Opioid Abuse in Veterans: Risk Factors, Signs & Treatment

For veterans, opioid misuse can pose serious risks, but there are numerous avenues for opioid addiction treatment and support.

When veterans return home, they face many challenges, including adjusting to civilian life and overcoming the lasting effects of the stress experienced during deployment. Opioid abuse and addiction are concerns within this population, but there is help and treatment available.

Opioid Misuse in Veterans: An Overview

The opioid epidemic among veterans is a significant concern. Studies have revealed the extent of opioid misuse within this group:

• In the year prior to a survey, 2.5% of veterans misused opioids, encompassing heroin and prescription painkillers.
• Out of all veterans, 490,000 misuse prescription painkillers, 57,000 are heroin users, and 53,000 misuse both heroin and prescription painkillers.
• Oxycodone is the most commonly abused substance among veteran opioid misusers, with 9.4% choosing it.
• Opioid use disorder (OUD), a clinical term for opioid addiction, affects 0.5% of veterans aged 18 and older.

Research also indicates that veterans are twice as likely as the general population to die from accidental opioid overdoses.

Risk Factors for Opioid Addiction & Overdose in Veterans

While anyone can fall victim to opioid addiction and overdose, veterans face unique risk factors that increase their vulnerability to these negative outcomes. Factors such as military service, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the presence of mental health conditions can elevate the risk of opioid misuse.

PTSD & Other Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

Veterans with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as PTSD and depression, may turn to opioid misuse as a way to cope with emotional pain. Nearly one-third of veterans seeking treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) also have PTSD. Additionally, opioids can temporarily alleviate symptoms of depression, which can be appealing to veterans experiencing suicidal ideation alongside depression.

Chronic Pain

Injuries sustained during military service can lead to chronic pain, potentially resulting in opioid misuse when veterans become dependent on prescribed pain medications. Combat-wounded veterans are at a higher risk of opioid misuse compared to the civilian population, highlighting the connection between pain and opioid addiction.

Military Sexual Trauma

Military sexual trauma (MST), experienced by both men and women, can increase the risk of opioid addiction. Veterans may use substances like opioids to numb the emotional pain stemming from MST. Studies have shown that veterans with a history of MST are 50% more likely to develop opioid addiction.

Lack of Support

Veterans, often dealing with mental health challenges, chronic pain, and limited mobility, are susceptible to social isolation. This isolation can lead to chronic loneliness, elevating the risk of opioid misuse. Additionally, isolated veterans may lack immediate assistance during an overdose, increasing the potential for fatal outcomes.

Homelessness

Veterans face a higher risk of homelessness compared to civilians, which can exacerbate opioid addiction. Homeless veterans are more likely to misuse substances, lack social support, and remain vulnerable to fatal overdoses due to reduced access to emergency assistance.

Barriers to Health Care

Limited access to healthcare for veterans increases the risk of opioid addiction and overdose. Veterans underutilize healthcare services, resulting in reduced medical oversight. The lack of regular contact with healthcare providers can lead to insufficient education and information about opioid medications, their side effects, and proper usage.

Recognizing Signs of Opioid Addiction in Veterans

Identifying signs of opioid addiction in veterans is crucial for early intervention and support. Some common signs include:

• Mood swings
• Secretive behavior
• Deviation from prescribed medication instructions (such as using larger doses, crushing, or snorting pills)
• Neglecting relationships and hobbies due to opioid preoccupation
• Inability to reduce opioid use
• Developing tolerance, requiring larger quantities for the same effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using

Treatment & Support Options for Veterans With Opioid Use Disorder

Several treatment modalities and support avenues are available for veterans seeking recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD). Treatment typically involves a combination of these approaches:

Therapy & Psychiatric Medication

Given the frequent co-occurrence of OUD and mental health conditions like PTSD and depression, veterans often engage in therapy and may use psychiatric medications to address these issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), including cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE), has proven effective for veterans with co-occurring PTSD and OUD.

VA Naloxone Access

Veterans at risk of opioid overdose can access naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Veterans can obtain naloxone for free by consulting their VA provider.

Support Groups

Peer support plays a vital role in veterans’ addiction treatment. Support groups provide a safe space for discussing the challenges of recovery and connecting with peers facing similar difficulties.

Involving Friends & Family

Including friends and family in the treatment plan provides veterans with social support, reducing the risks associated with social isolation. Family members can participate in family counseling to learn how best to support their loved one.

Drug Rehab

Veterans with OUD often benefit from drug rehab programs. These programs can be either inpatient or outpatient, with medical detox typically being the first step due to severe opioid withdrawal symptoms. Rehab programs may include individual therapy, group counseling, medication management, and support groups.

Help for Veterans Struggling With Opioid Addiction

For veterans seeking addiction treatment, The Recovery Village at Baptist Health offers a full range of services, including inpatient and outpatient locations. As a member of the VA Community Care Network, our staff is specially trained to assist veterans in their recovery journey.