By Michael Leach, Drug Rehab Services (DRS)
Substance use disorders and mental health problems impact countless veterans in our local communities. Without adequate treatment or support, these issues spiral quickly out of control. Unfortunately, too many veterans never receive help.
While there are many reasons for this, there is often a lack of early intervention, stigma with addiction, and, in some cases, inadequate drug education and treatment options.
Early intervention remains the best initial approach, involving conversations and even drug education. When we begin discussions with the veterans in our lives about substance use and treatment resources, this could be all they need to get help.
While it is challenging to know how many veterans have substance use disorders and mental health problems, it’s safe to say there are many struggling in silence.
However, we can reach those close to us and those in the community, have conversations, provide drug education, and break down the stigma surrounding addiction.
According to census data, in 2022, 7.90% of the adult population in Arizona were considered veterans. Per the National Survey for Drug Use and Health, 3.6 million veterans had a past year substance use disorder in the United States.
Alcohol use disorders, for example, are common, affecting many within the state. According to drug abuse statistics, Arizona has a high number of alcohol-related deaths compared to its population—roughly 16.7% of adults in the state 18 and over binge drink at least once per month. There is an average of 3,670 deaths annually in the state because of excessive alcohol use.
Nationally, veterans ages 18 to 49 were the most likely to struggle with addiction. Yet, few veterans seek treatment. An estimated 2.7 million veterans, or 95.4% of the 3.6 million, did not perceive a need for substance use treatment, and only 0.3% sought drug rehab per national data.
Have discussions about substance use, mental health, and addiction. For instance, when you begin the conversation, focus on sharing your feelings. It’s okay to tell them you’ve noticed they have been drinking more and you’re wondering if everything is ok.
Tell them you’ve noticed they have been acting differently and wanted to check-in. They may not have seemed like themselves lately, and you wanted to keep in touch.
Once you’ve begun the conversation, ask questions such as when they first started feeling this, did something happen that made them feel like this, or ask if they have been using drugs or alcohol to cope with negative feelings and whether they have thought about getting help or searching for support. Provide them with local options in the community that help veterans.
During these conversations, it is critical to listen without judgment, be supportive, and not come across as disappointed. If you feel concerned, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and then press 1. Other professional resources include SAMHSA and the Veterans Affairs Resource Locator.
This practical approach can help support our veterans who are struggling. Early intervention remains a critical part of helping anyone battling addiction and mental health problems.
Michael Leach has spent most of his career as a healthcare professional specializing in substance use & addiction recovery. He is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and the Public Relations Officer at DRS.
