Alcohol Use Disorder in Veterans: Causes, Effects & Statistics

Alcohol misuse and addiction are significant public health issues affecting millions of people worldwide. Within the United States, veterans are at increased risk for alcohol-related problems due to the unique challenges they face while serving and after returning to civilian life. Understanding why these men and women are more vulnerable to alcohol misuse—and the steps needed to address these issues—can be an important part of offering effective, compassionate support.

Below is an in-depth look at the culture of alcohol misuse in the military, current veteran alcohol misuse statistics, key risk factors, and the many ways to seek help.

Alcohol Misuse and Military Culture

Military life is an environment with immense pressures, including strict training regimens, constant physical and mental demands, and, often, high-stress or combat situations. Service members are trained to maintain poise under stress, pushing themselves to excel even under extreme conditions. This environment, steeped in sacrifice and resilience, can contribute to a sense of invincibility or a need to appear strong at all costs.

While every branch of the military has its own regulations and cultural norms, a few overarching factors can contribute to alcohol misuse:

• Bonding and Celebration: The military fosters camaraderie, and alcohol is sometimes used to forge group identity and decompress after long exercises or deployments. Drinking together can become associated with relaxation and celebration.
• Stress Relief: Military duties can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Some service members turn to alcohol to cope with stressors like training intensity, deployment unpredictability, and life-or-death responsibilities in combat zones.
• Limited Leisure Options: On some deployments or on base, recreational activities may be limited. Alcohol can become a go-to pastime when other social activities are scarce.
• Normative Attitudes: Historically, alcohol use has been ingrained in parts of military culture. Although efforts have been made to reduce and monitor alcohol use among active-duty service members, old habits can persist.

These cultural norms and circumstances may plant the seeds for problematic drinking habits. Over time, some service members discover that what began as social or stress-related drinking has escalated into alcohol dependence.

Veteran Alcohol Misuse Statistics

Several major organizations, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), have researched the prevalence of alcohol misuse among veterans. While statistics can fluctuate, the general consensus indicates that:

• Higher Rates than the General Population: Veterans report higher rates of heavy or binge drinking compared to the civilian population, particularly among younger veterans.
• Co-occurring Disorders: Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health conditions often face a heightened risk for alcohol misuse.
• Frequent Substance of Choice: Alcohol remains the most frequently misused substance among veterans seeking treatment at VA facilities, surpassing prescription opioids, illicit drugs, and other substances.

These statistics highlight a real and concerning trend. Although numerous veterans maintain healthy relationships with alcohol or do not drink at all, a sizable portion find themselves vulnerable to developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Risk Factors for Veteran Alcohol Addiction

The risk factors contributing to alcohol addiction among veterans can be both military- and non-military-related. These stressors can compound one another, leading to a perfect storm that predisposes veterans to alcohol misuse.

PTSD and Alcohol Misuse Among Veterans

Post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental health condition caused by experiencing or witnessing life-threatening events, is common among veterans who have served in combat zones. Symptoms of PTSD can include:

• Nightmares or intrusive thoughts
• Hypervigilance and heightened startle responses
• Emotional numbness or flashbacks
• Avoidance of reminders of traumatic events

For some veterans, alcohol can temporarily numb intense emotions, reduce anxiety, and dull traumatic memories. However, using alcohol to self-medicate can worsen PTSD symptoms and create dependence, ultimately exacerbating emotional distress and making recovery more challenging.

Depression and Alcohol Misuse Among Veterans

Depression, characterized by persistent sadness or loss of interest in activities, can also be prevalent among veterans. Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and isolation can be magnified by the transition out of service. Alcohol may feel like a “quick fix” to alleviate these negative emotions. But similar to PTSD, self-medicating with alcohol often exacerbates depressive symptoms, leading to a vicious cycle of dependence and despair.

Military Sexual Trauma and Alcohol Misuse Among Veterans

Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to any sexual harassment or assault experienced during military service. MST can affect people of all genders and backgrounds. The emotional and psychological fallout from MST can include PTSD-like symptoms, severe anxiety, or depression, all of which can lead to increased reliance on alcohol for coping.

Past Trauma and Alcohol Misuse Among Veterans

Not all traumatic experiences occur during military service. Childhood abuse, neglect, or community violence can lay the foundation for substance use problems later in life. Some people enlist hoping to escape a difficult past, but those unresolved traumas can resurface. Military-related stressors can compound existing vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of alcohol misuse.

Effects of Alcohol Misuse on Veterans

An alcohol use disorder (AUD) can adversely affect multiple areas of a veteran’s life, including:

• Physical Health: Chronic heavy drinking can cause liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and a weakened immune system. It can also interfere with wound healing, sleep quality, and overall resiliency.
• Mental Health: Alcohol misuse can worsen existing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Substance-induced mood changes or cognitive impairment can lower motivation to seek help.
• Relationships: Problematic drinking can strain marriages, friendships, and family dynamics. Loved ones may struggle to understand or cope with the veteran’s behavior changes, leading to conflict or isolation.
• Employment and Financial Stability: Alcohol misuse can impair a veteran’s ability to hold down steady employment or advance in a career. Missed work, poor job performance, and increasing debt can compound stress and worsen alcohol issues.
• Increased Suicide Risk: Tragically, alcohol misuse can increase the risk of suicidal ideation or attempts, especially when combined with pre-existing mental health issues.

When addiction becomes severe, it can result in a self-perpetuating cycle of physical, emotional, and social problems. However, effective support and treatment can stop this downward spiral.

Finding Alcohol Rehabs for Veterans

The good news is that there are effective ways to treat alcohol misuse and addiction among veterans. Through personalized care, veterans can reclaim a healthy, balanced life and restore relationships. Here are some options to consider:

• VA Healthcare System:
  • Inpatient and Outpatient Programs: The VA provides a spectrum of substance abuse treatment services. Inpatient rehab can be ideal for severe or complex cases, whereas outpatient care may serve those needing flexibility to continue working or caring for family.
  • Therapy and Counseling: Evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure therapy (PE), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can help veterans address trauma.
  • Support Groups: Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or VA-specific group therapy can offer camaraderie and understanding among others who share similar experiences.
• Private Treatment Centers:
  • Tailored Programs for Veterans: Some rehab facilities offer specialized tracks for veterans, including mental health and trauma-informed care. They may collaborate with the VA or accept insurance like TRICARE.
  • Holistic Approaches: Many centers incorporate alternative therapies—yoga, meditation, art therapy, or equine therapy—into their programs to address emotional well-being, trauma, and stress.
  • Gender-Specific Care: For those who have experienced military sexual trauma, gender-specific counseling or therapy groups can promote a sense of safety and foster healing.
• Community Resources and Nonprofits:
  • Local Veteran Service Organizations: Many cities and counties have veteran service organizations that sponsor recovery meetings, peer mentoring programs, and housing assistance.
  • SAMHSA Helpline: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers confidential support and can provide guidance on locating treatment centers.
  • Faith-Based Organizations: Some veterans find solace in spiritual or faith-based communities that offer peer support, mentoring, and substance use resources.
• The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper:
  • Comprehensive Care: The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper provides detox, inpatient, outpatient, and intensive outpatient services.
  • Evidence-Based Treatments: From individual therapy to group counseling, their programs incorporate proven modalities for lasting change.
  • Veteran-Focused Resources: Recognizing the unique challenges veterans face, the facility can tailor treatment plans to address trauma, PTSD, military sexual trauma, and other service-related experiences.
  • Aftercare and Alumni Programs: Long-term success often hinges on aftercare support. The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers robust alumni programs that provide ongoing resources and a supportive community.

What to Look for in a Rehab for Veterans

If you or a loved one is searching for help, consider the following when choosing a program:

• Continuum of Care: Recovery is a journey. Facilities that offer various levels of care—from detox to aftercare—often provide the most comprehensive approach.
• Accreditation and Licensing: Reputable facilities should be accredited by organizations like The Joint Commission, ensuring high standards of care.
• Veteran-Specific Programs: Look for programs that acknowledge and treat the distinct experiences of veterans, including mental health services.
• Expert, Multidisciplinary Staff: The best programs typically have a team that includes medical professionals, therapists, psychiatrists, and peer support specialists.

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If you’re a military veteran seeking addiction treatment, The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper is here to help. We are a part of the VA Community Care Network, and we offer a trauma-informed program designed for veterans and first responders. Contact a Veteran Advocate today to learn more or to get started with treatment.

FAQs on Alcohol Misuse in Military Personnel and Veterans

1. Is binge drinking common in active-duty military service?

Yes. Though there have been efforts to reduce excessive drinking, binge drinking can still be a problem, especially among younger service members. The social environment and high-stress conditions often contribute to this behavior.

2. Why are veterans at increased risk of alcohol misuse?

Trauma exposure, the pressure to remain stoic, stress from deployments, and difficulty transitioning to civilian life all combine to elevate the risk. Additionally, military culture may normalize heavier drinking, making it harder to recognize unhealthy patterns.

3. What are some signs that a veteran may be struggling with alcohol misuse?

Signs include frequent binge drinking, drinking alone, feeling a strong urge to drink, neglecting responsibilities, relationship or legal troubles due to drinking, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.

4. Can veterans receive free or low-cost treatment for alcohol misuse?

Yes. The VA provides a range of substance abuse treatment programs. Eligibility and out-of-pocket costs depend on a veteran’s individual status and benefits plan. Private facilities may also accept TRICARE, private insurance, or offer payment assistance.

5. What treatment options are available for veterans with co-occurring mental health conditions?

Many programs, including The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper, offer integrated treatment for substance use and mental health conditions. This holistic approach may involve therapy, medication management, support groups, and continuous aftercare.

6. Is there confidential support for veterans afraid to seek help for drinking problems?

Yes. Confidential hotlines and community-based programs exist. Veterans can reach out to the VA crisis lines or contact specialized treatment centers directly. Privacy and confidentiality are top priorities for medical providers.