Veterans Often Struggle With Substance Use Disorders. Tactical Recovery Can Help.

If only it were that easy. Our heroes truly have accomplished something amazing, but it is essential that we remember that they are not, in fact, invincible. In fact, many veterans struggle with the transition from military life to civilian life. And all too often, veterans turn to drugs or alcohol to help them manage the new challenges they are facing. In fact, studies reveal that more than 10 percent of veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder.

Let’s take a closer look at what leads to substance use among veterans and what can be done to help.

Reasons and Reluctance: Veterans and Substance Use Disorders

There are a number of reasons a veteran might find themselves turning to drugs or alcohol after their military career has come to an end. We have already mentioned that the transition from life in the military back to daily life as a civilian can prove challenging. Some veterans, for example, find that they no longer feel the strong sense of purpose they felt while serving their country, and that loss can be quite difficult to come to terms with.

Meanwhile, many veterans are struggling with chronic pain and are understandably eager to find relief. That relief may be available in the form of strong opioid pain medications, but opioids open a veteran up to the danger of becoming addicted to their meds. In these cases, injuries sustained while serving our country end up leading to the development of a substance use disorder in civilian life.

Veterans also often struggle with mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. If a veteran decides to “self-medicate” in the hope of overcoming a mental health challenge, there is a good chance they will end up with a substance use disorder.

The problem of addiction is made worse by the reluctance many veterans feel about getting help. They, too, may have come to believe in the hero narrative or self-reliance. If so, they might feel embarrassed or ashamed about needing help and therefore decide to try to go it alone. They may also feel as if no one in civilian life can truly understand their experiences in the service. As a result, they may very well convince themselves that no one can really help them.

The good news is that they are wrong about that. Excellent care created specifically to meet the needs of veterans who are struggling with a substance use disorder is available. 

Tactical Recovery Meets Vets Where They Are

A program known as Tactical Recovery, which was created in partnership with the national nonprofit known as PsychArmor), can help veterans overcome a substance use disorder. This evidence-based, trauma-informed, culturally competent approach to treatment meets veterans where they are and provides care, support, and resources designed to resonate with veterans and help them complete their latest mission: regaining and maintaining sobriety.

In addition, the Tactical Recovery program also addresses co-occurring mental health disorders that a veteran may be dealing with. Sobriety and good mental health are aligned—and Tactical Recovery ensures that vets are given the tools they need to support both.

The Farley Center Is Proud to Offer Tactical Recovery

Everyone at The Farley Center is grateful for the service of all of America’s veterans—and we are eager to serve veterans who are struggling with a substance use disorder. Tactical Recovery provides us with a framework to help ensure that veterans get the care, compassion, and respect they deserve.

If you are a veteran who has developed an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you don’t have to struggle on your own. The Farley Center is ready and able to help you reclaim your sobriety—and your life. In the end, a true hero knows when it is time to get help. If that time has arrived for you, we would be truly honored to serve you.