Impact of Veteran Substance Abuse on Families: Effects & Resources

Key Takeaways

• Substance misuse among veterans can lead to strained family relationships, increased risk of violence, and significant financial burdens.
• The VA provides comprehensive treatment options for veterans with SUDs, including specialized services for co-occurring disorders and female veterans.
• Family members of veterans with substance misuse issues can access support services such as family therapy and educational resources.

The Impact of Veteran Substance Abuse on Families: Effects, Support, & Resources

The consequences of substance misuse among veterans extend far beyond the individual, significantly impacting family dynamics and well-being. Substance misuse often leads to profound emotional distress within the family unit, marked by feelings of fear, anger, and helplessness. Research indicates these emotional repercussions are part of a complex interplay of psychological and social challenges faced by families of veterans with substance use disorders.

• Shifts in Worldview: Partners and children of veterans may experience shifts in their perceptions and expectations, resulting in a sense of loss and insecurity, especially when dealing with co-occurring disorders like PTSD and substance misuse.
• Strain on Relationships: Partners report heightened distress and dissatisfaction, contributing to an unstable family environment. The potential for emotional or physical violence from the veteran adds further burden, necessitating a supportive and informed response.
• Financial Strain: Treatment costs and potential loss of income due to employment instability place significant strain on family resources. The VA’s 2024 Equity Action Plan aims to enhance service access and improve outcomes, recognizing the critical link between veteran well-being and family stability.

Emotional Toll

Substance misuse among veterans deeply affects family members emotionally and disrupts established dynamics within the household. Veterans may exhibit significant personality changes as they cope with emotional trauma through substance use, leading to distressing behaviors for their loved ones.

• Impact on Partners: Partners, particularly when PTSD is also present, experience heightened distress, lower relationship satisfaction, and emotional turmoil.
• Loss and Grief: Family members mourn the loss of the veteran’s pre-substance misuse personality and the stability once felt within the family.
• Risk of Violence: Substance misuse increases the risk of emotional or physical violence, complicating family dynamics and posing safety concerns.

Economic Impact

Substance misuse imposes substantial financial burdens on families, impacting both income and healthcare expenses due to associated physical and mental health conditions.

• Cost of Treatment: Expenses for detoxification, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment strain family finances.
• Loss of Income: Decreased productivity, job loss, or disability resulting from substance-related health issues reduce household income.
• Healthcare Costs: Increased expenses for treating conditions like chronic pain, liver disease, and psychological disorders add to financial strain.
• Legal and Other Costs: Legal issues or property damage from substance misuse involvement with the justice system incur additional expenses.

Support and Resources

• Veterans Healthcare System: Provides essential resources such as family therapy, educational programs, and support groups tailored to veterans and their families.
• SAMHSA Resources: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers assistance to alleviate financial pressures through various programs aimed at supporting families coping with substance use disorders.

Support and Treatment Resources: Veterans and Their Families Facing Substance Abuse

Veterans facing substance misuse issues have access to a comprehensive array of support and treatment options tailored to their specific needs, facilitated through various initiatives and programs.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Support

The VA offers extensive services aimed at addressing substance misuse and co-occurring conditions like PTSD and depression:

• Medication Options: Veterans can access proven medications for opioid or alcohol use disorders, often combined with counseling and therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) to manage urges and achieve personal goals.
• Accessing Services: Veterans can initiate treatment by contacting their local VA medical center or speaking with an OEF/OIF/OND coordinator if they served in specific operations. The VA MISSION Act expands access further by allowing eligible veterans to receive care from community providers. Learn more about VA substance use treatment programs.

Family Support and Resources

Substance misuse among veterans can strain families emotionally and financially:

• Emotional and Financial Strain: Families may experience increased instances of emotional or physical violence, necessitating supportive interventions.
• Family Therapy and Support Groups: Available resources include family therapy to enhance understanding and coping strategies, and support groups for mutual assistance among family members facing similar challenges. Find family support resources.

SAMHSA Initiatives and Help

SAMHSA is committed to transforming America’s behavioral health crisis care system:

• Budget Proposal: Significant investments aim to expand access to mental health services and substance use treatment, reducing stigma and improving care accessibility.
• Read about SAMHSA’s initiatives.

Substance Abuse Treatment Options 

Veterans have access to a variety of treatment options through the VA:

• Integrated Approaches: Treatment plans address co-occurring disorders such as PTSD and substance use disorder simultaneously, overcoming barriers to care.
• Community Care under the VA MISSION Act: Eligible veterans can access substance misuse and mental health services from community providers as part of their comprehensive care plan.

Support Services for Families

The VA provides specialized programs and resources to support families of veterans with substance abuse issues:

• Educational Resources: Families can access educational materials to better understand substance misuse and recovery processes.
• Immediate Assistance: Resources like the Veterans Crisis Line, which can be reached by calling 988 and pressing 1, and local VA medical centers offer immediate support and connection to appropriate care services.
•  Furthermore, the VA’s substance use treatment page offers detailed information on available treatments, and the USAGov website provides guidance on how to access mental health and substance misuse services through the VA.

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment: The Recovery Village Palmer Lake

There are quite a few different options for people who are seeking treatment for drug & alcohol addiction. Your individualized treatment plan at The Recovery Village Palmer Lake may include:

• Medical detox: Patients detox from substances in a clinical environment where doctors monitor health and provide medications to ease withdrawal symptoms.
• Inpatient treatment: Patients in inpatient treatment live at our facility and attend a full schedule of individual and group therapy, counseling and peer support sessions.
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP): PHPs provide patients with additional flexibility and independence than inpatient programs.
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP): IOPs help patients transition to life outside of rehab, with fewer hours of care and more time building skills and habits for recovery.
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient care provides ongoing treatment after an inpatient stay and supports patients as they transition back into their daily lives.
• Aftercare: Aftercare programs help support long-term recovery through clinical and medical recommendations for follow-up care, relapse prevention plans and more.

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, help is available. The Recovery Village Palmer Lake is here to support you throughout the entire recovery process. It’s time to get your life back. Call our Recovery Advocates today.