Health Challenges and Addiction Among Veterans

Military service is an undeniably honorable commitment. It involves discipline, sacrifice and a willingness to serve one’s country — often in hostile or dangerous environments. However, service in the armed forces can also lead to both immediate and long-term physical and mental health challenges. Veterans often return to civilian life with complex medical issues, including chronic pain and psychological trauma, and these challenges can trigger or exacerbate substance abuse problems.

Fortunately, greater awareness of veterans’ unique health needs has led to more resources and specialized programs for their treatment and support. Understanding the link between the physical and mental toll of military service and addiction can help family members, communities, and healthcare professionals guide veterans toward effective, compassionate care. Below, we will explore some of the most prevalent health concerns facing veterans and discuss how these issues connect to addiction, as well as strategies for providing effective support and care.

Long-Term Physical Health Effects of Combat on Veterans

Military service, and particularly combat experience, can result in numerous physical health complications:

• Musculoskeletal Injuries and Chronic Pain: Veterans frequently experience injuries to bones, joints and muscles that stem from the rigorous physical demands of their service. Overuse injuries, sprains, fractures and back pain are some of the common conditions reported. When these injuries become chronic, they can significantly reduce a veteran’s quality of life, sometimes leading to limited mobility, sleep disturbances and an inability to return to full employment.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Exposure to blasts and other combat-related incidents place military personnel at a high risk for TBIs. Even mild TBIs can lead to long-lasting problems such as headaches, dizziness and cognitive impairment. More severe TBIs can cause permanent disabilities, including profound cognitive deficits, mood disturbances and difficulty with coordination.
• Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: The constant noise from gunfire, aircraft, explosions and heavy machinery can damage a veteran’s hearing. Many veterans are diagnosed with tinnitus (a persistent ringing in the ears) and partial hearing loss, both of which can impact their ability to communicate, sleep and maintain emotional well-being.
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Depending on where and when they served, veterans may have encountered harmful chemicals and substances that increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, cancers and other medical conditions. In older generations, Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam contributed to a variety of conditions, including certain cancers and Parkinson’s disease. More recently, service members deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan often report respiratory problems linked to burn pit exposure.
• Cardiovascular Issues: The stress of combat, compounded by extended periods of intense physical training, can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular complications. Over time, untreated high blood pressure or stress-related heart conditions can lead to coronary artery disease or stroke.

All of these conditions can have ripple effects on a veteran’s overall well-being. Chronic pain and diminished physical functioning, for instance, can lead to isolation and depression, which are themselves risk factors for substance misuse. Veterans who struggle with long-term physical health issues may be prescribed pain medications, and without proper oversight, these treatments can lead to opioid dependence or addiction.

Access to Physical Healthcare for Veterans

Accessing adequate physical healthcare remains a challenge for many veterans in the United States. While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of services, some veterans face barriers such as:

• Geographical Limitations: Veterans in rural communities may struggle to find nearby VA facilities or specialists.
• Long Wait Times: High demand for services can create scheduling delays, making it difficult for veterans to receive timely care.
• Lack of Coordination: Veterans with multiple conditions may find it frustrating to coordinate among various specialists, both within and outside the VA system.
• Limited Understanding of Civilian Providers: Some private healthcare professionals may not fully grasp the unique health challenges and experiences of veterans.

Improving access to reliable healthcare resources is essential for preventing chronic conditions from worsening. Telehealth and mobile clinics represent emerging tools that can bridge gaps, ensuring veterans receive swift treatment and ongoing monitoring. Additionally, programs geared toward pain management without over-reliance on opioids can reduce the risk of addiction.

Mental Health Challenges in Veterans

Beyond the physical toll, military service can also have substantial mental health consequences. Some of the most common issues reported by veterans include:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD arises after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, such as combat or sexual assault. Veterans with PTSD may relive traumatic memories through flashbacks or nightmares, leading them to feel on edge or emotionally numb. Symptoms of anxiety, irritability and hypervigilance make daily life difficult to navigate.
• Depression and Anxiety: Regular exposure to high-pressure situations, violence or extended periods away from loved ones can contribute to a persistent sense of sadness and hopelessness. Veterans may also battle generalized anxiety, social phobia or panic disorders as they readjust to civilian life.
• Moral Injury: Moral injury refers to the emotional and spiritual harm that arises from taking part in or witnessing actions that go against a person’s moral or ethical code. Veterans with moral injury may grapple with overwhelming guilt or shame, contributing to suicidal ideation and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
• Suicidality: Veterans are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to the general population. Factors such as unaddressed mental health issues, social isolation and the stigma around seeking help can compound this risk.
• Adjustment Disorders: Returning to civilian life after service requires significant mental and emotional adjustments. Veterans may experience anxiety or depression as they adapt to a life outside of the structured military environment. This process can be especially challenging if they lack access to adequate resources, social support or job opportunities.

How Accessible Are Veterans’ Mental Health Services?

While the VA provides mental health services such as counseling, therapy and psychiatric care, certain barriers may prevent veterans from seeking or receiving timely assistance:

• Stigma: Negative stereotypes around mental health problems or fears of being perceived as weak can deter veterans from reaching out for help.
• Limited Availability of Mental Health Professionals: Similar to physical healthcare, rural communities and areas with fewer clinicians can pose a significant challenge.
• Financial Constraints: Veterans who do not qualify for specific VA benefits or who choose private care might face high out-of-pocket costs.
• Lack of Awareness: Veterans may not know what services or support networks are available, especially those provided by nonprofits or local community organizations.

Addressing these challenges involves reducing stigma through education, investing in training more mental health professionals who specialize in veterans’ care and increasing outreach programs that inform veterans of their treatment options. Early mental health interventions and peer support groups can also help veterans cope with challenges before they become crises.

Substance Abuse and Addiction in Veterans

Veterans’ physical and mental health conditions can become intertwined with substance use. Commonly misused substances among veterans include alcohol, prescription painkillers, benzodiazepines and illicit drugs like heroin or cocaine.

The high incidence of chronic pain and mental health disorders among veterans are key contributors to addiction. For instance, a veteran with PTSD might initially use alcohol or drugs to cope with nightmares and flashbacks. Over time, this behavior can shift into a cycle of dependence or addiction.

How Addiction and Mental Health Issues Are Connected

• Self-Medication: Veterans with untreated or poorly managed physical pain and mental health conditions often turn to substances to numb their symptoms. Over time, self-medication can worsen psychological distress and create new health problems.
• Prescription Opioid Risks: Chronic pain from combat-related injuries can lead to legitimate prescriptions for opioid painkillers. Without careful monitoring, prolonged use can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. Veterans may eventually seek more potent substances (like heroin) if their prescriptions run out or no longer provide relief.
• Dual Diagnosis: Addiction rarely exists in a vacuum, particularly among veterans. When someone has both a substance use disorder (SUD) and another mental health disorder (such as depression or PTSD), they are said to have a dual diagnosis. It’s critical to treat both issues simultaneously, as focusing on only one can undermine the recovery process.
• Changes in Social Circles: Veterans transitioning out of active duty may feel isolated or distant from civilian friends and family who haven’t shared their experiences. In some cases, substance use becomes a way to cope with the loss of camaraderie. Isolation also reduces the chance that someone will notice the signs of addiction early on.
• Heightened Stress: The stress of navigating bureaucracy to access veterans’ benefits, coupled with possible unemployment or underemployment, can exacerbate mental health struggles. Substances may feel like a temporary escape, but this only perpetuates the cycle of stress and dependency.

Treating addiction in veterans often requires specialized programs that address both the substance use disorder and the unique contributing factors tied to military service. Therapeutic approaches that combine cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or trauma-focused therapy with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be especially beneficial. Furthermore, veteran-specific support groups and community-based resources can provide understanding and peer acceptance, which can be critical to long-term sobriety.

Supporting Your Loved One

Watching a veteran you care about face health challenges or addiction can be overwhelming, particularly if you’re unsure of how best to help. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the following strategies can provide a roadmap for family members, friends and caregivers:

• Educate Yourself: Understanding the intricacies of PTSD, chronic pain and the reasons behind substance abuse can help you empathize with your loved one’s situation. Read books, attend workshops or seek guidance from veteran-focused organizations and clinicians.
• Encourage Professional Help: If a veteran shows signs of mental distress or substance use, encourage them to speak to a healthcare professional. This can start with a primary care physician at the VA or a local private practice; from there, they can be referred to mental health specialists or pain management experts. Emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Offer Practical Support: Sometimes the simplest forms of assistance make a big difference — like offering to help schedule appointments, drive them to the VA hospital or accompany them during therapy sessions (if they’re comfortable). Consistency in practical matters can alleviate the anxiety and logistical barriers that often prevent veterans from accessing help.
• Promote Healthy Coping Mechanisms: While you can’t force someone to give up a substance or change their behaviors, you can encourage healthy coping strategies. These might include exercise, meditation, art therapy or even reconnecting with old hobbies. Some veterans find group-based physical activities (like hiking or sports clubs) immensely helpful in rebuilding camaraderie.
• Validate Their Feelings: Encourage open, judgment-free communication. Veterans dealing with moral injury, PTSD or grief may want to talk about their experiences, or they may not be ready to discuss them at all. Respect their boundaries but make it clear you’re available to listen when they need you. Validation doesn’t require you to solve their problems; often, it’s enough simply to acknowledge that their feelings are real and understandable.
• Help Them Find Community: Numerous veteran-focused organizations provide mentorship, job placement and peer support groups. These communities offer a sense of belonging and a chance for veterans to bond with people who have undergone similar experiences. Encourage your loved one to connect with a local veterans’ center, sign up for group therapy or join peer-led groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
• Recognize Warning Signs: Pay attention to changes in behavior, such as increased isolation, risky behaviors or sudden mood swings, as they may indicate relapse or worsening mental health. If you notice signs of suicidal ideation, seek professional help immediately. The Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, then Press 1 if in the U.S.) is an invaluable resource for emergencies.
• Take Care of Yourself: Supporting someone through physical health issues, mental health challenges and addiction can be emotionally taxing. Reach out to support groups for family members of veterans or consider therapy for yourself if you’re feeling overwhelmed. By maintaining your own well-being, you’ll be in a stronger position to help your loved one.

Specialized Veteran Addiction Treatment

Veterans often bear the burden of physical and psychological scars from their time in the armed forces. Chronic pain, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, depression, anxiety and moral injury can become intertwined with or complicated by substance abuse disorders. Sadly, the stigma surrounding mental health struggles — particularly for service members who were once perceived as strong and resilient — can stand in the way of effective treatment.

Yet, veterans also show remarkable resilience every day. With comprehensive support—including understanding healthcare providers, dedicated family members, peer networks and specialized treatment programs—veterans can overcome these challenges and lead fulfilling lives in civilian society. It takes a collective effort from families, communities, policymakers and medical professionals to ensure veterans have the resources they need to heal.

If you or someone you love is a veteran struggling with substance use or mental health concerns, reach out. The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper provides compassionate, evidence-based care. By understanding and addressing the specific stressors and traumas veterans experience, we can help them rediscover hope, stability and a renewed sense of purpose. Contact us today to and ask about our FORTITUDE track for veterans and first responders.