the country), PTSD-focused therapies (CPT, PE, EMDR), and telehealth options. Non-VA treatment centers that specialize in veteran care are also available, some accepting TRICARE insurance.
Finding Help
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1. For treatment options: (855) 392-7460.