Substance use disorder (SUD) is more common among our country’s veterans. Many of our veterans face unique challenges that can increase the risk of addiction and SUD. Stress, social isolation, higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other factors can cause some veterans to turn to substance abuse.
Learning to cope with triggers is one of the most important aspects of long-term addiction recovery. Veterans may have unique triggers that require specialized coping mechanisms.
This article will explore some of the physical and emotional triggers unique to veterans. You will learn:
- How SUD affects veterans
- What substance abuse triggers are
- Common triggers for veterans
- How to cope with triggers
- Where to find SUD treatment and recovery support
If you or a veteran in your life struggles with mental health conditions or addiction, you are not alone. Learn about managing triggers or find treatment at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
Veterans and Substance Abuse: Understanding the Connection
Research shows that veterans have a slightly increased risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most common form of SUD among veterans. Recent research shows overall substance use among veterans is decreasing. However, some forms of substance abuse are on the rise among this population.
Researchers have explored the connection between increased rates of SUD among veterans. Some studies have shown increased marijuana use among veterans, especially as states have legalized it. Some experts believe more veterans (especially male veterans) are using substances to cope with challenges related to their service.
Alcohol is still the most commonly abused substance among veterans. Researchers estimate that more than 4 in 5 veterans go without treatment for alcohol abuse and addiction.
Mental health and addiction experts veterans can benefit from strategies for coping with veteran-specific triggers. Understanding the unique triggers veterans face can help practitioners provide more effective treatment.
What are Substance Abuse Triggers?
Substance abuse triggers are external or internal stimuli that may lead to cravings and relapse. Some examples of internal triggers are:
- Anger
- Boredom
- Loneliness
- Low self-esteem
Examples of external relapse triggers include:
- Certain places (bars, houses, towns, etc.)
- Other people
- Events (weddings, parties, holiday celebrations, etc.)
- Paraphernalia or other objects related to substance use
Each person has their own unique triggers. Identifying and learning to cope with triggers is an essential aspect of long-term addiction recovery.
Common Substance Abuse Triggers in Veterans
Veterans often face unique challenges during and after their service. Understanding veterans’ unique triggers may help them get more effective treatment.
Here are some common substance abuse triggers in veterans.
PTSD symptoms
Combat exposure, chronic stress, and other events can lead to significant trauma. Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD).
In trauma therapy, veterans must develop healthy coping skills to manage unique triggers (PTSD and mental health disorders). Without managing PTSD symptoms, including intrusive memories and stress, they are likely to be a trigger.
Pain
Veterans may acquire injuries during training, combat, or other parts of military service. Pain from injuries and chronic pain is often treated with opioid pain medications. While opioids are effective pain relievers, they are also highly addictive.
Veterans with opioid addiction must seek addiction treatment. Then, they must find effective ways to cope with pain to reduce the risk of relapse.
Stress
Stress is an everyday part of life for military members. Veterans often struggle with stress during their service and while re-integrating into civilian life. Some veterans turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with stress.
Veterans must learn healthy coping mechanisms to reduce and cope with stress. Yoga, mindfulness, exercise, and social support can help veterans manage this common relapse trigger.
TBI
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common among veterans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 430,000 veterans have a TBI. Living with a TBI increases a veteran’s risk of developing SUD.
Veterans with a TBI must receive specialized treatment to cope with the effects of this condition, including pain, memory issues, and mental health symptoms. Coping with the symptoms of a TBI can reduce the risk of veterans turning to addictive substances for relief.
Low self-esteem
Military culture focuses on teamwork, personal integrity, and purpose. Many veterans experience a deep sense of loneliness or low self-worth when they return to civilian life. They may face unemployment, isolation, or a lack of direction that impacts their self-esteem.
Veterans may turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve these feelings, which may lead to addiction. Without finding healthy ways to manage these feelings, they may continue to be a relapse trigger.
Find Help Now
If you or a veteran in your life needs help to manage relapse triggers or addiction treatment, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment and recovery programs for veterans. You can reach out with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Substance Use and Military Life DrugFacts
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Substance Use Disorders and PTSD: An Exploratory Study of Treatment Preferences among Military Veterans
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: PTSD: National Center for PTSD
