Drug & Alcohol Addiction Among Marine Veterans: Treatment & Resources

Marine Veterans can face unique challenges that may occur in part due to the nature of their work, the culture of the military, and the transition back to civilian life.¹ For some Marines, one of these challenges is addiction.

Keep reading to learn more about Marines and addiction, risk factors for Marines Veterans and substance use disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction, and how to find treatment for Marine Veterans near you.

Drug & Alcohol Use Among Marines

According to one study, certain types of substance misuse and mental health conditions occurred more prominently in Marines than in other branches of the military.² Specifically, the study found that the Marine Corps had the highest rates of the following:²

• Heavy episodic drinking, such as consumption of 5 or more drinks for men or 4 or more drinks for women on the same occasion within the past month (42.6%)
• Alcohol addiction (48.6%)
• Depression (13.5%)
• Generalized anxiety disorder (19.2%)

Overall, rates of illicit drug use are low across all branches of the military, including the Marines.¹ One report indicates that the overall prevalence of drug use in the military was 12%, with those in the Army, Marines, and Navy more likely to report drug use than members of the Air Force.³ 

Although it does not provide statistics on Veterans from specific branches of the military, the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that 4.2 million Veterans reported past year illicit drug use.⁴ Marijuana was by far the most commonly used drug among Veterans, with 3.6 million Veterans reporting past-year use, followed by cocaine (451,000), hallucinogens (428,000), and prescription pain relievers like tramadol, oxycodone, and hydrocodone (417,000).⁴ 

Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorder Among Marines

Marines may face a number of risk factors, both while enlisted and after leaving the service, for developing substance use disorders (SUDs) compared to the general population. Although alcohol use is high, illicit drug use may be lower because certain factors of the military environment may reduce the risk for drug use, such as certain physical fitness requirements and military prohibitions on illicit drug use and prescription drug misuse, whereas alcohol use is not prohibited.²

Specific risk factors for drug and alcohol addiction among Marine Veterans can include:^1,2,5

• The specific culture of the Marines, which appears to have a more accepting attitude of alcohol use compared to other branches of the military.
• The military cultural norms of using alcohol to deal with boredom, stress, and isolation.
• Combat exposure.
• The stress of deployment.
• Exposure to trauma.
• The stress of transitioning back to civilian life.

PTSD & Addiction Among Marine Veterans

Research has found that posttraumatic stress disorder is more common in the Army and Marines.² Marines typically experience more exposure to combat when compared to other branches (except the Army), which may explain their higher risk of suffering from trauma.² Witnessing the injury or death of another person, becoming injured during combat, or being in a serious accident can increase the risk of PTSD among all military members.⁶ 

Having PTSD can increase a Marine’s risk of SUD and vice versa.⁷ For example, Veterans may use substances to deal with PTSD symptoms, but substance use can also increase the risk of PTSD following trauma, both of which can heighten the risk of developing an addiction.⁷ PTSD can also increase the risk of suicide among Veterans, so it’s important to seek help as soon as possible if you or a loved one are struggling.⁸ 

Addiction Treatment Options & Resources for Marine Veterans

The VA is one of the best resources for treatment and resources for Marine Veterans who are dealing with SUDs or co-occurring disorders like PTSD or depression.⁹ Marine Veterans who are enrolled with the VA’s healthcare plan can access various services through the VA, such as:⁹ 

• Medical detox.
• Residential care.
• Self-help groups.
• Medications for addiction treatment.
• Short-term outpatient counseling.
• Intensive outpatient treatment.
• Marriage and family counseling.
• Continuing care and relapse prevention.
• Treatment for co-occurring disorders.
• Specialized treatment for Veterans with specific concerns (including women Veterans, returning combat Veterans, and homeless Veterans).

VA Rehab for Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment

As mentioned above, Marine Veterans who are enrolled with the VA’s healthcare plan are eligible for the above-listed services through the VA’s Veterans insurance coverage for addiction treatment.⁹ how do I enroll The VA offers all levels of care, including detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and aftercare.⁹

If you or a loved one is ready to seek rehab for a substance use disorder, explore your options and reach out to a rehab center using our rehab directory tool today!

Addiction Treatment Options for Marines

Facilities may offer a number of different levels of care for Marine Veterans, including:

• Medical detox.
• Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab.
• Outpatient addiction treatment programs.
• Intensive outpatient addiction treatment programs.
• Partial hospitalization rehab programs.
• Sober living.
• Rehab aftercare.

Start Your Recovery Today

If you or a loved one is ready to seek rehab for a substance use disorder, explore your options and reach out to a rehab center using our rehab directory tool today!