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By: Jason Castano, Esq.
Substance abuse is an issue affecting millions of people across the United States. For veterans, these challenges are often magnified. After serving their country, many veterans return to civilian life while dealing with emotional trauma and physical injuries. These burdens can lead some veterans to turn to substance abuse to cope.
Understanding the unique challenges veterans face when dealing with substance abuse is the first step toward offering support and solutions. The scope of this issue is enormous, and the factors that lead many veterans to abuse drugs or alcohol are well known. The good news is that there are treatment options available.
The Scope of Substance Abuse Among Veterans
The stress of deploying into combat zones, coupled with lasting psychological effects that can come with severe injuries or military life in general, can lead to serious substance abuse issues. This is true for active duty and veteran service members alike.
While illicit drug use remains relatively low among active-duty members, this number increases when it comes to veterans. Approximately one out of ten veterans has been diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder, which is higher than the general population. This is one of the ways that service-connected conditions like PTSD can impact your daily life.
Two of the most abused substances among veterans are opioids and alcohol. Veterans have unique challenges when it comes to pain management, and this has led to a higher rate of accidental opioid pain reliever overdoses than the general public. When it comes to abusing alcohol, veterans are more likely to report alcohol as the substance they most frequently abuse when entering treatment compared to the rest of the population.
The Root Causes of Substance Abuse Among Veterans: Our VA Appeal Lawyer Explains
Understanding why substance abuse disproportionately affects veterans requires a closer look at the challenges they face during and after their service. The following issues can contribute to the development of substance use disorders that go beyond what the general population faces.
Combat-Related Trauma
For many veterans, the memories of combat do not fade after returning home. Exposure to life-threatening situations, witnessing violence, and losing fellow service members leave deep emotional scars.
Veterans with PTSD or other mental health conditions may turn to alcohol, opioids, or different substances in an effort to cope. Some abuse drugs in an attempt to numb intrusive memories or flashbacks. While these substances may provide temporary relief, they often exacerbate mental health issues in the long term by creating a cycle of dependency. Unfortunately, we see this often.
Isolation
The transition from military to civilian life can feel isolating for many veterans. In the military, service members experience a strong sense of camaraderie and purpose. Once they return to civilian life, they often struggle to find that same sense of belonging.
This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, which may drive veterans to seek solace in substances. The loss of structured routines and support systems can be jarring for many veterans.
Self-Medication
Physical and emotional pain are common experiences among veterans. Chronic pain from injuries sustained during service, combined with untreated or under-treated mental health conditions, often leads to self-medication.
Prescription painkillers are frequently prescribed to veterans for pain management, but their addictive nature can lead to misuse. Similarly, veterans with untreated depression or anxiety may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with their symptoms, which can lead to harmful dependencies.
Family Issues
One of the most stressful parts of leaving the military service is reintegrating into family life and the civilian workforce. Many veterans face challenges in maintaining or rekindling relationships with loved ones, especially when dealing with the emotional trauma that can come with active duty life.
These issues, coupled with stressors related to financial challenges or the lack of employment, can result in substance use as a form of escape.
The Path to Recovery
Recovery from substance abuse involves more than just committing not to use drugs or alcohol again. It is more about reclaiming a healthy lifestyle and moving forward with life ready to face challenges head-on. For many veterans, this journey often requires addressing both substance use and underlying issues like trauma, chronic pain, and mental health challenges. Thankfully, there are resources available to help.
The VA offers comprehensive programs tailored to veterans, including therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and both inpatient and outpatient care. These services focus on treating the whole person, addressing co-occurring conditions such as PTSD and depression alongside substance use disorders.
In addition to VA services, private rehabilitation centers and community organizations play a vital role in supporting veterans. Many offer holistic treatments that combine traditional methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with alternative approaches such as mindfulness, art therapy, and physical wellness programs. Peer support groups, including veteran-specific meetings in organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), provide invaluable understanding and accountability, helping veterans feel less isolated in their recovery journey.
Recovery also relies on strong support networks. Family and friends can play a crucial role by encouraging treatment, participating in therapy sessions, and offering emotional support during difficult times. These resources and relationships often create a pathway to healing. While recovery can be challenging, it is entirely possible with the right support system.
Let a VA Appeal Lawyer Help With Your VA Disability Denial
There are many challenges unique to veterans, including the stress and worry that comes with having a VA disability claim denied. These benefits can have a tremendous positive impact on your life, and it is important to understand that a denial letter is not the end of the road.
You have the right to appeal, and a VA appeal lawyer at Gang & Associates is here to help. We can handle every aspect of the appellate process in order to maximize your chances of securing a 100 percent VA rating. Contact us today to learn more.