Drug & Alcohol Addiction in the Coast Guard: Treatment & Resources 

Drug and alcohol addiction can affect Veterans populations in unique ways, especially in the Coast Guard. Stressors such as deployment, zero-tolerance drug policies, and the stigma of seeking help can be associated with substance use disorders.¹ 

While addiction can be challenging, specialized treatment for coast guard veterans can lead to positive health outcomes. Understanding the unique challenges coast guard members and veterans face when struggling with addiction and how to access treatment can be an important first step to achieving recovery.  

Drug & Alcohol Use in the Coast Guard

Veterans live with substance use disorders at a rate that’s higher than the general population; more than 1 in 10 Veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder.¹ Among U.S. Coast Guard members who received treatment from the military in 2022, 1.3% had a medical encounter for a substance use disorder.²

Rates of drug and alcohol use among Veterans are often higher due to stressors related to active deployment, combat exposure, and reintegration into civilian life.³ If you’re a Veteran who is struggling with a substance use disorder, there are ways to find treatment. 

Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorder in the Coast Guard

There are several risk factors associated with the development of substance use disorder for those in the Coast Guard. Risk factors for developing a substance use disorder include:¹ 

• Combat exposure in the military: This is linked with a higher rate of substance use disorders. 
• Trauma exposure in combat: Exposure to trauma can increase the risk of substance use disorders. 
• Injuries or hospitalization in combat: If you were injured or hospitalized due to combat, this is associated with increased drinking and drug use. 
• Post-deployment reintegration challenges: If you’re struggling with acclimating to civilian life, there is a risk of developing a substance use disorder. 
• Co-occurring mental health disorders: Mental health disorders like PTSD, depression, and anxiety are all associated with substance use disorders. 

PTSD & Addiction Among Coast Guard Veterans

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after you experience or witness a traumatic event.⁴ Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs when symptoms of trauma last at least one month and interfere with daily functioning.⁴ 

In Coast Guard Veterans, PTSD and addiction can often co-occur.⁵ More than 2 in 10 Veterans who have PTSD also have a co-occurring substance use disorder.⁵ Substance use disorders and PTSD are often linked, as having one condition can make the other worse.⁵ While struggling with addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder like PTSD can be debilitating, dual diagnosis treatment can lead to positive health outcomes.  

Coast Guard Veteran Addiction Treatment Options & Resources

If you’re a Veteran who is living with substance misuse challenges, finding a specialized treatment program that caters to Veterans can lead to positive health outcomes. Specialized programs are understanding of the unique challenges that Veterans face and tailor their treatment programs to meet those needs. 

Veterans may experience a variety of treatment settings, such as: 

• Detox: Medical detoxification, also known as detox, is the process by which the body rids itself of harmful substances.⁶ Due to the appearance of potentially uncomfortable or severe withdrawal symptoms, many may seek detox under medical supervision.  
• Residential/Inpatient: inpatient treatment allows a patient to live at a facility 24/7 in order to receive care.⁷ Inpatient treatment will usually occur in a hospital setting, while residential treatment will often occur at a dedicated residential rehab facility.  
• Outpatient: Outpatient treatment allows a patient to live at home and work while receiving care.⁷ There are three types of outpatient program: standard outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs.  
• Aftercare: Sometimes known as continuing care, aftercare is a set of interventions and resources aimed at helping people maintain abstinence and sustained support in recovery after leaving a treatment program.⁸

VA Rehab for Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment

The VA offers many treatment options for Coast Guard Veterans.⁹ If you need help, the VA has programs for substance use, medication options to help you recover, and treatment for associated mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression.⁹ The VA has its own treatment facilities and uses Community Care Providers.¹⁰ American Addictions Center is a VA Community Care Provider that helps Veterans access treatment and provides coverage for their treatment if they qualify. 

Start Your Recovery Today

If you’re a Coast Guard Veteran struggling with addiction, you can benefit from a specialized Veterans treatment program. You can find a Veterans specialized program suitable for your needs by searching the thousands of programs available on the recovery.org treatment directory. 

American Addiction Centers offer Veterans specific treatment programs at River Oaks and Desert Hope. You can call the American Addiction Center hotline to talk to our friendly admissions navigators, who can answer questions about treatment and help you verify your insurance coverage. Don’t delay, call us today at to get started.