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Substance Usage in the Military​

Understanding Substance Use in the Military Community

Military service can be rewarding, challenging, and life-changing. Service members often operate in high-pressure environments that demand resilience, discipline, and adaptability. While many successfully navigate these challenges, some individuals may develop unhealthy coping strategies, including the misuse of alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit substances.

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Substance use disorders can affect anyone regardless of rank, branch of service, age, or military occupation. These disorders are complex health conditions that can impact physical health, mental well-being, relationships, employment, financial stability, and overall quality of life.

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For Veterans and service members, substance use disorders are often connected to other challenges such as post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and difficulties transitioning from military service to civilian life. Understanding these connections is essential to prevention, early intervention, and recovery.

 

Substance Use by the Numbers

Substance use disorders remain a significant concern within both military and Veteran populations.

  • According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 2.8 million Veterans reported experiencing at least one substance use disorder during the previous year, representing roughly 14 percent of all U.S. Veterans.

  • Research indicates that approximately 11 percent of Veterans seeking care through the VA meet the criteria for a substance use disorder.

  • Alcohol remains the most commonly misused substance among Veterans, with nearly three-quarters of Veterans with substance use disorders struggling with alcohol-related issues.

  • Studies have found that more than one in four Veterans report alcohol consumption at levels considered risky or excessive.

  • Veterans experiencing PTSD are significantly more likely to experience alcohol or drug-related problems than Veterans without PTSD.

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While these numbers are concerning, they also highlight the importance of awareness, prevention, treatment, and peer support.

 

A Historical Perspective

Substance use has existed throughout military history. From alcohol rations provided to soldiers during the Revolutionary War to modern concerns involving prescription medications and illicit substances, military leaders have long recognized the potential impact of substance misuse on readiness, morale, discipline, and overall force health.

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Historically, alcohol has been the most commonly used substance within military populations. In some eras, alcohol was incorporated into daily military life and was viewed as a means of boosting morale, building camaraderie, and helping service members cope with difficult conditions. Over time, military policies evolved as leaders gained a greater understanding of the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption and substance misuse.

Today, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs recognize substance use disorders as treatable health conditions that require education, prevention, early intervention, and access to effective treatment and support services.

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Military Culture and Substance Use

Military service places unique demands on individuals. Service members are expected to operate under pressure, perform in challenging environments, adapt quickly to change, and maintain mission readiness.

While these expectations help create resilient and capable military professionals, they can also contribute to unhealthy coping behaviors for some individuals.

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Several aspects of military life may influence substance use:

  • Exposure to high-stress environments

  • Frequent relocations

  • Family separation

  • Deployment cycles

  • Operational tempo

  • Sleep disruption

  • Combat exposure

  • Physical injuries

  • Social environments where alcohol consumption is normalized

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Military culture also places significant value on strength, self-reliance, and perseverance. While these qualities are essential, they may sometimes discourage individuals from seeking help when they are struggling.

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Why Substance Use Can Become a Problem

Substance use disorders rarely develop because of a single event. Instead, they often result from a combination of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.

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Operational and Deployment Stress

Military operations often involve long work hours, demanding responsibilities, uncertainty, and prolonged periods away from home. Repeated exposure to stress can affect emotional well-being and increase vulnerability to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

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Combat Exposure

Exposure to combat, traumatic events, loss, injury, or life-threatening situations can have lasting effects on emotional and psychological health. Some individuals may attempt to numb emotional pain or reduce distress through alcohol or drug use.

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Chronic Pain and Physical Injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain conditions, and service-related disabilities can increase the risk of prescription medication misuse and other substance-related problems.

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Family and Relationship Challenges

Frequent moves, deployments, and reintegration after military service can place stress on relationships. Family conflict, divorce, and social isolation may contribute to increased substance use.

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Transition to Civilian Life

The transition from military service often involves changes in identity, employment, housing, healthcare, and social support systems. While many Veterans successfully navigate this transition, others may experience stress, uncertainty, or a loss of purpose that contributes to substance misuse.

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Commonly Misused Substances

 

Alcohol

Alcohol remains the most commonly misused substance among military personnel and Veterans.

Excessive alcohol use can contribute to:

  • Relationship problems

  • Financial difficulties

  • Poor decision-making

  • Health complications

  • Employment issues

  • Legal concerns

  • Increased risk-taking behaviors

 

Although alcohol is legal and widely accepted socially, excessive use can have serious consequences.

 

Prescription Opioids

Prescription opioid medications are commonly used to treat pain resulting from injuries and medical conditions. While effective when used as directed, misuse can lead to dependence, addiction, overdose, and long-term health consequences.

 

Cannabis

Cannabis use has increased in many communities as laws have changed across the country. While some individuals use cannabis recreationally or medically, excessive use may affect concentration, motivation, memory, and mental health.

 

Cocaine and Stimulants

Stimulant drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine can create intense feelings of energy and euphoria, but often lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences.

 

Other Substances

Substance use disorders may involve a wide range of substances, including sedatives, synthetic drugs, hallucinogens, and other illicit substances.

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PTSD and Substance Use Disorders

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders frequently occur together within both military and Veteran populations.

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PTSD can develop following exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, combat operations, military sexual trauma, natural disasters, accidents, or other traumatic events. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and avoidance behaviors.

Some individuals may attempt to manage these symptoms through alcohol or drug use. While substances may provide temporary relief, they often worsen symptoms over time and can interfere with recovery.

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Research consistently shows that Veterans with PTSD are significantly more likely to experience substance use disorders than Veterans without PTSD. This combination can increase the risk of relationship difficulties, unemployment, homelessness, legal issues, and suicidal thoughts.

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Integrated treatment approaches that address both PTSD and substance use simultaneously have been shown to improve outcomes and support long-term recovery.

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Traumatic Brain Injury and Substance Use

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is often referred to as the signature injury of recent military conflicts.

Individuals living with TBI may experience:

  • Memory problems

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Irritability

  • Mood changes

  • Headaches

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These symptoms can increase vulnerability to substance misuse, particularly when combined with chronic pain or co-occurring mental health conditions.

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Suicide Risk and Substance Use

Substance use disorders are associated with increased risk for suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and suicide deaths.

Alcohol and drugs can impair judgment, increase impulsivity, reduce inhibitions, and intensify feelings of hopelessness.

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For Veterans already experiencing depression, PTSD, isolation, or other challenges, substance misuse can significantly increase risk.

Understanding this connection highlights the importance of early intervention and access to support.

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Impact on Military Families

Substance use disorders affect entire families.

Spouses, partners, children, parents, and caregivers may experience emotional stress, financial hardship, relationship conflict, and uncertainty while supporting a loved one struggling with substance misuse.

Strong family support can be an important factor in recovery, but families often need support and resources of their own.

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Barriers to Seeking Help

Many service members and Veterans delay seeking help because of:

  • Stigma

  • Fear of judgment

  • Career concerns

  • Privacy concerns

  • Lack of awareness about available resources

  • Difficulty recognizing a problem

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Reducing stigma and increasing awareness are essential steps toward encouraging help-seeking behavior.

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Prevention and Protective Factors

Several factors can help reduce the risk of substance misuse:

  • Strong social connections

  • Healthy coping skills

  • Physical activity and recreation

  • Access to healthcare

  • Financial stability

  • Peer support

  • Family support

  • Community engagement

  • Purpose-driven activities

Protective factors do not eliminate risk, but they can strengthen resilience and improve overall well-being.

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The Importance of Peer Support

Connection is one of the most powerful protective factors against isolation and substance misuse.

Peer support programs help Veterans:

  • Build meaningful relationships

  • Share experiences with others who understand military culture

  • Learn about resources and support services

  • Reduce feelings of isolation

  • Strengthen accountability and encouragement

  • Develop a renewed sense of purpose and belonging

The Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project helps connect Veterans, service members, military families, caregivers, and survivors with supportive communities and opportunities to engage with others who understand the military experience.

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Moving Forward Together

Substance use disorders can affect anyone, but recovery is possible. Through education, awareness, early intervention, treatment, peer support, and community connection, individuals and families can overcome challenges and build healthier futures.

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By reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking behavior, and strengthening support networks, we can ensure that Veterans, service members, military families, caregivers, and survivors have access to the resources and connections needed to thrive.

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