Studies have shown a link between stressful life events and substance use and misuse in the military. Substance use disorders include both illicit drugs (termed “use”) and prescription medication (termed “misuse”). Service members frequently experience stress due to situations like training, combat, or multiple deployments. Service members who have experienced these events may turn to substances to help them find relief. This can include using or misusing alcohol, tobacco, performance and image enhancing drugs, or prescription and non-prescription drugs. Difficulty coping with a traumatic event does not automatically lead to problematic substance-related behaviors, but your loved may be more at risk. If your warrior is struggling with substance use or misuse, you can help by encouraging them to get professional treatment. Without treatment and support, substance use and misuse can spiral out of control and potentially lead to added concerns like anxiety, sleep loss, and trouble managing relationships or other responsibilities.

How You Can Help

Keeping an open mind can help create a safe environment that may encourage your loved one to talk more openly. You can begin by learning about the types of stressors and emotions your loved one may experience. Try to focus on the needs of your loved one and not only the substance use or misuse. Overcoming a substance use disorder can be a challenging process filled with highs and lows. You and your loved one may find yourselves becoming discouraged, but it's important to stay positive. Encourage your loved one to reach out for professional help. Seeking care is an important first step for all warriors coping with substance use disorder or other psychological health concerns. It is a sign of strength. You can also offer to join them at their first appointment for extra support. Some other tips include:

• Listen to their concerns
• Acknowledge concerning behaviors
• Offer support
• Seek expert advice from a health care provider
• Assist with chosen form of treatment, if possible

Care for Yourself

Families and friends of service members or veterans provide the majority of support for both physical and emotional wounds. This can be a challenging role. You can best care for your warrior by first making your own wellness a priority. Refer to the "Five Tips for Caregivers" trifold for more information. Here is a list of some tips for maintaining your health while caring for others:

Make time for yourself

• Exercise
• Eat healthy
• Practice deep breathing or meditation
• Stay optimistic
• Take a walk

Resources are available to help you and your loved one find success. Reach out to your health care provider or contact the Department of Veterans Affairs National Caregiver Support Line (855-260-3274) to learn more.

If you or a loved one needs additional support, contact the Psychological Health Resource Center 24/7 to confidentially speak with trained health resource consultants. Call 866-966-1020 or use the Live Chat. You can also see a list of key psychological health resources here.

Additional Resources:

• Military/Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 and select Option 1
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
• Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
• SAMHSA's National Helpline
• Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)
• Marine Corps Substance Abuse Program
• Navy Alcohol Abuse Prevention (NAAP)
• Air Force Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program
• National Cancer Institute's Smokefree.gov
• National Opioids Crisis - Help and Resources
• Psychological Health Resource Center

Sources:

• Griffith, J. (2022). Combat events and negative emotions associated with postdeployment illicit drug use among Army National Guard soldiers. Journal of Substance Use, 29(2), 238-245. https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2022.2148580
• Rachal, J., Schrader, C. C., Schindler, A., & Ridpath, V. (2023). Substance and prescription misuse in military and veteran populations. Veteran and Military Mental Health: A Clinical Manual, 303-328.
• Osborne, A. K., Wilson-Menzfeld, G., McGill, G., & Kiernan, M. D. (2022). Military service and alcohol use: a systematic narrative review. Occupational Medicine, 72(5), 313-323. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqac045
• Porter, B., Rodriguez, L. M., Woodall, K. A., Pflieger, J. C., & Stander, V. A. (2020). Alcohol misuse and separation from military service: A dyadic perspective. Addictive Behaviors, 110, 106512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106512

Updated JANUARY 2025