Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 | 2 a.m.
Editor’s note: “Behind the News” is the product of Sun staff assisted by the Sun’s AI lab, which includes a variety of tools such as Anthropic’s Claude, Perplexity AI, Google Gemini and ChatGPT.
Many U.S. veterans face prescription drug addiction as a result of pain, trauma and unique stresses tied to military service. The problem is complex, with roots in both physical injury and psychological challenges such as PTSD. On Veterans Day, honoring those who have served the U.S. should include understanding the difficulties many face because of their service.
The scope of the crisis
Around 23% of veterans who received prescription opioids misused them, and about 13% developed an opioid use disorder from pain management [1]. Overall, about 11% of veterans have a substance use disorder, which includes but is not limited to prescription drugs, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) [2]. The Army has the highest rate of prescription pain reliever misuse among military branches, while the Marine Corps shows the highest rates of hazardous and binge drinking, followed by the Navy [3].
Veterans who served in conflicts associated with high injury rates — such as Iraq and Afghanistan — are at increased risk, but the issue spans all eras of service [4].
How military service can lead to addiction
Service members suffer frequent physical injuries requiring pain management, often with opioids that carry a high risk of addiction [4]. Military physicians wrote nearly 3.8 million pain medication prescriptions in 2009, more than four times the number written in 2001 [4]. The stress of deployment, combat trauma and difficulty transitioning to civilian life also contribute to vulnerability [5].
PTSD’s critical role
PTSD drastically increases the likelihood of substance abuse. More than 20% of veterans with PTSD also have a substance use disorder [5]. Veterans with PTSD often self-medicate to blunt painful memories, anxiety or insomnia, increasing risk for dependency [6].
Veterans with PTSD experience intense symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, insomnia and emotional numbness [7]. The “self-medication hypothesis” explains that individuals use substances for their sedating or numbing effects, hoping to forget traumatic memories or blunt the impact of their symptoms [8].
Problems like avoidance, hyperarousal and negative thoughts make daily functioning hard, prompting some to seek relief through alcohol, opioids or other drugs [9].
Veterans with PTSD may be up to 14 times more likely than those without PTSD to have a substance use disorder [10]. In studies, 27% of veterans diagnosed with PTSD also had a substance use disorder [7]. Among recent Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans diagnosed with a substance use disorder, 63% also met criteria for PTSD [11]. Alcohol use disorder and PTSD are especially common together; over half of veterans with probable PTSD show evidence of alcohol misuse [12].
The severity of PTSD symptoms often corresponds to increased substance use — a veteran experiencing worse flashbacks, sleep problems or anxiety may use more alcohol or drugs to cope [13]. Longitudinal studies show that unresolved PTSD increases the risk of relapse after substance abuse treatment [12]. Trauma from combat or military sexual assault further elevates substance use risk and complicates recovery efforts [14].
Risk of homelessness and unemployment
Social factors like homelessness and unemployment sharply increase the likelihood that veterans will experience both substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Among homeless veterans, 28.3% have a substance use disorder, 62.9% have a mental health disorder, and nearly 25% have both [15].
Homelessness increases barriers to consistent treatment, exposes individuals to stressful environments and worsens psychiatric symptoms, all of which drive higher rates of both addiction and mental health diagnoses [15, 16]. Substance use makes it harder for veterans to secure stable housing and employment, creating a vicious cycle of instability and health decline [17].
Veterans with unemployment are at higher risk for both homelessness and developing comorbid mental health and substance use issues [18]. Unemployment often leads to financial stress, loss of identity and purpose after military service, and worsening depression, fueling greater vulnerability to addiction and psychiatric distress [18]. Rural veterans experiencing homelessness show particularly high rates of unemployment (53%) alongside substance use (57%) and mental illness (45%) [20].
Homeless and unstably housed veterans are five times more likely to have both substance use and mental health diagnoses compared to independently housed veterans [15]. Drug use disorder is especially prevalent as a comorbid diagnosis among homeless veterans, while alcohol use disorder is more common among housed veterans [15].
Help available for veterans
Veterans struggling with substance use disorders, PTSD and related mental health challenges have access to a broad range of help through the Department of Veterans Affairs and specialized programs tailored to their unique needs.
VA treatment for mental health
The VA offers both inpatient (residential) and outpatient treatment programs specifically designed for veterans. These include medically supervised detox, individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment and cognitive-behavioral therapies tailored to co-occurring disorders like PTSD and substance use disorder [21, 22].
Residential rehabilitation programs provide a structured, supportive environment 24/7 with personalized recovery plans, often lasting around six weeks vegasor more.
These programs address medical, psychological and social needs including housing and employment support [23]. Outpatient programs and intensive outpatient options offer therapy and medical support while veterans live at home. Aftercare programs and sober living environments help maintain long-term recovery [24].
Dual diagnosis treatment
Many veterans experience dual diagnosis — co-occurring mental health issues such as PTSD alongside substance use — requiring integrated and evidence-based treatments designed to address both simultaneously for better outcomes [21]. Trauma-focused therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are commonly used to treat PTSD symptoms as part of addiction recovery [21].
How to apply for VA treatment
Veterans can apply online through the official VA website by filling out VA Form 10-10EZ, which takes about 30 minutes and guides you through required information like military service history, discharge papers (DD214), Social Security numbers, income and insurance details [26]. Applications can also be submitted by phone by calling the VA toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, by mail to the Health Eligibility Center in Janesville, Wis., or in person at a local VA medical center or clinic [26].
Eligibility typically requires honorable or other than dishonorable discharge and at least 24 months of active duty, with some exceptions for hardship or service-related disabilities [27].
Once enrolled in VA health care, veterans can schedule appointments with a VA primary care provider to discuss substance use concerns and get referrals to appropriate programs including inpatient, outpatient, residential, and medication-assisted treatments [26]. Veterans can use the VA Community Care Network to access treatment providers outside the VA system when needed, especially if VA facilities are not nearby or lack specific services [27].
Even veterans without full VA health care benefits may access certain addiction and mental health services at Vet Centers or via homeless veterans programs [26]. Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk can contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for information on VA homeless programs and health care resources [26].
Resources for Las Vegas veterans
Las Vegas has a population of about 686,711 people out of about 2.4 million in Clark County, with the VA reporting that it served 243,000 Southern Nevada veterans in 2024 [19, 28]. Among these veterans, a portion struggles with addiction, reflecting national trends where around 11% of veterans face substance use disorders, often intertwined with PTSD and other mental health challenges [1].
Las Vegas has had one of the largest homeless veteran populations in the U.S., about 3% above the national average in 2023, although recent efforts led to an 87% decrease in unsheltered veteran homelessness, reflecting improvement in access to housing and services [30].
Local treatment options
Local veterans can access addiction treatment and mental health services through the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, which includes primary care, mental health, substance use treatment and specialized veteran programs [31]. Community-based treatment centers like Virtue Recovery Las Vegas, Desert Hope Treatment and others specialize in veteran addiction treatment with tailored programs addressing both substance use and trauma [21, 32].
Housing and recovery support services
Las Vegas and Southern Nevada have developed a robust system of housing and recovery support services specifically for veterans, addressing homelessness, addiction, mental health and reintegration challenges.
The Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC) under VA Southern Nevada Health Care acts as a coordinated entry point for homeless veterans, offering immediate shelter placement, assessment and referrals to housing options [33].
Programs like HUD-VASH (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing) provide permanent housing vouchers paired with case management and health care support to help veterans maintain stable housing long-term [34]. Transitional and bridge housing options are available for veterans needing temporary shelter while working toward permanent housing plans [33].
Local nonprofit organizations like U.S.VETS operate three residential housing facilities in Las Vegas, including 330 beds for transitional and permanent housing, along with rapid rehousing and homeless prevention services [35]. The Salvation Army Southern Nevada provides veteran-specific supportive housing, case management, life skills training and temporary financial assistance as part of their Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program [36].
Applying for HUD-VASH
To apply for HUD-VASH vouchers in Southern Nevada:
- Check eligibility: You must be a veteran experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness, and meet income requirements (usually low-income) [38].
- Contact the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA): Apply through SNRHA or similar agencies. Their website or offices handle the application process [38].
- Submit a preapplication during open enrollment periods, which can often be done online via the RentCafe portal or in person [38]. Some agencies use a lottery system due to high demand [39].
- Provide documentation such as military discharge papers (DD214), proof of income and identification [38].
- After approval, attend an orientation session and receive your voucher, which allows 120 days to search for rental housing [38].
- Complete a request for tenancy approval with your landlord and schedule a housing quality standards inspection [38].
- For current application openings or assistance, contact the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority directly or visit their website for specific instructions and updates on waitlist status.
How community members can help
Support organizations working on veteran homelessness and addiction, such as volunteering, donating, or advocating for increased funding. Promote awareness, fight stigma, and encourage struggling veterans to seek help through VA programs and local clinics. Offer practical help by assisting with housing, connecting veterans to resources, or supporting family outreach initiatives.
This crisis results from the lasting wounds and traumas of service and demands continuing support, understanding and systemic solutions. Community members can make a real difference by helping break down barriers to treatment and supporting recovery efforts.
Source
[1] https://thenestledrecovery.com/veterans/statistics/
[2] https://veteranaddiction.org/resources/veteran-statistics/
[3] https://veteranaddiction.org/substances/
[4] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-military-life
[5] https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/veterans/
[6] https://bradfordatmadison.com/drug-addiction-and-ptsd-in-military-veterans-understanding-the-connection/
[7] https://www.advancedrecoverysystems.com/veterans/
[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10075023/
[9] https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/substance_misuse.asp
[10] https://veteranaddiction.org/mental-health/ptsd/
[11] https://recoveryfirst.org/veterans/ptsd/
[12] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6561402/
[13] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0740547220305110
[14] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1432361/full
[15] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12043799/
[16] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6941432/
[17] https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=12739&context=dissertations
[18] https://hsrd.research.va.gov/research/citations/pubbriefs/articles.cfm?RecordID=1177
[19] https://www.va.gov/southern-nevada-health-care/about-us/
[20] https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/context/etd/article/1091/viewcontent/A_Systematic_Review_of_Rural_Veteran_Homelessness.pdf
[21] https://www.virtuerecoverylasvegas.com/va-substance-abuse-rehab/
[22] https://recoveryfirst.org/veterans/insurance/
[23] https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/va-residential-rehabilitation/index.asp
[24] https://americanaddictioncenters.org/treatment-centers/nevada/veteran-va
[25] https://veteranaddiction.org/resources/nevada-rehabs/las-vegas/
[26] https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/
[27] https://www.recoverykansascity.com/does-va-health-care-cover-addiction-treatment/
[28] https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/nevada/las-vegas
[29] https://nevadaworkforce.com/_docs/Research-Notes/2024/Veteran-Statistics.pdf
[30] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDPB8gxzCl0
[31] https://veteranaddiction.org/resources/nevada-rehabs/las-vegas/
[32] https://deserthopetreatment.com/las-vegas-program/veteran-program/
[33] https://endhomelessness.org/resources/case-studies/ending-veteran-homelessness-las-vegas-southern-nevada-veterans-affairs-medical-centers-key-partner/
[34] https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp
[35] https://usvets.org/locations/las-vegas/
[36] https://www.salvationarmysouthernnevada.org/veteran-services
[37] https://www.va.gov/southern-nevada-health-care/health-services/homeless-veteran-care/
[38] https://www.snvrha.org/applicants/housing-choice-voucher/how-to-apply-for-hcv-housing
[39] https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/vash
