Memorial Day is a solemn time to honor and remember the brave individuals who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, in service to our country. While for many it marks a long weekend, for countless veterans, it is a deeply personal and emotional reminder of loss, sacrifice, and the enduring wounds of war, both visible and invisible.
For some veterans, Memorial Day may resurface experiences of survivor’s guilt, the haunting question of, “Why did I come back when others didn’t?”
For others, it may reignite symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or the ongoing challenges of a substance use disorder (SUD). Many veterans live with a combination known as co-occurring disorders, which require specialized care and understanding.
Statistics on Veteran Mental Health and Substance Use
According to recent reports from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
- Of the veterans with PDSD, 34.2% also have an alcohol use disorder, and 17.3% have a substance use disorder.
- More than 5 million veterans experienced a behavioral health condition in 2022.
- An estimated 17 veterans die by suicide every day in the U.S.
- Approximately 15% of Vietnam veterans and 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year.
- The rate of PTSD is higher in female service members
- Veterans are more likely than civilians to experience co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, particularly following deployment and combat exposure.
Despite these sobering statistics, only about 50% of returning service members who need mental health treatment seek it. And of those, many do not receive adequate care.
Understanding PTSD and CPTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. For veterans, this might include combat exposure, life-threatening situations, or the sudden loss of comrades. Symptoms often include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and emotional numbness. PTSD can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) differs slightly and typically results from prolonged or repeated trauma over an extended period, such as deployment in a war zone, captivity, or childhood abuse. In addition to the symptoms of PTSD, CPTSD includes difficulty regulating emotions, persistent negative self-beliefs, dissociation, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Veterans living with CPTSD often require long-term, trauma-informed care to address the multifaceted impacts of these experiences.
How Hanley Center Is Supporting Veterans
At Hanley Center, we recognize the unique challenges faced by veterans and first responders. That’s why we’ve developed the Patriots Initiative, a specialized treatment track designed specifically for individuals with military or service backgrounds. This program addresses the complex intersection of trauma, addiction, and mental health using evidence-based therapies within a trauma-informed, culturally competent environment.
Through integrated care that includes psychiatric support, clinical therapy, trauma resolution, and peer connection, the Patriots Initiative empowers veterans to reclaim their lives and rediscover purpose after service. Our team understands military culture, the psychological impact of combat, and the importance of building trust and respect during the healing process.
You Are Not Alone
This Memorial Day, as we honor those who gave their lives in service, let us also extend compassion to those still carrying the burdens of war. If you or a loved one is a veteran struggling with PTSD, substance use, or the lingering effects of trauma, please know that help is available and recovery is possible.
To learn more about Hanley Center’s Patriots Initiative or to speak with a member of our admissions team, call us today at 561-841-1033.
Hanley Center has been helping people all over the country achieve wellness for more than 40 years. In addition to providing age- and gender-specific treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders, Hanley offers a Patriots Initiative for first responders and veterans, a program specifically for pregnant women, and a boutique residential mental health program for adults. For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1033.
