According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, one in ten members of the armed forces who are seen by the VA after returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have a problem with alcohol or drug use. Alcohol is often used while overseas, both as a way to relax and as a social activity. Misuse of painkillers is often common due to injury. Sometimes the substance use begins after they return home, either due to post-traumatic stress disorder (which almost one in three of these veterans are also suffering from) or because of the stresses of trying to integrate back into normal life. For all the challenges our veterans face, the problems are greatly amplified when they live in a rural area.
One of the biggest challenges for a returning veteran can be finding employment, particularly if they are struggling with the symptoms of PTSD or substance abuse. One study by the VA found that 30 percent of young veterans face unemployment after coming home. Unfortunately for those living in rural areas, employment is typically already hard to come by. Looking at the number of veterans per state as a ratio of population, Alaska has one of the highest concentrations of veterans in the country – roughly 1 in 10 residents of the state are veterans, according to an analysis of VA and Census Bureau data. As it happens, Alaska also has the highest unemployment rate in the United States, at 6.1 percent. People who are unable to find work are more likely to continue their substance abuse, either out of a feeling of hopelessness or an attempt to deal with financial pressures.
Lack of suitable healthcare is another problem in rural communities. There are approximately 22 million veterans nationwide, with 5.3 million (24 percent) of those living in rural areas. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), veterans in rural areas have a poorer quality of life and are sick more frequently than urban veterans. According to the 2012-2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), rural veterans were 70 percent less likely to receive any mental health treatment than those in urban areas. Unfortunately, many physicians simply don’t want to live in poorer, more isolated areas. Lower quality of education means fewer people entering the healthcare field. Even those who grew up there will typically move away.
One of the ways the VA is trying to combat these problems is with telehealth and telepsychiatry strategies. The Veterans Crisis Line, for example, connects veterans in crisis with qualified, VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. The VA also has a mental health intensive case management (MHICM) program, which provides resources for nurses to travel to different areas to provide services to veterans.
If you or a loved one need help with quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504 to get started.
