Mental Health in the Military

Veterans and active-duty military personnel face challenges that most civilians cannot fully understand. Frequent deployments, combat duty, living in war zones, family separation, frequent relocations, the pressure to always be performing at the highest level, and the difficulties of reintegration into civilian life are physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. With all of this, it is little wonder that the rates of substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health issues are significantly higher among military members than their civilian counterparts.

Florida is home to a large military population comprised of National Guard reserves, active-duty service members, and veterans. As the premier drug and alcohol treatment center in Jacksonville, Beaches Recovery proudly offers comprehensive drug and alcohol rehab for veterans. We understand the unique needs of this population and cater our programs to them. Call 866.605.0532 to learn how we can help you or your loved one today.

A Look at Military Mental Health Statistics

The rates of SUD among active-duty military and veterans are well-known. Alcohol use is long-established in the military culture and, for many, lays the foundation for alcohol use disorder (AUD). As drug abuse is a punishable offense, it was historically less of a problem among active-duty personnel. However, today, the broad use of opioids and benzodiazepines has increased the rates of prescription drug abuse among active-duty military and veterans alike.

Perhaps less known are the rates of mental health issues, which often fuel or are otherwise complexly intertwined with SUD. Consider the following military mental health statistics:

• The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) suggests that nearly 1 in 4 active-duty members show signs of a mental health condition.¹
• Suicides among active-duty service members increased by 40% between 2015 and 2020 and by 15% in 2020 alone, according to Defense Department data.²
• A 2021 study by the Cost of War Project found that, since 9/11, four times as many active-duty military and veterans have died by suicide as have perished in combat.³

The stigma that remains around seeking help for mental health issues continues to negatively impact the number of active-duty service members who reach out for help. Thus, mental health issues among this population are likely highly under-reported. Common mental health issues impacting active-duty military include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Chronic pain
• Schizophrenia

In 2023, the Department of Defense implemented the Brandon Act to increase access to mental health evaluation and treatment across all military branches and emphasize reducing the stigma attached to seeking help.

Recognizing Veteran’s Mental Health Statistics

Many veterans face challenges in transitioning back into civilian life, particularly if they have experienced active combat or been stationed in war zones. Often, veterans are unaware of the mental health services available or otherwise struggle to gain access to them. As mentioned, many veterans developed unhealthy drinking habits during service and may have been prescribed prescription drugs that have a high potential for abuse or both. Instead of adequate mental health treatment, they may self-medicate and find themselves caught in a vicious cycle.

The following veteran mental health statistics⁴ exemplify the need for greater access to care:

• About 30% of active-duty and military personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from mental illness
• 30% of military personnel deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan have mental health conditions
• Over 40% of all veterans struggle with their mental health or substance abuse
• About 10% of veterans in the United States report elevated levels of anxiety
• Almost 30% of veterans report a diagnosis of at least one mental health disorder following their return to civilian life
• Over 20% of veterans return home with Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD
• Fewer than half of returning veterans in need of mental health treatment receive it
• 22 veterans commit suicide every day

At Beaches Recovery, we recognize the need for mental health treatment programs uniquely designed to help veterans heal and find recovery among peers who can relate because of shared experiences.

Call to Learn More About Veteran Mental Health Statistics and Treatment Programs at Beaches Recovery

At Beaches Recovery, we understand the unique needs of military personnel, veterans, and their families. We are committed to providing quality, comprehensive care so that these clients can experience recovery in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Call 866.605.0532 or use our online contact form to learn more about our programs.

Sources:

1. Veterans & Active Duty

2. U.S. Military Aims to Address Mental Health as Suicides Rise

3. U.S. Military Aims to Address Mental Health as Suicides Rise

4. Veteran Mental Health Statistics