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Military life creates unique challenges that civilian life rarely prepares people for. Many veterans struggle to leave the trauma of active duty behind, and the transition home can be just as difficult as the service itself. PTSD, chronic pain, and the stress of reintegrating into civilian life are all significant risk factors for substance use. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2.8 million veterans — 14% of all U.S. veterans — reported having at least one substance use disorder in the past year. Recognizing the warning signs early and knowing how to help can make a critical difference.
Warning Signs of Veteran Substance Use
Preventing substance use among veterans begins with early intervention and not disregarding the problem when the red flags start to show.
Common red flags to look for may include some of the following:
Personality Changes
Veterans often use alcohol or drugs to cope with their emotions. This may include a drastic change in their personality. This can be particularly true if they have suffered physical injury, struggle with chronic pain, or deal with emotional problems. When you notice personality changes, it’s essential to take steps to understand why it is happening.
An Inability to Connect
It’s common for veterans to become emotionally distant. This emotional withdrawal is often linked to PTSD, which is closely tied to substance use among veterans. According to the VA National Center for PTSD, roughly 1 in 5 veterans seeking PTSD treatment also has a substance use disorder, and nearly 1 in 3 veterans seeking substance use treatment also has PTSD.
Financial Trouble
Transitioning back to civilian life is not easy. Veterans struggling with emotional or physical health problems will find it challenging to find employment. If there is already an underlying substance use problem, they will experience financial trouble. Many veterans struggle to access the benefits they need and will turn to drugs or alcohol to manage physical and emotional pain.
Preventing Substance Use Among Veterans
If you are concerned about a veteran’s substance use, their primary care provider — whether through the VA or the private sector — can conduct a brief screening and connect them to treatment. This approach has been shown to reduce substance misuse and is one of the most effective early intervention strategies available.
Substance use and mental health treatment should be integrated into primary care, whether through the VA or the private sector, where addiction is treated.
Veterans should also have access to resources to help them strengthen their coping skills. This can ultimately help increase psychological strength and positive performance. It also reduces the incidences of maladaptive responses.
Overall, it should be about helping veterans overcome the risk factors related to their military service. This can be an essential step in ensuring they live happy and successful lives.
How Families Can Speak to Their Loved Ones
Learn
Learn the facts about drugs and alcohol. It’s a good idea to be a reliable source of factual information. It also helps when understanding what a person is experiencing.
Timing Matters
Choose a good time and place. While it is ok to express concern about their drug or alcohol use, you would want to avoid the conversation when they are under the influence of these substances.
Be Patient
Be patient, and show compassion and concern. Tell them you are worried and care about their well-being. Express concern about how the drugs have impacted their life.
Don’t Judge
Avoid lecturing and casting judgment. The goal is to have two-way communication. Listen to what they are saying.
Help
Help them find treatment and offer support.
Additional Veteran Resources
Helpful Articles
Help for Service Members and Their Families
An article from SAMHSA on resources for service members.
U.S. Military veterans and the opioid overdose crisis
Information about U.S. Military Veterans from the National Institutes of Health
Addiction recovery can be tough for veterans
An article from The Washington Post on tips for veterans.
