Drug & Alcohol Addiction Among Air Force Veterans
Air Force Veterans can struggle with substance misuse and may have an increased risk of addiction.1 This article will help you understand substance misuse in the Air Force, risk factors for addiction among Air Force veterans, addiction treatment and resources for Air Force veterans, VA rehab for drug and alcohol addiction treatment, Air Force veteran addiction treatment, and starting recovery.
Drug & Alcohol Addiction in the Air Force
Drug and alcohol addiction among Air Force Veterans is a growing concern.2 More than 1 in 10 Veterans have a substance use disorder (SUD), the term used to describe addiction to drugs or alcohol.3 According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the most common substance used in the past month by military Veterans, including members of the Air Force, was alcohol, followed by tobacco, marijuana, and cocaine.4
Alcohol addiction is the most common SUD among Veterans, including members of the Air Force.2 Alcohol and drug use disorders are also more common among male than female Veterans, with 10.5% current alcohol use disorders and 4.8% current drug use disorders among male Veterans, compared to 4.8% current alcohol use disorders and 2.4% current drug use disorders among female Veterans.2 Rates of illicit drug use disorders are reported to be similar to that of the general population.2
Veterans also commonly struggle with co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, which refers to the presence of a mental health condition, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression, alongside addiction.3 A Veteran with a SUD is 3-4 times more likely to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression and can also have an increased risk of suicide.2,3 Additionally, a Veteran who has a dual diagnosis of PTSD and addiction may also have an increased risk of additional co-occurring psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder.2
Deployment, mental health stigma in the military, conditions like PTSD, exposure to trauma during combat, and reintegration challenges can all have a significant impact on Air Force Veterans’ mental health and patterns of substance use.3
Risk Factors for Addiction Among Air Force Veterans
Substance misuse and addiction may be impacted by the unique experiences, challenges, and struggles that Air Force Veterans can experience during and after service.3 Many risk factors for addiction exist among active-duty members of the Air Force and Veterans, including:3
- The stress associated with deployment.
- The unique military culture.
- Common mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
- Trauma, injury, or hospitalization experienced during combat.
- Reintegration challenges.
As with members of the general population, Air Force Veterans may also have other risk factors for addiction, such as:5
- Externalizing behaviors, such as acting out, in childhood.
- Internalizing symptoms, such as social withdrawal or fear, in childhood.
- Early substance use.
- Parental substance use and attitudes about substance use.
- Exposure to trauma.
Addiction Treatment & Resources for Air Force Veterans
Air Force Veterans struggling with addiction or co-occurring mental health conditions may benefit from specialized treatment that is tailored to address their unique needs. There are many options available to Air Force Veterans who are interested in treatment. For example, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) offers a wide range of services to those enrolled with the VA healthcare plan.6
The VA also covers treatment with providers who are part of their Community Care program, which means that these providers offer care when the VA is unable to do so. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a Community Care provider, and our facilities are also in network with TRICARE, the military’s health care program, which also provides Veterans insurance coverage for addiction treatment.7
Members of the Air Force and their families can also access the Air Force Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) program, which is designed specifically to help with substance-related issues. You can visit the ADAPT website to learn more.
If you or a loved one are struggling with misuse, it’s a good idea to first consult with a doctor, VA physician, or another treatment professional to help you make the best decisions for your needs. When you’re ready to find treatment, you can use the recovery.org treatment directory to find Air Force Veteran substance use disorder rehabs.
VA Rehab for Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment
The Veterans Health Administration (VA) provides healthcare services to millions of Veterans across the U.S.8 VA benefits cover substance use disorder treatment, including detox, medication, inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, and treatment and support for co-occurring disorders.6
If you’re interested in finding treatment, call AAC’s free and confidential helpline at any time of day or night. Our team of admissions navigators can help Air Force Veterans find treatment that’s covered by the VA. You can also use our insurance verification form to check your specific health insurance benefits for rehab.
Addiction Treatment Options for Air Force Veterans
Many treatment options exist to address the needs of each individual. Every Air Force Veteran has unique needs, and certain treatment options may work better for different people. However, the general addiction treatment process often begins with detox, followed by some form of rehab and aftercare.
Addiction treatment professionals often use criteria by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), which outlines the different levels of addiction treatment, to help determine the appropriate placement for each individual.9 The different levels of care include:
- Medical detox, which helps people withdraw from drugs or alcohol as safely and comfortably as possible under medical supervision.10
- Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab, where people live onsite at a treatment facility and receive 24/7 care and participate in different types of therapy to treat issues associated with addiction or mental health conditions.10
- Outpatient addiction treatment programs, where people live at home and travel to a facility to receive treatment and therapy.10
- Intensive outpatient addiction treatment programs, which are more supportive outpatient programs providing 9-20 hours of weekly treatment.9,10
- Partial hospitalization rehab programs, also known as high-intensity outpatient programs, which provide 4-8 hours of daily treatment.9,10
- Rehab aftercare, which offers ongoing recovery support, such as sober living or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).10
It’s important to note that a Veteran who has a co-occurring disorder, such as PTSD, should receive integrated treatment that addresses both the mental health condition and the addiction.10 Integrated treatment can include interventions for both conditions, including medication, and may help increase a person’s chances of successful recovery.10
Start Your Recovery Today
Treatment can help people start the path to a healthier, happier life. People can and do recover from addiction and mental health conditions.11 If you’re ready, you can get started with treatment today. Call us at to learn more about your rehab options, find out about using health insurance to pay for rehab, or to ask any questions you may have. You can also instantly verify your insurance benefits and locate addiction treatment programs using the recovery.org directory.