Key Takeaways:
- Veterans face higher rates of substance use disorders than civilians, with approximately 14% of U.S. veterans (around 2.8 million) reporting a SUD in 2023, and about 11% of those seeking VA treatment carrying an SUD diagnosis.
- Alcohol remains the primary substance for roughly 65% of veterans entering treatment—nearly double the rate seen in the general treatment population—while opioid misuse and overdose deaths have climbed sharply since the early 2000s.
- Post traumatic stress disorder, depression, chronic pain, and reintegration stress are major drivers of veteran substance misuse, with 63% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who have SUD also experiencing PTSD.
- Mental health issues frequently co-occur with addiction among veterans: those with SUDs are three to four times more likely to receive a mental health diagnosis, and 82-93% of post-9/11 veterans addicted to substances have at least one co-occurring disorder.
- The percentage of homeless people who are veterans today is lower than it has been in fifteen years, but remains high, with more work needed to be done.
Question:
How bad is the problem of substance abuse among military veterans?
Answer:
This article explores the scope of substance abuse among U.S. veterans, drawing on national veterans’ substance abuse statistics to explain why veterans face elevated risks, which substances are most commonly involved, and how mental health conditions contribute to addiction. It also outlines evidence-based treatment options designed specifically for veterans, emphasizing the importance of integrated, trauma-informed care that addresses both substance use and underlying psychological wounds.
Overview: Substance Abuse Among U.S. Veterans
Nearly 20 million military veterans comprise about 10% of the U.S. population. National surveys consistently show that SUD rates among veterans are higher than in the civilian population. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 2.8 million veterans—approximately 14% of all U.S. veterans—reported at least one substance use disorder. Another analysis found that 15.8% of veterans aged 18 or older had a past-year SUD, compared to slightly lower figures in the general population.
Substance use disorders represent a pattern of symptoms resulting from the use of alcohol or drugs that leads to significant impairment or distress. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, these patterns include tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and unsuccessful efforts to cut down on substance use. Among veterans, these disorders have become a pressing public health concern that demands attention, resources, and compassionate care.
Why are veterans at increased risk? The answer lies in the unique stressors of military life and the difficult transition to civilian life. Combat exposure, physical injuries requiring pain medication, and the loss of unit cohesion after separation all contribute to vulnerability. Military culture itself can normalize heavy drinking during and after service. Many service members develop coping patterns during deployment that become problematic when they return home.
Perhaps most concerning is that many veterans do not recognize or admit they need treatment. Studies suggest that more than 90% of those meeting criteria for SUD report no perceived need for care. This gap between prevalence and treatment underscores the importance of outreach, education, and accessible services.
Core Veterans Substance Abuse Statistics
Understanding the scope of veteran substance abuse requires examining data from multiple sources, including the Veterans Health Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. These veterans substance abuse statistics paint a concerning picture while also highlighting opportunities for intervention.
Key prevalence data includes:
- Around 11% of veterans who use VHA services receive an SUD diagnosis
- Approximately 56-57% of veterans report current alcohol use versus roughly 51% of civilians
- Heavy drinking is modestly higher among veterans (approximately 7.5% versus 6.5% in the general population)
- Nearly 30% of veterans use tobacco products, contributing to billions in annual healthcare costs for the VA healthcare system
Regarding illicit drug use, nearly 5% of veterans report recent use, with marijuana being the most commonly used illegal substance. Cannabis use disorder diagnoses in VHA patients increased by more than 50% between 2002 and 2009.
Among veterans admitted to substance use treatment centers nationally:
- Alcohol: ~65%
- Heroin: ~11%
- Cocaine: ~6%
- Methamphetamine: ~8%
Comparing veterans to civilians reveals that while illicit drug use may be similar or slightly lower in veteran populations, alcohol abuse, tobacco use, and prescription medications misuse are notably more pronounced among those who served.
This page on veterans substance abuse statistics from NIDA gives a lot of useful data on the scope of the issue facing our veterans.
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Speak With Our Admissions TeamWhat Percentage of Homeless People Are Veterans?
Veterans make up a disproportionate share of the homeless population in the United States, though their representation has declined in recent years due to targeted prevention and housing initiatives. On a given night, veterans account for approximately 6–8% of all people experiencing homelessness nationwide, despite representing about 10% of the total U.S. adult population.
Recent federal data from the VA point-in-time counts estimate that roughly 32,000 veterans experience homelessness on any given night. While this reflects a significant improvement compared to the early 2010s—when veteran homelessness exceeded 75,000—the numbers remain concerning.
Key patterns stand out:
- The majority of homeless veterans are male, but the number of homeless female veterans has been rising steadily.
- Older veterans (ages 50+) make up a growing share of the homeless veteran population, often due to fixed incomes, health issues, or lack of social support.
- Mental health conditions and substance use disorders are highly prevalent: a large proportion of homeless veterans live with PTSD, depression, or addiction, which both contribute to and result from housing instability.
- Substance use is a major risk factor, with alcohol and opioid use disorders frequently cited as contributors to chronic homelessness among veterans.
The connection between homelessness, trauma, and substance use is particularly strong for veterans. Untreated PTSD, chronic pain from service-related injuries, and difficulty accessing consistent care can make it hard to maintain employment and housing. Once homelessness begins, addiction and mental health symptoms often worsen, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without comprehensive support.
These statistics highlight why integrated treatment—combining housing support, mental health care, and addiction treatment—is critical for addressing veteran homelessness and helping veterans regain long-term stability.
Mental Health, PTSD, and Substance Use in Veterans
Co-occurring disorders are the rule rather than the exception among veterans with substance use disorders. The relationship between trauma, mental health issues, and substance misuse creates a complex clinical picture that requires integrated treatment approaches.
The veterans substance abuse statistics on co-occurrence are striking:
- Among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with SUD, around 63% also have PTSD
- Over 20% of veterans with a PTSD diagnosis also meet criteria for a substance use disorder
- Veterans with SUDs are three to four times more likely to receive a mental health diagnosis
- 82-93% of post-9/11 veterans with SUDs have at least one co-occurring disorder like depression or PTSD
- Approximately 37-50% of Afghanistan and Iraq veterans have at least one mental illness
PTSD symptoms—hypervigilance, nightmares, intrusive memories, emotional numbing—drive many veterans to self-medicate with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or cannabis. While these substances may provide temporary relief, they ultimately worsen mental health symptoms and create additional problems.
Depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and moral injury all increase SUD risk. Withdrawal and intoxication can worsen mood, irritability, and suicidality, creating dangerous cycles that are difficult to break without professional help.
Aliya Veterans serves as a dual-diagnosis provider that integrates trauma-focused therapies (such as Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, and prolonged exposure) with addiction treatment for veterans. This concurrent treatment approach addresses both conditions simultaneously rather than treating them separately.
Looking for quality treatment for substance abuse and mental health that’s also affordable? Aliya Veterans treatment facilities accept most major insurance providers. Get a free insurance benefits check now!
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Treatment Options for Veterans at Aliya Veterans
Aliya Veterans provides comprehensive, trauma-informed addiction treatment for veterans and first responders at our locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, and elsewhere in the United States.
Effective veteran care typically requires:
- Medical detox (when needed for alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines)
- Structured residential or inpatient programming
- Step-down to Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- Ongoing outpatient support and relapse prevention
- Integrated treatment for PTSD, depression, and chronic pain
Our programs are individualized and incorporate evidence-based therapies, holistic supports, and veteran-specific resources. We honor military culture while promoting lasting recovery.
Veterans and family members can call 877-313-6986 for a confidential, no-cost assessment and benefits verification.
Medical Detox and Residential Treatment
Detox is often necessary for safe withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, and certain other substances. Veterans frequently have complex medical histories requiring careful monitoring during this phase.
Aliya Veterans provides medically supervised detox including:
- 24/7 nursing and medical oversight
- Management of withdrawal symptoms with appropriate medications
- Coordination with psychiatric care for mental health symptoms
- Safe, supportive environment during the most vulnerable phase of recovery
After detox, many veterans transition into residential treatment where they receive:
- Individual and group therapy focused on addiction and trauma
- Education about relapse prevention, coping skills, and emotional regulation
- Supportive, structured daily schedules with stable housing and meals
- Peer support and community building
Residential treatment is especially beneficial for veterans facing severe PTSD, homelessness or housing instability, or limited sober supports at home. Our environments are safe, respectful, and designed to honor military service while promoting healing.
PHP, IOP, and Outpatient Care
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) allow veterans to receive intensive therapy while living at home or in supportive housing.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP):
- Typically 5 days per week of structured programming
- Several hours of therapy daily (group and individual)
- Focus on stabilizing symptoms while re-establishing work, school, or family routines
- Provides structure similar to residential care with more independence
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP):
- Fewer hours per week than PHP (often 3-5 days weekly, shorter sessions)
- Emphasis on applying relapse-prevention skills and managing triggers
- Building sober support networks in the community
- Compatible with work, education, and family responsibilities
Transitioning from residential to PHP to IOP represents a common continuum of care. Aiya Veterans tailors step-down timing to each veteran’s progress and needs. This flexibility is particularly important for veterans reintegrating into civilian life who need treatment programs that accommodate their schedules.
Dual Diagnosis and Trauma-Focused Therapies
“Dual diagnosis” means treating SUD alongside mental health disorders like PTSD, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. For veterans, this integrated approach is essential.
Aliya Veterans uses evidence-based therapies appropriate for veterans:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addresses thought patterns that drive substance use
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills: Teaches emotional regulation and distress tolerance
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Specifically designed for PTSD
- Prolonged Exposure (PE): Helps process traumatic memories safely
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Alternative trauma processing when clinically indicated
Medication management—including antidepressants, non-opioid pain medications, and anti-craving medications—is coordinated with psychotherapy to address both mental health symptoms and substance cravings.
Integrated care improves treatment outcomes for veterans with co-occurring PTSD and SUD compared with fragmented or sequential treatment. Trauma work is done at the veteran’s pace, with informed consent and a strong emphasis on emotional safety.
Holistic and Supportive Services for Veterans
Whole-person care addresses mind, body, and spirit—an approach that resonates strongly with veterans seeking treatment to rebuild purpose and resilience after military service.
Holistic supports at Aliya Veterans may include:
- Mindfulness and stress-reduction practices
- Yoga or movement-based therapies
- Art or music therapy
- Nutrition counseling and physical wellness support
- Fitness and recreational activities
Peer support—especially from other people in recovery with military experience—can reduce isolation and increase engagement in treatment. Veteran-specific groups provide understanding that only shared experience can offer.
Discharge planning and aftercare are critical components:
- Linking to VA or community primary care providers
- Coordinating ongoing mental health therapy
- Connecting veterans to 12-step or alternative recovery fellowships
- Planning for housing, employment, or education resources
- Building sustainable sober support networks
Recovery is possible at any stage of life or service history. Starting with a confidential phone call can be the first step toward healing.
Dr. Darren Skinner, LSW, MSW, Ph.D. Medical Reviewer
Dr. Darren Skinner, LSW, MSW, Ph.D., serves as the Clinical Case Manager for Aliya Veterans’ addiction and mental health treatment centers in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. With over a decade of experience in social work and behavioral health, Dr. Skinner is committed to empowering individuals and communities through advocacy and tailored therapeutic support.
