Approximately 11% of veterans who visit a medical facility run by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the first time have a substance use disorder (SUD).1 Binge drinking, or consuming a lot of alcohol in a short time, is one of the more common issues that veterans face.2, 3 Veterans may abuse substances in response to mental health disorders, to cope with readjusting to civilian life, or to manage pain. Substance use has been linked to trauma, homelessness, mental health disorders, physical health issues, increased risk of suicide, and problems in relationships and at work.1, 2 Statistics on substance abuse in veterans show that among those who have SUDs:4 More than 80% (nearly 900,000) abuse alcohol. Nearly 27% (about 300,000) abuse illegal drugs. About 7% (almost 80,000) abuse both alcohol and illegal drugs. American Addiction Centers VeteranAddiction.org

Alcohol abuse and binge drinking are common among active-duty military personnel, and this behavior may continue and turn into alcoholism after separating from the service.1, 2 Veterans who abuse alcohol are at greater risk of experiencing or committing violence, suffering from negative health consequences, and having a shorter lifespan.2 Alcohol is the primary substance for 65% of veterans entering treatment centers—nearly twice the rate of civilians.1 Male veterans are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) than female veterans.2 In 2018, 25,000 veterans aged 18-25 had an AUD in the past year.4 In 2018, 874,000 veterans aged 26 or older had an AUD in the past year.4 American Addiction Centers VeteranAddiction.org

Drug use among veterans can include illicit or prescription drug abuse. Prescription opioids, which may be prescribed to manage service-connected injuries or chronic pain, have the potential to lead to abuse or addiction. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug, with 3.5% of veterans reporting use in the last month and 2.3 million veterans (11.1%) reporting use in the last year.1, 2, 4 Nearly 11% of veterans were admitted to treatment centers for heroin use.1 More than 6% of veterans were admitted to treatment facilities for cocaine use.1 Male veterans are twice as likely to develop an addiction to drugs than female veterans.2 In 2018, 45,000 veterans were diagnosed with an addiction to heroin.4 In 2018, 41,000 veterans were diagnosed with an addiction to painkillers.4 Veterans are most likely to misuse hydrocodone (Norco, Vicodin).4 American Addiction Centers VeteranAddiction.org

The presence of mental illness and SUDs, also known as co-occurring disorders, is especially common in veterans.1, 2 Mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, can lead to substance use. Efforts to self-medicate symptoms or manage stress make vets more prone to developing SUDs.1, 2 In addition, these mental health diagnoses can result from any combination of factors: genetic predisposition, the stresses of being deployed, exposure to combat and traumatic events, injuries, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian society.1, 5 Between 82-93% of veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq with an SUD had at least one co-occurring disorder.2 Veterans who have an SUD are 3-4 times more likely to be diagnosed with depression.2 Approximately 37-50% of veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq were diagnosed with at least one mental illness.1 Nearly 10% of veterans have symptoms of anxiety, while about 11% have symptoms of depression.6 American Addiction Centers VeteranAddiction.org