Statistics on Veterans & Opioid Addiction
Statistics indicate that opioid addiction is a significant issue among veterans. In the U.S., around 12% of veterans reported using opioids in the past year, with a notable proportion misusing these substances. Opioid misuse is particularly concerning among younger veterans; about 21.4% of veterans aged 18 to 34 reported misuse of prescription pain relievers. Moreover, the National Institute on Drug Abuse highlighted that veterans are at a higher risk for opioid overdose, especially when they also suffer from mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression.
Additionally, the Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that approximately 1 in 10 veterans who receive opioid prescriptions will develop a substance use disorder. This statistic reflects the ongoing challenge of managing pain while preventing misuse and addiction. In response, organizations like Healing Heroes focus on providing targeted treatment for veterans facing opioid addiction, recognizing the unique challenges posed by their military service experiences.
Overall, these statistics underscore the urgent need for effective opioid rehab for Veterans & First Responders in Boston that is tailored to the unique needs of these individuals who are struggling with opioid addiction.