Veterans Day: A Time to Celebrate Sober Strength

Veterans Day is an often sombre occasion observed annually on November 11, honouring the courage of those who have served in the military. Doubtless, they put their lives at stake for their country, but those who return home rarely do so with their sanity wholly intact. It may even be a stretch to say that they return home “safely”, just because their physical body is un-maimed. Highly-ranked among these challenges is the struggle with addiction, a serious issue that many veterans face as an indirect result of attempts to cope with emotional pain.

The resilience required to overcome the very weight of addiction is often too much to bear even for the bravest of ex-soldiers. This isn’t to undermine their fortitude, but rather to raise awareness of the usually neglected phenomenon of post-service addiction.

History of post-war addiction

Addiction among returning soldiers is no recent struggle. Initially shaped by the impacts of colonial conflicts, soldiers across the globe have long wrestled with addiction as a response to physical pain and the psychological trauma of warfare.

The 19th century

During the Napoleonic wars, and later European colonial campaigns in Africa and Asia, soldiers wouldn’t hesitate to turn to alcohol to endure harsh conditions, injuries and psychological strain. Similarly to the present day, alcohol was culturally accepted and widespread, with soldiers often actively supplied with alcohol rations to maintain morale.

Returning British and French soldiers often had access to opium. While initially used for pain relief, opium dependency became increasingly common, with soldiers often developing addictions that persisted.

The World Wars

A century later, deep in the trenches of the first World War, French, German and British soldiers would often smoke and drink like there was no tomorrow (unfortunately, quite literally). Drinking alcohol was actively encouraged to help with the endurance of the horrors of trench warfare. Smoking became a comfort, leading to lifelong addictions.

Many soldiers returned from WWI with what was then called “shell shock,” now recognised as PTSD. Without adequate support systems, some veterans turned to alcohol to cope with the nightmares and anxiety that plagued them. However, European societies lacked structured addiction treatment programmes, and alcohol-related issues went largely untreated.

In World War II, the German army distributed amphetamines (Pervitin, a type of methamphetamine) to keep soldiers alert and to combat fatigue. This “miracle pill” resulted in a widespread amphetamine addiction among returning soldiers. This would lead to a seriously long-lasting legacy of stimulant abuse in post-war Europe.

The 1950s to the present day

As France and the UK fought to retain their colonies in places like Algeria, Vietnam, and Kenya, soldiers were exposed to extreme violence, guerilla tactics, and prolonged conflict. These wars had high rates of PTSD among returning soldiers, many of whom turned to alcohol or, in some cases, cannabis (from North African campaigns) to cope.

As European soldiers participated in NATO missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other conflict zones, the prevalence of prescription opioids became an issue, particularly in countries like the UK and France. Opioids prescribed for injuries sometimes led to dependence, and some veterans turned to alcohol and other substances when prescriptions became restricted.

Many European countries, including Germany, the UK, and France, have expanded mental health and addiction services for veterans in recent years. Veterans are now offered psychological counselling, addiction treatment programmes, and support groups, though access and effectiveness vary widely across Europe.

Suicide rates among European veterans have prompted increased awareness of the mental health and addiction struggles faced by returning soldiers. Alcoholism remains prevalent, particularly in countries where it is culturally normalised, and drug overdoses have become an increasing concern.

In response, EU member states and NATO have introduced more serious mental health services. Programmes specifically for veterans are emerging across Europe, focusing on destigmatising addiction and providing support systems.

Celebrations

In the UK, “Veterans Day” isn’t celebrated as a standalone holiday, but there are several commemorative events focused on veterans, especially around Remembrance Sunday and Armed Forces Day. Here’s a brief overview of some major observances and events for veterans across the UK:

1. Remembrance Sunday – Held on the second Sunday of November, this is the primary UK event to honour veterans and fallen soldiers from past wars. The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, with members of the Royal Family, government officials, and military veterans.
2. Armed Forces Day – Occurring in late June, Armed Forces Day celebrates the contributions of active military personnel and veterans. It includes parades, fly-pasts, and community events across the UK.
3. Local community events – Beyond national observances, many local councils and military associations organise their own veteran-focused events. These include charity runs, exhibitions, and smaller parades, offering veterans and families various ways to participate in commemorations within their communities.

Addiction among veterans

In the present day, veterans are significantly more prone to experiencing substance use disorders in comparison to the general public. A study published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that 11% of veterans reported having a substance use disorder, with alcohol addiction being the most highly prevalent. This rate is notably higher than the 7.4% prevalence among the non-veteran adult population.

The reasons for this are quite self-evident. They are listed below:

• Combat experience
• Post-Traumatic Stress disorder
• Increased likeliness of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression
• The transition to civilian life (finding employment, establishing social connections, isolation and loss of purpose).

Recovery journey

The recovery journey for veterans with addiction is usually filled with obstacles. Regardless, there are those whose stories of resilience have entered into the cultural space. For instance, J.R Martinez, a former US army soldier who sustained severe burns during combat, turned to alcohol in order to cope with his pain and trauma. After hitting rock bottom, he sought help through a VA treatment programme, ultimately finding recovery and becoming a motivational speaker and actor.

The recovery journey for veterans with addictions in the UK involves multiple layers of support, including specialised medical care, mental health services, peer support, and nonprofit assistance. Veterans struggling with addiction in the UK face a range of issues including alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit substance dependencies.

The NHS provides a specialised programme called “Op COURAGE” as part of the Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. This programme offers mental health services specifically for veterans, including those dealing with addiction.

Veterans can access Op COURAGE through self-referral, family referral, or referral by a GP or mental health provider. This accessibility is crucial as it allows veterans to seek help without extensive bureaucracy.

UKAT offers veterans and others struggling with addiction medically supervised detox programmes for individuals withdrawing from substances, including alcohol, opioids, and prescription drugs. Medical professionals monitor the process to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.

We also offer specific therapies to address trauma and PTSD, conditions that are particularly common among veterans. Therapy options include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which is known to be effective for treating PTSD and trauma-related symptoms.

Common myths about veterans and addiction

There are several persistent myths surrounding veterans and addiction, which can lead to misunderstandings, stigma, and barriers to effective support. Here are some of the most common myths:

There are a number of persistent myths when it comes to veterans and addiction, which tend to lead to severe misunderstandings, stigma and barriers to real support.

1. “Only combat veterans struggle with addiction.”

Combat experience can and will obviously increase the risk of PTSD and related addiction, but in truth, any veteran is at risk. Veterans who haven’t been in combat still experience stress trauma, reintegration challenges and other factors that can lead to SUDs. Non-combat veterans face additional pressures, like adapting to civilian life and dealing with financial or family strain, which can also contribute to addiction.

2. “Veterans with addiction are just weak or lack discipline.”

While veterans are often associated with traits like resilience and self-control, addiction doesn’t discriminate based on character. Physical, mental, and social factors all contribute to addiction, and many veterans face mental health challenges such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, which can lead to substance use as a coping mechanism.

3. “Veterans primarily struggle with alcohol abuse.”

While alcohol misuse is common among veterans, many also struggle with other substances, including prescription drugs (especially painkillers), illicit drugs, and nicotine. Prescription drug abuse, particularly opioids, has been a significant issue due to the physical injuries and chronic pain many veterans experience. Misconceptions about the types of substances veterans may misuse can lead to inadequate or inappropriate treatment options.

4. “If veterans wanted help, they’d go to Veterans UK or another service provider.”

While the VA offers many resources, stigma, shame, and lack of awareness often prevent veterans from seeking help. Many veterans feel pressure to maintain a “tough” image, making it difficult for them to admit they need help. Additionally, there can be barriers such as location, long wait times, or insufficient specialised care for addiction and mental health issues within the VA system.

5. “Treatment won’t work for veterans because of their unique experiences.”

While veterans may benefit from specialised support that considers military culture and trauma, many evidence-based treatments, like dialectical-behavioural therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), are effective for veterans as well as civilians.

6. “Veterans are more likely to abuse substances than non-veterans.”

While veterans do experience higher rates of certain risk factors (e.g., PTSD), not all veterans struggle with addiction or misuse substances. Rates of addiction vary widely depending on demographics, branch of service, deployment experience, and individual factors. Though some veterans may have higher risk profiles, many lead healthy, substance-free lives.

7. “Veterans only develop addiction after leaving the military.”

Some veterans may begin using substances during their time in the military, often as a way to cope with stress or injuries. Alcohol use, for instance, can be prevalent in some military cultures, and service members might develop substance use issues long before their discharge.

Seeking help is essential for veterans because untreated mental health and addiction issues can worsen over time, impacting every aspect of life, from relationships to physical health. Addressing these issues in a professional setting is a proactive step that allows veterans to regain control, build healthy coping mechanisms, and improve their quality of life. Additionally, programmes like those at UKAT offer veterans a safe space to explore and heal from past traumas, reducing isolation and providing valuable resources for long-term recovery. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward a healthier, more fulfilling future.

Seeking help is absolutely essential for veterans struggling with addiction and trauma issues because untreated mental health issues and addiction can significantly worsen over time. They can impact virtually every aspect of life, from relationships to even physical health. Addressing these problems in a professional setting is an essential step that allows veterans to regain control over themselves, build healthy coping mechanisms and improve their quality of life.

Programmes like those provided by UKAT offer veterans a safe space to heal from past traumas, reducing isolation and providing well-rounded care that truly acknowledges the pain and unique experiences that combat and non-combat veterans face, including trauma from service or difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Our programmes include trauma-informed therapies, addressing conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression that many veterans struggle with, especially when untreated. Veterans in UKAT programmes also benefit from a supportive, community-based setting, so that they may find camaraderie with others who understand their background.

Don’t hesitate to take your first step today.