Life After Military Discharge for Drug Use

Substance abuse in the military can have significant consequences for individuals, their units, and overall military preparedness. Regular drug testing, education and prevention programs, and support services are among the policies and programs the military has in place to address substance abuse.

Drug abuse is generally considered a violation of military regulations, and the way it is handled depends on the particular circumstances of a given situation. While drug abuse typically results in discharge from service, the type of discharge can vary and impact veterans’ benefits. If you or a loved one is seeking addiction treatment following a military discharge, it is crucial to understand your veteran’s rehab insurance coverage.

Beaches Recovery is the premier alcohol and drug treatment center in Jacksonville, Florida. We provide a full continuum of care and specialized programs, including our veteran’s program. We are well-versed in working with the VA and TRICARE. Call 866.605.0532 to learn more about our veteran’s program and insurance coverage.

Consequences of Drug Use in the Military

The consequences of drug use in the military vary depending on the specific situation and the policies and procedures of the particular branch of the military. Other factors may include the type of drug involved, the frequency of use, and whether the individual has sought help.

Common types of discharge related to drug use in the military include:

• Honorable discharge – If an individual has a history of drug use but demonstrates a commitment to improvement and rehab, they may receive an honorable discharge. This is often the case for one-time or isolated incidents.
• General discharge under honorable conditions – Individuals who have a more complicated service record, including multiple instances of drug use, may receive this type of discharge.
• Other than honorable (OTH) discharge – This more severe type of discharge may be given when an individual’s conduct, including drug use, is inconsistent with the military’s values and standards.

Service members who receive any of these types of discharge will still receive some veterans’ benefits, but not all. At Beaches Recovery, our intake specialists can help potential clients determine the benefits available for substance abuse treatment.

Service members who receive a bad conduct discharge (BCD) or dishonorable discharge will likely lose nearly all veterans’ benefits. Still, private insurance may cover all or part of the cost of treatment.

Factors Contributing to Substance Use in the Military

While many service members maintain healthy lifestyles, veterans and active-duty military personnel are at higher risk than their civilian counterparts for developing substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders.

An ingrained part of the military culture, alcohol is easily accessible, often at discounted rates, on military bases, many of which have long-established rituals around drinking. For many, drinking is viewed as a means of bonding with the other unit members or coping with stress. Others may succumb to peer pressure.

While alcohol use is a widely accepted part of military culture, drug use is not. Still, prescription drug abuse is a growing concern within the military. Factors contributing to drug use include the following:

• Accessibility to prescription drugs, including opioids and benzodiazepines
• High levels of stress
• Long deployments and frequent relocations
• Exposure to combat and trauma
• Undiagnosed or untreated mental health conditions
• The stigma associated with mental health
• Age
• Culture of toughness and resilience
• Transition challenges
• Limited resources for prevention and intervention

Even outside combat, military work can be strenuous, stressful, and physically and mentally challenging. Many military members turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. Further, many individuals who enlist have preexisting substance use disorders or mental health issues that worsen during their time in service.

Contact Beaches Recovery Today

There are many challenges to transitioning back to civilian life, particularly after a military discharge for drug use. However, help is available at Beaches Recovery. Our veteran’s program provides comprehensive treatment in a supportive setting where veterans can connect with peers who can relate to their experiences.

Call Beaches Recovery today at 866.605.0532 or use our online contact form to learn more about the benefits of our veterans’ treatment program and for help understanding your veteran’s rehab insurance coverage.