{"id":20132,"date":"2023-01-17T11:44:56","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T16:44:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20132"},"modified":"2023-03-22T14:52:07","modified_gmt":"2023-03-22T19:52:07","slug":"a-guide-for-veterans-overcoming-substance-use-disorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/advice\/a-guide-for-veterans-overcoming-substance-use-disorder\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide for Veterans Overcoming Substance Use Disorder"},"content":{"rendered":"

Veterans are particularly at risk of developing substance use disorders. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), about <\/span>1.1 million veterans have some sort of substance use disorder<\/span><\/a>. Of those, around 25% use illicit drugs, 80% use alcohol, and nearly 8% use both drugs and alcohol \u2014 all to the extent that they have a disorder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are characterized by a dependency on the substance and individuals with SUDs often have trouble with their physical and mental health, as well as their ability to function adaptively in society.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although their alcohol use declined from 2018 to 2019, the prevalence of <\/span>alcohol use disorder among veterans increased<\/span><\/a> during that time. This mirrors a 6.5% increase in mental illness and\/or substance use disorders, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Moreover, the APA found that veterans with substance use disorders are less likely to find employment through the Veterans Affairs (VA) vocational rehabilitation program.<\/span><\/p>\n

This guide provides information to help veterans who are overcoming substance use disorders and seeking to lead healthy, fulfilling lives as civilians.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Why are veterans at a high risk of substance abuse?<\/h2>\n

After they spend years serving in the military, veterans are faced with the reality of returning to civilian life. They may have sustained injuries during their time in service or they may have difficulty adjusting to the civilian world. Their time in service may have contributed to the development of a mental illness such as <\/span>post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which affects up to 30% of veterans<\/span><\/a>. For all these reasons and more, substance use disorders are common among veterans.<\/span><\/p>\n

PTSD and substance abuse<\/h2>\n

PTSD is the repeated and often severe occurrence of anxiety in people who have experienced traumatic events. People with PTSD often experience flashbacks and panic attacks. For veterans, violent episodes and the inherent danger of wartime operations may lead to PTSD \u2014 but explosions and combat are not the only causes. According to the VA, sexual trauma also causes PTSD in veterans and about 23% of women report having been sexually assaulted when they were in the military.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over 20% of <\/span>veterans with PTSD have a co-occurring substance use disorder<\/span><\/a>; nicotine use and binge drinking are especially prevalent for them. Among those who seek treatment for SUDs, about one-third are diagnosed with PTSD. Veterans with PTSD may turn to substances such as alcohol and nicotine to help them cope with anxiety and stress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When substance use becomes a habit, it can lead to dependence and addiction. If you\u2019re a veteran experiencing repeated anxiety, stress, and panic attacks due to PTSD, it seems only logical to return to a coping mechanism such as substance use. You may even abuse substances to preempt PTSD symptoms. Therefore, veterans with SUDs and PTSD typically need treatment for both issues.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What substances do veterans commonly abuse?<\/h2>\n

According to SAMHSA, veterans most often use alcohol, marijuana and psychotherapeutic drugs. Here are some statistics from SAMHSA\u2019s National Survey on Drug Use and Health:<\/span><\/p>\n