Veterans & Their Caregivers
As a veteran, you have a critical role in protecting other veterans from the risks of overdose after they're separated from service.
Resources to Prevent Substance Use and Support Recovery
There are clear steps we can all take to reduce the impact of substance use and decrease the risks of overdoses. Access free resources in our updated digital toolkit.
Keep Veterans Safe from the Risks of Overdose
Veterans face unique risks when it comes to substance use and overdose. Whether you're a veteran yourself, a caregiver or family member of a veteran, or a concerned resident of our state, you can take action to decrease the risks of overdoses for veterans.
Get Updates from DrugFreeCT.org
Get updates on new toolkits, materials, events, and more.
The Risks of Substance Use Affect Everyone
Substance use is a serious public health issue. You can get involved to help keep veterans safe.
- MORE THAN 1 in 10 veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder
- 40.3 million people aged 12+ had substance use disorders in the past year
Sources
- Teeters JB, Lancaster CL, Brown DG, Back SE. Substance use disorders in military veterans: prevalence and treatment challenges. Subst Abuse Rehabil. 2017;8:69-77. Published 2017 Aug 30. doi:10.2147/SAR.S116720
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP21-07-01-003, NSDUH Series H-56). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/
Unique Risks that Veterans Face
Veterans face unique challenges and barriers to care that raise their risk for overdose when they are separated from service.
- Chronic Pain
- Homelessness
- Mental Health Concerns
- Physical Injury
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Reintegration Stress
- Substance Use
- Suicide Risk
- Trauma
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Sources
- Teeters, J.B., Lancaster, C.L., Brown, D.G., & Back, S.E. (2017). Substance use disorders in military veterans: prevalence and treatment challenges. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation. 8, 69-77. doi:10.2147/SAR.S116720.
Where to Find Help
- 2-1-1 Dial 2-1-1
- Veterans Crisis Line (800) 273-8255, then press 1
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (800) 563-4086
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or Text 988
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline (800) 950-NAMI (6264)
Change the Script PSA
Watch and share this video to raise awareness for prevention best practices.
Evidence-Based Resources from Trusted Sources
In addition to the Change the Script toolkit materials, use these trusted sources to find more information on prevention and recovery.
- National Recovery Month An array of information and resources that help us all support people in recovery.
- NORA A free app from the CT Department of Public Health to prevent, treat, and report overdoses.
- Partnership to End Addiction Evidence-based guidance for parents on topics related to prevention.
- Safe and Responsible Use of Opioids for Chronic Pain An information guide from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- What to Ask Your Doctor Before Taking Opioids A checklist from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration