Overcoming Adversity and Addiction in LGBTQ+ Veterans

Military life is filled with unique stresses, and veterans from any branch of service face a myriad of challenges throughout their time on active duty. From the unique experiences and cultures prevalent on active duty to the challenges of transition stress that impact civilian life, professional treatment may be necessary to overcome these unique hurdles on the path to a healthy and sober civilian life. However, LGBTQ+ veterans face their own collection of unique challenges on top of the difficulties already prevalent throughout military life. 

Understanding the challenges and adversities that LGBTQ+ veterans face, as well as how these challenges impact the use of addictive substances like drugs or alcohol, is necessary for a healthy approach to supporting LGBTQ+ veteran loved ones in their transition to a new lifestyle as a veteran.

While no longer in effect, the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy still has ramifications for LGBTQ+ service members. Many of those on active duty are still exploring their own identity or reserve self-expression due to pervasive cultures across the military that may not be wholly understanding or supportive of their sexuality. As a result, it is common for members of the LGBTQ+ community to refrain from discussing their sexuality, identity, or other personal aspects. However, there are still many active service members across all branches of the military. Research estimates that nearly 65 thousand of those on active duty are also members of the LGBTQ+ community. Further, the number of LGBTQ+ veterans stretches over one million.

With how prevalent this community is, and the importance of their service, addressing the unique needs of this community is paramount. However, LGBTQ+ veterans are still met with many personal challenges following their time in service, despite their dedication to their country. 

For many, exploring sexuality is a complicated and extensive journey. Between varying levels of acceptance across the country and pervasive military cultures still impacted by the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, LGBTQ+ veterans may not feel supported in their developing identity. It is common for many of these veterans to feel conflicted about themselves or otherwise ostracized, isolated, misunderstood, or even actively hated as a result of their sexuality. This can result in denial of a person’s own identity. Additionally, LGBTQ+ veterans may begin to experience negative thoughts about themselves, further complicating the development of their own identity and a healthy sense of self. 

Military sexual trauma, or MST, has intense lasting impacts on veterans. This kind of trauma describes any kind of sexual misconduct or assault that occurs on military bases, from unwanted sexual advances or comments to sexual assault. About 15% of those on duty will experience some kind of MST throughout their time in the military, with the percentage higher for women than men. However, members of the LBGTQ+ community may also be at a higher risk of experiencing MST during their time in service. This can create additional lasting traumas for LGBTQ+ veterans transitioning to civilian life as they navigate their own needs and goals. 

Each of these challenges and adversities is all too common for LGBTQ+ veterans. Feeling a lack of support, understanding, or acceptance can lead to the development of unhealthy coping strategies in an attempt to process such stresses, challenges, and traumas. Alcohol and drugs can be a common and quick way to push down these traumatic memories and feelings. Thus, substance abuse is not only prevalent among veterans of all kinds but especially among those also coping with the challenges of being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suicidal ideation, and much more are all common among LGBTQ+ veterans. Professional treatment to overcome these challenges and how they impact each person’s use of addictive substances is necessary. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for many to find a place of acceptance and camaraderie, with many LGBTQ+ veterans harboring resentments due to their experiences on active duty. Still, there are always options available to find professional help for overcoming these challenges while also addressing their impact on substance use. 

Professional treatment and healing is a complicated journey, and finding the right place is necessary. Dedicated veteran programs can be instrumental in helping LGBTQ+ veterans connect with each other, breaking down feelings of isolation and connecting with others overcoming similar traumas and experiences. However, effective programs also incorporate familial programming and education. This not only provides a greater deal of understanding to families but also helps families establish the most effective support practices for LGBTQ+ veterans developing their newfound civilian life. Our effective Hawaii rehabilitation is dedicated to these fundamental goals in recovery.

Creating an accepting at-home atmosphere and understanding the experiences and challenges faced by both military veterans and LGBTQ+ community members in tandem is necessary to truly embrace healing and a supportive mentality. Dedicated, professional treatment is instrumental for balancing these needs while creating a healthy and sober approach to healing and exploring identity, self-acceptance, and more for a fulfilling civilian life.

LGBTQ+ veterans are tasked with overcoming personal and societal challenges. We at Hawaii Island Recovery are committed to helping each and every veteran find their own best path to overcoming these stresses. We champion the opportunity to personalize each recovery program, curating the best and most effective practices based on your needs and experiences. From trained professionals to help address unique LGBTQ+ needs to a dedicated veteran program to connect with peers overcoming their own challenges following life in service, we believe in taking a comprehensive approach to a truly transformative recovery experience. For more information on how our unique approach and Hawaii rehabilitation can help you, call to speak to us today at (866) 390-5070.