Issue Brief

Veterans and Substance Abuse

More attention must be paid to treating substance abuse among our veterans returning home from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

• Historically, surveys have shown that veterans report higher rates of alcohol abuse than non-veterans and are more likely to meet criteria for alcohol abuse and dependence.
• Recent studies have demonstrated an increase in alcohol concerns by Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans.
• In an anonymous study of active duty personnel by the Department of Defense (DOD), 23 percent of respondents acknowledged having a significant alcohol problem.
• An Army study of soldiers serving in Iraq concluded that while about 12 percent of soldiers reported alcohol misuse, 0.2 percent were referred for treatment. Of those referred, only a small number received care within 90 days of screening.

• Itseems that as the number of substance abuse services declines,veterans’ demands for such services increases.
• Last year, despite the best efforts of theDepartment of Veterans Affairs (VA), there was only a one percent increase inveterans receiving substance abuse treatment. (Independent Budget, 2008)

• VA should provide a full continuum of care for substance abuse disorders, including more consistent and universal periodic screening of OEF/OIF combat veterans in all its health-care facilities and programs—especially primary care.
• Services should be expanded at all larger VA community-based clinics, including outpatient counseling, pharmacotherapy, detoxification services, interventions, and residential care for severely disable veterans.
• VA should increase its efforts on prevention of substance abuse.