Guest columnist Veronica Raussin: Countless veterans struggle with addiction

Memorial Day can be a somber time. Millions of American families will honor the memory of the men and women who lost their lives serving in the U.S. military. Yet, outside of this day, we must never lose sight of or forget the veterans who made it home but now battle substance use or mental health disorders.

Too many veterans have lost their lives to suicide, addiction and untreated mental health issues. In Illinois, there are over 600,000 veterans, most of them being wartime vets.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that more than 3.9 million veterans have a substance use disorder or mental illness. Substance use disorders significantly increase suicidality among veterans ages 18 and older. Unfortunately, suicidal thoughts are common in veterans ages 18 to 49.

"There are numerous causative factors that lead to addiction and mental health issues among veterans, but these are treatable problems," said Michael Leach of Addicted.org.

Many factors lead to substance use and addiction in veteran communities across the nation. Countless veterans struggle to adjust to civilian life. They may experience financial hardship, difficulty finding employment or accessing benefits and become emotionally distant from family members.

Many other veterans experience mental and emotional health concerns, physical injury and chronic pain. Substance use can become a way of coping with difficult or unwanted thoughts and feelings. Untreated trauma can quickly develop into addiction or mental illness. Drugs and alcohol become an unhealthy coping mechanism.

There are some resources and ways families can support their loved ones. Outside of the VA-Facility locator provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, other resources include:

• The Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs provides extensive resources and support;

• SAMHSA has a facility treatment locator where veterans can find specific resources for addiction and mental health treatment;

• Helpful hotlines include the Veterans Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255 and the Lifeline for Vets, 1-888-777-4443;

Families exploring financial options may consider combining VA benefits with other health insurance, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Illinois have become better equipped to help veterans; many offer treatment for co-occurring disorders.

Families play a significant role in supporting veterans. When speaking to them about their substance use, do so openly and honestly. Express concern but avoid casting judgment. Help them find treatment. Be patient and show compassion for what they are going through. Remember, substance use and mental health disorders are treatable.

Early intervention saves lives. Families and communities become better equipped to help struggling veterans when they come together.

• Veronica Raussin is a Community Outreach Coordinator for Addicted.org, a family-owned business dedicated to helping people find substance use resources.