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Visory Veteran Caregiver Series: The Veteran and Alcohol Use

Many individuals in our society are struggling with unhealthy alcohol use or other substance use problems. Veterans are no different. Unhealthy alcohol use or misuse may be concerning to you and provide additional caregiver challenges when caring for your Veteran. In this blog, we will discuss the Veteran with substance use problems, specifically alcohol, and offer some possible resources that may help your Veteran get the support they need.

The Why and What of Alcohol Use and the Veteran

Why: Some Reasons Why Veterans Drink Alcohol

Veterans drink alcohol for a variety of reasons. According to the American Addiction Center,Veterans may use alcohol to cope with internal negative experiences, such as anxiety, stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other trauma including military sexual trauma. The use of alcohol to cope with these feelings and experiences may lead to the misuse of alcohol.

What: Veterans and Alcohol

Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use. Untreated, unhealthy use of alcohol can begin to have negative effects on many aspects of the life and health of the Veteran.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 29.5 million people in the U.S. had an alcohol use disorder in 2022.
Rand research finds that post 9/11 Veterans have higher rates of alcohol use disorders than pre-9/11 Veterans, with 4.9% of all Veterans reporting alcohol use disorder within the past year, 4.2% are pre 9/11 Veterans, while 8.0% are post-9/11Veterans.

Resources To Veterans With Alcohol Use

VA Services for Veterans with Substance Use Problems

The Veterans Administration offers services to help combat substance use problems, including alcohol use struggles. The services provided depend on the Veteran’s specific needs.

VA Medication Treatment Options include:

Medically managed detoxification to safely stop substance use
Medications that can reduce cravings or drug substitution therapies
Nicotine replacement or other medications to stop tobacco use

VA Counseling and Other Therapy Options include:

Short-term outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment
Family and marriage counseling
Self-help groups
Residential (live-in) care
Continuing care and relapse prevention
Special programs for Veterans with special concerns: women Veterans, returning combat Veterans, and homeless Veterans.

VA Provides Treatment and Support:

The VA provides treatment and support for health conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, that may be related to substance use problems.

How Does Your Veteran Access Services for Substance Use Problems?

To access VA services for support, the Veteran must first apply for VA healthcare.

Apply for VA health care using this link.

For Veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), or Operation New Dawn (OND), contact your local VA medical center and ask to speak with an OER/OIF/OND coordinator.

What if Your Veteran Doesn’t Have VA Health Care Benefits?

If your Veteran doesn’t have VA Healthcare benefits, the VA states they may still be able to get care:

If they served in a combat zone, Veterans can get free private counseling, alcohol and drug assessment, and other support at one of 300 community Veteran Centers.
Find a Veteran Center near you using this link.

Visory Health and our Veteran Community

At Visory Health, We See You and Hear You! We support our Veteran Community and understand Veterans have unique experiences and healthcare needs. If you are caring for a Veteran with alcohol struggles, we are here to help. Seek help and support from the Veteran Administration. Return to a healthy lifestyle is possible and what each Veteran deserves. Use your Visory Health Discount Prescription Card to save money on over 10,000 prescription medications.

Stay Healthy, Stay Visory Health!

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Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?

You're not alone—the Veterans Crisis Line is here for you. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.

24/7 Free, Confidential Support, Live Connection, Serves Veterans, Their Families and Friends

DIAL 988 then Press 1 or TEXT 838255

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To Your Health,

Dr. Creamer

DNP, MSN, MSS, MA

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This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational or educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.

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