A National Emergency: The Rising Rates of Veteran Suicide and Overdose

Veteran suicide and overdose rates continue to rise, creating an urgent crisis that demands our immediate attention. According to research from America’s Warrior Partnership the actual daily number of Veterans who take their own lives may be close to 44 when factoring in unreported cases and overdose-related deaths. These alarming statistics prove the need for a more comprehensive approach to support veterans. It’s clear that focusing solely on mental health isn’t enough—financial stress, physical injuries, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life must also be addressed to truly make a difference.

Veterans of the Global War on Terror (GWOT)

While all veterans are at risk, veterans of the Global War on Terror face significantly higher suicide rates compared to veterans of earlier wars and non-veterans. According to Brown University’s Costs of War Project, more than 30,000 post-9/11 veterans have died by suicide—four times the number of service members who were killed in combat during the same period (7,057). These staggering figures reveal the lasting toll of these conflicts.

Several factors contribute to the higher suicide rates among GWOT veterans. Many have experienced prolonged exposure to extreme violence, including frequent encounters with roadside bombs and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health challenges, making the transition to civilian life especially difficult.

In addition to physical and psychological wounds, moral injuries—deep emotional scars caused by witnessing or participating in events that conflict with one’s core values—also play a role in the mental health struggles of many GWOT veterans. For many, the chaotic end to the war in Afghanistan further compounded these feelings, leaving them with unresolved emotions about their service. These unresolved conflicts can also lead to substance abuse to help the veteran cope with emotional pain and negative feelings.

These complex, overlapping challenges make it clear that veterans of the GWOT need more than traditional care. They require a completely different approach that addresses not only their mental health but also the physical, emotional, and moral injuries they’ve had to endure.

The Mental Health Challenges Faced by Veterans

Veterans often face a range of mental health challenges after their service, including post-traumatic stress, depression, substance abuse, traumatic brain injuries, and anxiety. These issues can make daily life difficult and overwhelming, especially without proper support. Complicating the process of getting help is warrior ethos and culture of self-sufficiency that is ingrained into the psychology of the veteran during active service, making them reluctant to seek help.

Then, veterans may encounter many barriers when they finally do seek help. Long wait times for appointments, limited treatment options, and the stigma surrounding mental health prevent many from getting the care they need. Even when care is available, it often focuses only on treating the symptoms, leaving the underlying problems unaddressed.

Beyond mental health care, veterans are be dealing with increasing substance abuse, financial stress, relationship struggles, or the challenge of transitioning to civilian life. These factors can contribute to feelings of isolation and hopelessness, increasing the risk of suicide. By addressing these issues alongside mental health care, we can provide veterans with the proper support that they need to heal and thrive.

Overdose and Self-Injury Mortality Among Veterans

Substance abuse is increasingly linked to the rising number of veteran deaths, especially those involving overdose, also known as "self-injury mortality." In addition to the daily suicide rate, an additional 20 veterans die each day from overdose, which shows just how severe this issue is.

Opioid and alcohol addiction play a significant role in these tragedies. Many veterans turn to substances to cope with physical pain, mental health struggles, and the challenges of civilian life. Unfortunately, this reliance on drugs and alcohol often leads to fatal consequences, particularly when combined with feelings of hopelessness or untreated trauma. Addressing substance abuse alongside mental health issues is essential to save lives and provide veterans with the support they need to recover.

What Can Be Done?

The U.S. government has made efforts to address the veteran suicide crisis through mental health initiatives and the establishment of the Veteran Crisis Line (988). While funding for veteran services has increased, more needs to be done. Veterans require stronger community support, more employment opportunities, and better assistance transitioning to civilian life. Addressing these areas will help provide the comprehensive support our veterans deserve.

The veteran suicide and overdose crisis is urgent, and we all have a role to play. Support veteran organizations, connect with veterans in your life, and be part of the solution.

Veterans in Southern California

If you know of a veteran in the San Diego area who is struggling with substance use, have them contact myself and my team at Confidential Recovery, where we provide outpatient drug rehabilitation for veterans., including telehealth options.  If they are struggling with a “non-crisis” mental health issue, or just having a hard time getting by in civilian life, look up the Veterans Navigation Center, which is a San Diego non-profit that has veteran navigators that can help veterans access benefits and programs to help them get by.

About the Author 

Jay Wylie is a Southern California native who served as a Naval Officer for 22 years. Jay is the Operations Manager at Confidential Recovery in San Diego, California, where he helps Veterans, first responders, and other adults get sober and stay that way. Jay is also a founder and on the board of the Veterans Navigation Center, a non-profit that helps Veterans access their benefits and manage some of the challenges that come up during their transition to civilian life.