Alcohol use disorder among U.S. Veterans Veterans' issues in focus
Abstract: Key Takeaways: Excessive drinking is a leading factor in preventable deaths among U.S. veterans and is associated with higher health care usage. In 2023, 55 percent of veterans consumed alcohol in the past month, among whom 42 percent engaged in binge drinking and 16 percent reported heavy alcohol use, and 9 percent of veterans met the criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the past year. Risk factors for AUD among veterans include younger age; post-9/11 service; combat exposure; trauma history; co-occurring mental health disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and sociodemographic factors, such as having a lower income or being unpartnered. Evidence-based behavioral treatments are useful for treating AUD. Integrated care models addressing both AUD and co-occurring PTSD are promising, but further research is recommended to improve retention and outcomes. Pharmacotherapy is effective but potentially underused because of provider hesitancy and systemic barriers. Policy changes focused on improving provider competency in prescribing medications is necessary. Research on novel treatments, such as psychedelic therapies and medications typically used for obesity or diabetes, might provide new options for AUD management. Federal and state-level policy efforts should focus on preventing AUD during military-to-civilian transitions and expanding access to treatment. Improving treatment accessibility through community partnerships and telehealth is also critical to addressing unmet needs among veterans.