Symptoms of Addiction
Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain, which causes a person to use drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences. The most common symptoms of addiction are:
- A strong urge to use alcohol or drugs
- Taking higher doses than intended
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Losing interest in things that were once enjoyed
- Neglecting responsibilities and relationships
- Continuing to use alcohol or drugs despite negative consequences
Addiction Among Women Veterans
In the past decade, fewer women have been diagnosed with substance addiction issues. The number of VA patients with substance use disorders increased by 81% between 2006 and 2010. A veteran's gender makes it even harder.
Statistics suggest women have twice as much PTSD and two-thirds of all psychopathological symptoms. Among those reported female sexual trauma experiences about one in five military personnel can cause PTSD.
Traumatic Brain Injury
In the United States, there are more than 2.2 million military veterans who have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury.
The number of veterans suffering from this injury is increasing every year, and the rate of diagnosis is nearly three times higher in Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans compared to Vietnam War veterans.
The long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries can be devastating to a veteran’s quality of life. It can affect their memory, concentration, language skills, and social abilities. In addition to these cognitive effects, a traumatic brain injury can also lead to physical disabilities such as loss of balance or chronic headaches.
Sexual Trauma
Many veterans return from war with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. Sexual trauma is also common in this population.
One in five women and one in 100 men are sexually assaulted or raped at some point in their lives.
While there are many ways to cope with PTSD, sexual trauma, and other mental health issues, the use of cannabis, alcohol or other drugs has been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Veteran Suicide Risks
Veterans' suicide rates were higher than that of civilians. 6. Approximately 20% of American suicides have occurred by veterans. Some 17 veterans die a day from a suicide.
Over one-third of those suicides involved alcohol abuse and around 1/3 involved prescription drugs in 2005 and 2009. Almost 50% of veterans who commit suicide had mental illnesses. Various factors can increase the risk of death for veterans, such as drug and alcohol abuse.
Veterans Experiencing Homelessness
The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that there are over 1.5 million homeless veterans on any given night, with some estimates as high as 2.5 million. This is due to lack of resources, veteran addiction or other mental illnesses that make it difficult for veterans to retain employment.
Veterans Affairs
The Veterans Affairs (VA) is a government agency in the United States that provides healthcare and other benefits to veterans and their families.
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Reducing Stigma of Substance Abuse for Veterans

The military still experiences stigma regarding mental illness and drug addiction for military personnel. Many do not seek treatment or go undiagnosed.
Veterans who seek treatment may choose not to attend because of the social stigma surrounding addiction. Some veterans are afraid of negative perceptions they might receive when they treat the symptoms of mental health problems.
Veteran Substance Abuse Statistics
Almost 71% of veterans in the U.S. were diagnosed with drug abuse in the years 2004-2006. For veterans ages 18 and 25, it is about 25%.
A substance use disorder involves addiction of any substance or alcohol regardless of the physical harm it causes. The prevalence of prescribed drugs is fairly widespread. From 2002 to 2008, active-duty members misused prescription drugs increased by 21% to 9%.