Tag Archive

Stigma in the Military Stigmas are attitudes and behaviors surrounding certain aspects of a person that may be perceived as bad—such as mental health issues—that can be demoralizing to that person.2 Stigma may exist in a variety of contexts. These different contexts can include:2,9,10 Self-stigma—thoughts of oneself may lead to feeling ashamed or unconfident in […]

Being a Family Caregiver You may not know that the help you provide your Veteran loved one is “caregiving.” If you are a member of a Veteran’s family, extended family, or a close friend, and you provide any of the following supports, you are a caregiver:3 Assistance with showering, getting dressed, eating, or using the […]

Substance Abuse in the Air Force Addiction is a pattern of substance use making it difficult to function in daily life.1 Veterans are at increased risk for addiction.2, 3, 4 Common substances that airmen and Veterans abuse are alcohol and prescription medications.2, 5 Alcohol Abuse Air Force service members have the lowest rates of heavy […]

Transition Challenges Service members transitioning from active duty to civilian life can have challenges that affect many areas of their lives. For example, while Veterans are often excited and thankful to be returning home to their loved ones, they may find it difficult to relate and connect to others who have not experienced life in […]

Substance Abuse in the Coast Guard Recognizing the warning signs of substance abuse in yourself and others may help you better understand when it is time to seek help. Members of the armed forces may be at higher risk of developing problematic patterns of drinking than the civilian population, though rates of drug abuse among […]

Suicidal Warning Signs In 2020, there were 6,146 Veteran suicides, which averages to 16.8 Veterans dying by suicide every day.2 Additionally, in the two decades between 2001 and 2020, the prevalence of mental health or substance use disorder (SUD) among participants using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) rose from 27.9% to 41.9%.2 Other commonly cited factors […]

Addiction in the Navy Addiction is a chronic medical disease characterized by the compulsive use of substances despite harmful consequences.1 While addiction can affect anyone, Veterans are more likely than the civilian population to develop issues with substance abuse.2-4 Alcohol and prescription medication are the most commonly abused substances by active duty sailors. Veterans are […]

Soldiers and Substance Abuse Substance use and abuse is common among service member and Veterans in every branch of the U.S. Military. Addiction is chronic medical disease where people use substances or continue compulsive behaviors despite experiencing harmful consequences.1  Among active service members and Veterans, alcohol is the most widely used and abused substance.2 Marijuana […]

Marines and Substance Abuse Substance abuse is a very big concern, especially in the U.S. Marine Corps, as it can occur after an initial unhealthy pattern of substance use to cope with mental health struggles such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.1 Addiction is a chronic medical disease characterized by the use of […]