Administrator's
Message: Enhancing Services for Returning
Veterans
Across the Nation, veterans are returning
home from their tours of duty in Afghanistan
and Iraq. For many of these courageous
men and women, readjustment to civilian
life will take time.
Research shows that substance abuse
and mental health problems are far
more frequent among returning veterans
than in the general population. A
recent report from SAMHSA’s
National Survey on Drug Use and Health
shows that veterans age 18 to 25 are
more likely than older veterans to
have higher rates of serious psychological
distress, substance use disorder,
or co-occurring psychological distress
and substance use disorder in the
past year.
SAMHSA is collaborating with the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA),
the Department of Defense (DoD), the
National Guard, and veterans service
organizations to enhance the safety
net of resources and services for
returning veterans.
For example, SAMHSA recently worked
with VA to modify our toll-free National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
A new prompt offers the option of
pressing #1 and connecting directly
to a special VA suicide crisis line
staffed by mental health professionals.
Community-based counseling and treatment
programs need to know how to prepare
family and friends for the return
of their loved ones. SAMHSA can help
by building community awareness and
sensitivity to the challenges returning
veterans and their families face regarding
substance abuse and mental health
issues.
SAMHSA recently created a special
Web page of information for veterans
at www.samhsa.gov/vets. The Agency’s
Treatment Locator Web site is another
valuable resource for access to thousands
of providers in locations around the
country.
In May 2006, SAMHSA hosted a national
conference on returning veterans (see
SAMHSA News online), and in spring
2007, the Agency convened a special
forum to address mental health and
substance abuse treatment needs of
returning veterans and their families.
In a few months, SAMHSA will sponsor
a second national conference on returning
veterans.
We look forward to our continued
collaboration with VA, DoD, the National
Guard, and veterans service organizations
to ensure that returning veterans
with or at risk for mental or substance
use disorders have the opportunity
for recovery and a fulfilling life
in the community.
