Alcohol misuse is a serious concern among military service members and Veterans.¹ The unique stressors faced during and following military service, such as combat exposure and separation from loved ones, can increase the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD) or other substance-related problems.¹

This page will help you learn more about alcohol and substance use in the military and what treatment options are available. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol, help is available right now.

Alcohol Misuse and Addiction in the Military

Alcohol misuse refers to drinking in an amount, frequency, manner, or situation that could cause harm to the person drinking or to those around them.² This includes binge drinking, heavy alcohol use, or any pattern of drinking that negatively impacts a person’s health, relationships, or responsibilities.² A person’s risk for developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD) (sometimes referred to as alcohol addiction or alcoholism) depends in part on how much, how often, and how quickly they consume alcohol. Over time, alcohol misuse can increase the likelihood of developing AUD.²

Alcohol and Drug Use Among Military Members and Veterans

AUD is the most common form of substance use disorder (SUD) among active-duty military members, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).¹ According to the 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS) and 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH):

5.4% of military personnel were heavy drinkers, compared to 6.7% of the general population.¹
30% of military personnel were binge drinkers, compared to 24.7% of the general population.¹
26,000 Veterans between 18 and 25 and 1 million Veterans 26 and older met the criteria for AUD in the past year.³

Research shows that Veterans have a higher risk of developing AUD than civilians. One study of 88,235 Veterans returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom found that 12% to 15% experienced problematic alcohol use within 3 to 6 months after returning from combat.⁴

A study in Substance Abuse & Rehabilitation reports that being male and single increases the risk of SUD in both the Veteran and civilian populations.⁵ However, these demographics are more prevalent in the military, which could, at least in part, help explain the higher rate of SUDs in Veterans.⁵

Why Is Addiction Common Among Military Members and Veterans?

Several factors can increase the risk of AUD among active-duty military members and Veterans. According to NIDA, the unique culture of military life may contribute to the development of SUD.¹ For both current service members and Veterans, risk factors may include combat exposure, the challenges of reintegration into civilian life after deployment, and the overall stress of military service.¹ Additional risk factors include:

Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders and Addiction Among Veterans

The term co-occurring disorders means that a person has an SUD and another mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The 2019 NSDUH reports that 481,000 Veterans had a co-occurring disorder.³ According to NIDA, Veterans with SUD, such as AUD, are 3 to 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD or depression.¹

Military Culture of Substance Use

The unique workplace culture of the military can be a risk factor for the development of AUD in military members. Ideas about acceptable levels of alcohol use, cultural norms, drinking “rituals,” and shared experiences that may serve as bonding experiences, and expectations about the positives or negatives of alcohol use can impact alcohol use and misuse in the military.¹¹

One study reported that military members may be more likely to view alcohol use as an appropriate coping mechanism for dealing with issues like loneliness and stress.¹¹

Another study found that in the Navy, respondents felt that heavy and binge drinking behavior after work or while on deployment was just a part of the normal cultural traditions.¹¹ Additionally, these behaviors were not considered inappropriate unless sailors were unable to return to the ship at the designated time.¹¹

Veterans and Suicide Risk

There is a connection between alcohol misuse and suicide among Veterans. Alcohol misuse, depression, and PTSD have been shown to increase the risk of suicide in Veterans.¹² This may be because alcohol use decreases inhibitions, increases feelings of aggression, and impairs judgment, perhaps making it more likely that a person will take action on thoughts of self-harm that they have when they are sober or increase the likelihood that they will attempt to harm themselves in the first place.¹³ Around 25-30% of suicides are reported to involve a diagnosis of AUD.^13,14

The rate of suicide in active-duty and Veterans surpasses the rate for civilians. NIDA reports that, in 2016, the suicide rate among Veterans was 1.5 times higher than in civilians.¹A study comparing different psychiatric diagnoses and suicide in Veterans found that among males, Veterans with bipolar disorder had the greatest risk of suicide, while among females, Veterans with an SUD were associated with the greatest risk.¹⁴It’s important to note that AUD and bipolar disorder are correlated, and suicidal behavior appears to be more likely in both men and women struggling with these co-occurring disorders.¹⁵

How to Help a Veteran with Addiction

Supporting a Veteran who is struggling with alcohol or drug use can be difficult, but your encouragement and guidance can make a difference. Many Veterans face unique challenges that contribute to substance use, including chronic pain, PTSD, and the stress of transitioning to civilian life. The good news is that addiction treatment for military Veterans works, and help is available.

Here are some steps you can take to help a Veteran get the care they need:

Start the conversation with empathy and respect. Let them know you care about their well-being and are there to support them, not judge them. Use non-stigmatizing language and avoid labels like “addict” or “alcoholic.”
Encourage them to seek professional help. Reassure them that needing support is not a sign of weakness, and that many Veterans have successfully reclaimed their lives through treatment.
Contact a treatment provider with Veteran-specific programs. American Addiction Centers offers personalized drug rehab for Veterans, including trauma-informed therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, and coordination with VA benefits where applicable.
Offer to help with logistics. This might include making the first phone call, helping them understand their health insurance coverage for rehab or VA coverage, or arranging transportation to treatment.
Be patient and stay connected. Recovery is a process. Whether or not they accept help right away, your ongoing support can be a powerful motivator.
Take care of yourself. Supporting a loved one through addiction can be emotionally taxing. Consider joining a support group for families of Veterans or people with substance use disorders.

VA-Approved Alcohol Addiction Treatment for Veterans

Veterans struggling with AUD may be eligible for a wide range of treatment services covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These services are designed to address both substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.¹⁶

Alcohol rehab programs covered by the VA are available through its national network of medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics. Depending on your eligibility and needs, VA-covered rehab for Veterans may include:¹⁶

To get started, Veterans can speak with their VA primary care provider, contact their local VA medical center, reach out to a VA behavioral health specialist, or view the VA map of SUD treatment programs. Veterans can also call the VA’s general information line at 877-222-8387 or visit va.gov to learn more about available services and eligibility.

If you are ready to find treatment options for yourself or a loved one, get started right now with our free rehab locator tool. Find addiction treatment facilities that take insurance, inpatient rehabs, outpatient rehab programs, and more.

Alcohol Rehab for Veterans