The men and women who serve in the U.S. military take on burdens that few civilians fully understand — combat exposure, repeated deployments, traumatic injury, and the difficult transition back to civilian life. Those experiences can leave lasting marks on mental and physical health. Among the most serious: substance use disorders. Veterans face higher rates of alcohol and opioid-related harm than the general population, and they often face unique barriers to getting help. Understanding the scope of the problem is the first step toward changing it.
According to data from SAMHSA's 2022–2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), roughly 1 in 8 veterans had an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the past year, and about 1 in 4 reported binge drinking in the past month. Veterans who served in a combat zone have even higher rates of alcohol misuse than those who did not deploy to a combat zone.
Research published by the RAND Corporation found that among post-9/11 veterans — those who served after September 11, 2001 — approximately 8% meet the criteria for probable alcohol use disorder, compared with 4% among pre-9/11 veterans. Across every age group studied, veterans had higher rates of binge drinking and AUD than nonveterans of the same age.
Opioids are a serious concern as well. Research supported by the VA has found that veterans are approximately twice as likely to die from an accidental opioid overdose as non-veterans — a sobering gap tied to higher rates of chronic pain, previous opioid prescribing, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
No single factor explains higher rates of substance use among veterans, but several are well-documented:
The good news: effective, evidence-based treatment exists, and veterans enrolled in VA health care can access it at little or no cost. The VA offers a range of services for substance use problems, including:
Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to get a first conversation started. More than 300 community Vet Centers across the country offer free, confidential substance use assessments, counseling, and referrals specifically for combat veterans and their families — no prior enrollment required.
If you or a veteran you love aren't sure where to start, SAMHSA's Veterans page (samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope/veterans) lists resources by state and situation, and SAMHSA's National Helpline can connect you with local options by phone.
Knowing treatment exists and actually walking through the door are two different things. Research has identified common barriers — stigma, geography, and distrust — that prevent veterans from seeking help. A few things that can help:
If you or a veteran you love needs help now: Call or text 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line — available 24/7, confidential, and staffed by VA-trained counselors. You can also text 838255. For treatment referrals, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7). In an emergency, call 911.
At Empower Next Project, we believe recovery is possible for everyone — including those who have given the most in service to this country. Our Empower Next Steps program connects individuals with resources and support to begin and sustain their recovery journey.
This article is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. In an emergency, always call 911. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.