Honoring Veterans by Supporting Healing

Across our region, veterans are our neighbors, friends, and family members. They’ve served our country with honor, but too often, they return home carrying trauma. When we are in physical or emotional pain, it is understandable to seek comfort. Unfortunately, using substances can become a way to cope with trauma and can lead to misuse and addiction. About 11% of veterans are diagnosed with a substance use disorder—a significant number that raises concern about how many more may be struggling without a diagnosis. 

In rural areas like ours, access to mental health and addiction services can be limited. Veterans may have to travel hours for appointments—or sit on long waitlists to see someone through the VA. Even when a veteran is aware of the need for services and seeking them, not everyone has reliable transportation, or time to get that kind of care. And private help, when it’s available, can be expensive. There are also fears that can go along with receiving behavioral services, like fear of losing custody of children, or losing employment.

Even when resources exist- stigma creates tremendous barriers. Military culture teaches toughness and self-reliance, and those values run deep in Appalachia, too. While useful skills in many situations, it can make asking for help feel like weakness. This internal bias may keep veterans quiet about their struggles out of fear of judgement (even from themselves). The saying “stigma loves silence” rings true here. If we want to support our veterans, we have to talk candidly about mental health, trauma, and substance use disorder —and push for better access to care right here in our own communities. It starts with listening, with starting a conversation and connecting with someone.

This Memorial Day, remember those who made sacrifices for our freedom, and advocate for their well-being every day.

Use the link here to explore local treatment options and recovery groups.

“Statistics on Veterans and Substance Abuse.” Veteranaddiction.Org, 13 Nov. 2024, veteranaddiction.org/resources/veteran-statistics/.  

“Substance Use Treatment for Veterans.” Veterans Affairs, www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/substance-use-problems/. Accessed 16 May 2025.