Understanding Substance Use Problems Among Veterans

Supporting veterans with substance use problems isn’t about putting people into a neat box so they’re easier to help. It’s not that simple. Most veterans who struggle with addiction didn’t wake up one day and decide to destroy their lives. For many, substance use was a way to keep going long before it ever became a problem.

A lot of veterans don’t talk about why they drink or use drugs, even with people they trust. Sometimes it doesn’t feel explainable. Sometimes it feels easier to say nothing at all. Alcohol might slow things down at night. Drugs might help the body relax enough to get some sleep. At first, it can look like everything is under control. Then, often without much warning, things begin to unravel.

The Transition From Military to Civilian Life

For many veterans, the transition from military life to civilian life is a major adjustment. The structure disappears quickly. Expectations change. A sense of purpose that once felt solid can start to fade. Some veterans say they feel like they don’t belong, even in places that used to feel familiar. When days stop feeling steady, substances can start filling the gaps.

Trauma, Mental Health, and Addiction

Trauma is often part of the picture, but it doesn’t always show up the way people expect. It isn’t always dramatic or obvious. Sometimes it’s stress that never really goes away. Trouble sleeping. Getting angry without knowing why. Always feeling slightly on edge. Substances can offer short-term relief. The problem is that the relief never lasts.

Military culture plays a big role here. Veterans are trained to tolerate discomfort and push forward, even when things get hard. With that mindset, asking for help can feel wrong or unnecessary. Some veterans worry about appearing weak. Others don’t think their situation is serious enough to deserve support. By the time many reach out, substance use has already caused real damage.

Supporting veterans means understanding that hesitation instead of fighting it. Trust doesn’t happen instantly. It grows slowly. Veterans are more likely to open up when they feel respected and taken seriously. It helps when someone listens without trying to fix everything right away.

Why Inpatient Treatment Can Help

Veterans who are struggling to control their substance use may benefit from inpatient treatment. A structured environment limits access to drugs and alcohol and creates space to focus on recovery. Early sobriety can be difficult. Having support available at all hours can help veterans get through moments that might otherwise feel overwhelming.

Many veterans also face mental health challenges alongside addiction. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress often exist at the same time as substance use. One tends to fuel the other. When mental health symptoms go untreated, substance use usually worsens. Veterans are more likely to find stability when both are addressed together. We treat these conditions in conjunction with substance use, not independently.

Learn more about veteran-focused inpatient care at Essence Recovery Center’s Veterans Services.

For additional background on how trauma impacts addiction, information from the National Institute of Mental Health provides helpful context.