Substance Use Disorder in the Navy: Treatment & Recovery

Updated Oct 4, 2024

A variety of factors lead to drug and alcohol addiction among Navy Veterans.¹While there may be certain protective factors against SUDs for those on active duty, once an officer leaves the Navy or any other military branch, those protective factors may disappear.²

This article will cover the risk factors that increase the likelihood of Navy Veteran substance use disorder (SUD). It will explain treatment options and resources, and how Veterans Affairs (VA) may be able to help you or your loved one find the care they need.

Drug and Alcohol Use Among Navy Veterans

It is estimated that about 1 in 10 Veterans, including those who served in the Navy, are diagnosed with SUD.²Of the substances reported to be used by Veterans, 3.5% report using marijuana, 10% of those admitted to treatment centers were for heroin use, 6% of those admitted to treatment centers were for cocaine use, and 65% of those admitted to treatment centers report alcohol as the substance most frequently misused.²

Additional factors linked to substance use disorders for Navy service members and Veterans include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideations, and homelessness. It is estimated that 1 out of 3 Veterans who seek out treatment for SUDs also have PTSD.³

In the case of suicidal ideations and suicide deaths, it has been found that the rate of suicide deaths in Veterans exceeds the rate of the general population.²Finally, among homeless adults, about 11% are Veterans.²Active-duty Navy personnel and Veterans face various risk factors that may increase the likelihood of substance use disorders.

Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorder in the Navy

Many risk factors may contribute to substance use disorders for active naval officers and Veterans. Deployment itself is associated with starting smoking, unhealthy drinking, drug use, and risky behavior.²Other risk factors may include:²

Pain.
Suicide risk.
Trauma.
Homelessness.
Combat exposure.
Post-deployment civilian reintegration challenges.

Once an active duty member leaves the Navy or any other military branch, some protective influences are gone, and substance use and other mental health issues become a greater concern.²Additionally, half of military personnel report that they believe seeking out help for mental health issues will negatively affect their military career.²This stigma around seeking help further increases the likelihood that substance misuse will become a greater problem as mental health issues are not being addressed.

Veterans with substance use disorders were 82% to 93% more likely to be diagnosed with other comorbid mental health disorders such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders.⁴Furthermore, the onset of substance use disorders can emerge from other mental health problems such as PTSD and depression.⁴

Navy Veteran Addiction Treatment Options and Resources

Treatment is available for Navy Veterans with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental disorders. Addiction treatment services that you or someone you love may benefit from include:⁵

Medically managed detoxification.
Medication.
Nicotine replacement.
Short-term outpatient.
Intensive outpatient.
Marriage and family therapy.
Self-help groups.
Residential/inpatient care.
Continuing care (aftercare) and relapse prevention.
Special programs for specific populations such as female Veterans, returning combat Veterans, and homeless Veterans.

Most treatment for SUD starts with detoxification and medically managed withdrawal.⁶During detoxification, your body works to clear itself of the drug.⁶This process can be uncomfortable and pose risks to the person going through detoxification.⁶It is best to be monitored by medical professionals during this process.⁶

Detoxification and medically managed withdrawal are just the first steps of treatment.⁶After detoxification or medically managed withdrawal, behavioral therapies and medication may be used as treatment for SUDs and co-occurring mental disorders.²

To find VA medical centers near you, you can use the location tool on the Veterans Affairs website. You can also find a directory of substance use disorder programs offered through the VA. Additionally, you can find a list of rehab facilities near you using the rehabs.com online directory.

VA Rehab for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

The VA assists Navy Veterans who struggle with substance use through a variety of programs, and supports research that examines SUD prevention, screening, and treatment.¹Programs and support include:⁷

Navy substance misuse programs.
Treatment for military family members covered by Tricare.
VA programs.
Military chaplains.

Types of evidence-based therapies that are available at most VA medical centers include:⁸

Cognitive behavioral therapy. This helps Navy Veterans develop more balanced and helpful thoughts about themselves, others, and the future. It helps manage the urge to use, learn how to refuse opportunities to use, develop problem-solving skills, and achieve personal goals.
Motivational interviewing. This helps Navy Veterans focus on personal motivations for change. It looks at the reasons behind the person’s desire for change and the potential benefits of that change.

The VA also offers proven medication options to control alcohol and drug addiction.⁸These medications assist with reducing cravings, preventing relapse, and reducing the risk of death related to substance use.⁸

Start Your Recovery Today

American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help walk you through the steps to receive the care you need. Call our admissions navigators today at . They can explain the various levels of care, verify your insurance coverage, and provide you with information on paying for rehab.