Substance Abuse in the Coast Guard

Substance Abuse in the Coast Guard

Substance abuse among Coast Guard members and Veterans is a serious concern that affects physical health, mental wellness, operational readiness, and family stability. The unique demands of maritime service, including extended deployments, search-and-rescue operations, drug interdiction missions, and environmental disaster response, create stressors that can contribute to problematic substance use. For those struggling with addiction, seeking professional care through a rehab program for Veterans can provide the structured support, medical oversight, and evidence-based therapies needed to begin recovery.

Each year, alcohol misuse in the military alone costs the Department of Defense more than $600 million in lost work time and medical expenses. If you or someone you care about served in the Coast Guard and is struggling with alcohol or drug use, treatment is available, and recovery is possible.

Alcohol Abuse in the Coast Guard

Alcohol misuse is the most common substance use concern among Coast Guard personnel and across every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

According to the Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS), 34% of active-component service members reported binge drinking in the past 30 days. This rate is higher than the estimated 26.5% in the general U.S. adult population.

Coast Guard members specifically have higher rates of binge drinking than the Army and Air Force, but lower rates than the Navy and Marines. Research indicates that these patterns of alcohol misuse have remained relatively stable among military personnel for more than two decades.

Potential signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse include:

• Strong, persistent cravings for alcohol
• Increased tolerance (needing more alcohol to achieve the same effect)
• Blackouts, memory loss, and impaired decision-making
• Neglecting personal relationships, professional duties, and self-care
• Medical issues such as high blood pressure, liver damage, and gastrointestinal problems
• Continuing to drink despite knowing it is causing harm

Enlisted service members and those with lower officer ranks may be more likely to binge drink than higher-ranking officers. Nearly 70% of military service members report perceiving a culture that supports and normalizes drinking behavior.

Drug Abuse Among Coast Guard Members

Illicit drug use among active-duty Coast Guard members is significantly lower than in the civilian population. The 2015 HRBS estimated illicit drug use at approximately 1% across all branches of service, compared to roughly 22% in the general population. The Coast Guard also reports lower rates of prescription medication misuse (sedatives and opioid painkillers) compared to other military branches.

The Coast Guard’s role in drug interdiction and maritime law enforcement may contribute to these lower rates, alongside strict zero-tolerance policies under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Positive drug tests can result in administrative separation or discharge.

However, the risk of substance misuse increases after separation from active duty:

• 1.7% of Veterans reported illicit drug use, with rates climbing in the years after discharge
• Heroin accounts for nearly 11% of Veteran admissions to substance use treatment centers
• 598,000 Veterans misused prescription pain relievers in the past year, compared to 66,000 who used heroin
• Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance among Veterans

Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues in the U.S. Coast Guard

Military service, including Coast Guard duty, exposes individuals to stressors that increase the risk of mental health conditions. Previous studies have estimated the following rates among service members:

• PTSD: 13% to 15% of service members, with rates varying by deployment history, branch, and combat exposure.
• Depression: 12% to 33%, with higher rates among those who experienced prolonged deployments or traumatic events during service.
• Anxiety: 9.9% of service members, often co-occurring with both PTSD and substance use disorders.

Approximately 63% of Veterans who are diagnosed with a substance use disorder also meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. This strong overlap highlights the importance of dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both conditions simultaneously rather than treating them in isolation.

When Substance Use and Mental Illness Overlap

A person who struggles with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder is said to have co-occurring disorders. Research from the VA shows that among Veterans dealing with a severe mental illness:

• 34% also struggled with binge drinking
• 23% concurrently used marijuana.
• Nearly 9% misused opioid drugs.

Many Coast Guard Veterans turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to manage symptoms of PTSD, depression, or anxiety. While substances may provide temporary relief, they typically worsen mental and physical health over time and deepen the cycle of addiction.

Stigmas and Asking for Help

One of the biggest obstacles Coast Guard members face when it comes to getting help for substance use or mental health is stigma. The military culture values strength, self-reliance, and resilience. Asking for help can feel like a sign of weakness, even though seeking treatment is one of the strongest decisions a person can make.

The UCMJ maintains a zero-tolerance policy for illicit drug use. A positive drug test or a substance-related incident can lead to disciplinary action or discharge from service. This creates fear around disclosure, even when a service member genuinely needs help.

For Veterans who have separated from active duty, the UCMJ no longer applies. HIPAA protections govern the confidentiality of your treatment records, and seeking help for addiction does not affect your VA benefits eligibility.

The Department of Defense has taken steps to address these barriers, including the Real Warriors Campaign, which encourages active-duty members and Veterans to seek help for substance use and mental health challenges. The VA provides free, confidential screening tools for PTSD, depression, and substance abuse that you can complete online.

VA Substance Abuse Assessment

The VA provides screening tools for PTSD, depression, and substance abuse. These screening tools rely on self-report and ask questions about previous substance use and substance-related thoughts and behaviors. Once you have completed the screening, you will receive a score that is ranked from high to low in terms of your risk of health and other problems related to your current substance use.

Addiction Treatment Facilities for Veterans

Treatment for substance use disorders is available to Coast Guard Veterans through both the VA healthcare system and private treatment providers like American Addiction Centers.

VA Treatment Services

The VA provides addiction treatment at all levels of care:

• Inpatient and residential rehabilitation
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Standard outpatient counseling
• Individual and group therapy
• Medication management for substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions
• Telehealth services for Veterans in rural or remote areas
• Specialized programs for women Veterans, homeless Veterans, and those returning from combat

Thanks to the MISSION Act, Veterans who cannot access timely VA care or who live far from a VA facility can receive treatment at community care providers like AAC using their VA benefits.

AAC’s Specialized Veterans Program

American Addiction Centers offers the Veterans program at most of its nationwide facilities. This program is specifically designed for the experiences and challenges that service members face, including:

• Trauma-informed care and PTSD-specific therapy (including EMDR and prolonged exposure)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions
• Peer support groups with other Veterans in recovery
• Family therapy and integration
• Aftercare planning and relapse prevention

What is the Veteran Program?

AAC provides care for Veterans through the Veteran program. This program is focused on the experiences and unique challenges Veterans may have faced during their military service. Our programs provide treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. Our treatment team, including medical and mental health professionals, will work with you to create a unique recovery program tailored to your individual needs.

The stresses and traumas that many Veterans experience during their service can increase the risk of problematic substance use and certain mental health issues. The good news is it doesn’t have to be a life-long struggle. Help is available for Veterans. Start down the road to recovery—call your local VA or AAC’s admission navigators today to learn more about your treatment options.