Serving Those Who Served: Improving Substance Misuse Prevention for Veterans — SAMHSA

Serving Those Who Served: Improving Substance Misuse Prevention for Veterans provides guidance for prevention professionals and community organizations serving veterans. It reviews substance use trends, barriers to care, and risk factors related to military experiences and the transition to civilian life. Topics include alcohol and other drug use, tobacco and vaping, trauma, overdose risk, and problem gambling. Protective factors include social connections, resilience, and access to mental health services. Practical recommendations emphasize partnerships with VA facilities and community organizations, screening and referrals, peer support, and messaging that encourages help-seeking. The resource can support staff training, outreach planning, and coordination of prevention services that address veterans’ needs.