Substance Use in Military and Veteran Populations

Abstract

Drug and alcohol use can affect the military and veteran population in unique ways. The culture of the armed forces has an impact on substance abuse rates, which vary from the civilian population and show divergent patterns of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use. In addition, the impact of substance use on the life of a service member or veteran can have consequences that affect not only his or her immediate ability to serve but also his or her connections and benefits long after separation from service. While there are extensive resources available to assess and treat substance use disorders, stigma and career implications can impact utilization of these options and make it more challenging to navigate the care continuum. Continued efforts are being made to improve the accessibility and quality of care offered to our military and veteran populations, with better integration of services, greater access to care, and confidential access to treatment services. Understanding the challenges and impact of substance abuse in the military will assist healthcare providers seeking to serve our nation’s veterans.