SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (April 25, 2025) — As Memorial Day approaches, Americans nationwide prepare to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Ceremonies will be held, flags will be flown at half-staff, and families will gather to pay tribute. But amid the solemnity and gratitude lies a quieter, often overlooked truth. Many of our heroes return home not to peace but to a new battlefield, one waged within.
It’s a battle that doesn’t make headlines and is waged silently behind closed doors, far from the front lines. Military-service members and veterans face unique and profound challenges that can linger long after their tours of duty end. While we rightfully celebrate their courage and sacrifice, we too often fail to recognize the invisible wounds many carry, particularly those that lead to substance-use disorders.
The harsh reality is that exposure to combat, traumatic injuries, and the pressure to reintegrate into civilian life all contribute to an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder, experiencing drug overdose, or suicidal ideation.
The connection between military service and addiction is not often discussed, but it should be.
According to census data, in 2022, 475,496 veterans lived in Illinois. While it is challenging to know how many veterans in local communities struggle with addiction and mental-health issues, there are some national and state trends among veterans and the general population that offer some insight into the problems.
Veteran suicide data in Illinois, for example, show that after accounting for age differences, the veteran suicide rate in the state was significantly higher than the national general population, according to Veterans Affairs. In 2022, there were 162 veteran suicide deaths in the state.
Nationally, the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 6.3% of veterans had a substance-use disorder in the past year. Alcohol use, for example, was common among 56% of veterans, while 22% engaged in binge drinking, and 5.2% experienced an alcohol-use disorder.
Alcohol abuse, in general, unfortunately, is a common precursor for addiction and suicidal ideation and increases the risk of drug abuse and drug overdose. Opioids, for example, were responsible for 3,261 overdose deaths in 2022, an 8.2% increase from 2021, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Opioids accounted for 83% of all drug overdose deaths in 2022.
We need to normalize conversations around mental health and addiction within military culture.
We should also support community-based organizations and nonprofits doing critical work in this space. Many of these groups offer holistic, veteran-centered services that go beyond what traditional institutions can provide, from non-traditional therapy and outdoor rehabilitation programs to job training and sober housing.
We must also expand access to comprehensive, trauma-informed care, particularly in rural areas where resources are scarce. Fortunately, there are some resources to help, such as the Veterans Crisis Line; dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255 anywhere in the state. The Illinois Helpline is also available by calling 1-833-234-6343 or texting “HELP” to 833234. The Illinois Warm Line is available at 1-866-359-7953 for individuals or family members with mental-health or substance-use challenges. The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs can be reached at 1-800-437-9824.
The connection between military service and substance-use disorders is not a comfortable topic.
But it is a necessary one. To truly honor the men and women who defend our freedoms, we must be willing to confront the unseen battles they face and commit ourselves to being part of their recovery. This Memorial Day, let’s do more than remember the dead. Let’s fight for the living.
Jody Boulay is a mother of two with a passion for helping others. She currently works as a Community Outreach Coordinator for DRS to help spread awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
