Honoring Veterans

Honoring Veterans Means Addressing Drug Use with Compassion and Support

When veterans return home, they carry with them more than memories of service—they bring back invisible wounds, physical pain, and often a deep sense of disconnection from civilian life. For many, these burdens manifest as substance use, creating a silent epidemic that affects thousands of those who have served.

At Art Not Drugs (AND), we believe healing should be creative, compassionate, and community-driven.

Why Veterans Are at Greater Risk

Veterans face a unique set of risk factors that increase their vulnerability to drug and alcohol misuse:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Exposure to combat and traumatic events can leave lasting psychological scars. Many veterans turn to substances like alcohol, opioids, or stimulants to self-medicate symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, anxiety, and insomnia. These coping mechanisms can quickly spiral into dependency.

Chronic Pain and Prescription Drugs

Physical injuries are common in military service. To manage pain, many veterans are prescribed opioids during or after their service. While these medications are often necessary, long-term use can lead to physical dependency and addiction.

Transition Stress

Adjusting to civilian life can be disorienting. The loss of military structure, employment struggles, and strained relationships contribute to feelings of isolation and depression—often leading veterans to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.

Mental Health Stigma

Although awareness has improved, many veterans still fear being judged or facing consequences for seeking help—especially for mental health or substance use. This stigma often delays or prevents them from accessing the care they need.

The Statistics Paint a Grim Picture

• Over 1 in 10 veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder—higher than the national average.

• Alcohol remains the most commonly misused substance among veterans.

• Roughly 33,000 veterans experience homelessness on any given night in the U.S.—many of whom also struggle with addiction.

These numbers are more than statistics. They represent real people: fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, neighbors—heroes—trying to navigate life after service.

If you know a veteran who is struggling with addiction, reach out and offer help. You don’t need to have all the answers—just being there can make a difference.