Substance Abuse

The U.S. veteran population typically has a higher risk for substance abuse than the civilian population. Veterans home from Iraq and Afghanistan are no exception. 

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, heavy use of alcohol was more prevalent among veterans than non-veterans. Unfortunately, it seems that as the number of substance abuse services declines, veterans’ demands for such services increases.

VA should provide a full continuum of care for substance abuse disorders, including more consistent and universal periodic screening of OEF/OIF combat veterans in all its health-care facilities and programs—especially primary care.