Quick Summary
Female veterans face unique risk factors for substance abuse, including higher rates of PTSD (with 30% to 59% showing dual diagnosis), military sexual trauma (affecting 1 in 3 female veterans), and combat-related moral injury that can lead to self-medication with alcohol or drugs.
Women veterans have 4 times higher suicide risk than male veterans, and between 2020 and 2023, homelessness among this group increased by nearly 24%.
Trauma-informed, gender-specific treatment programs can address co-occurring mental health conditions and substance abuse while providing safety and support during recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Women in the military may face harassment, discrimination, and pressure to prove themselves in male-dominated environments, which can contribute to stress and isolation.
- Research shows that 30% to 59% of women with PTSD also have substance abuse disorders, often using alcohol or drugs to cope with symptoms like nightmares, anxiety, and flashbacks.
- Military sexual trauma affects 1 in 3 female veterans and is linked with long-term effects including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, chronic pain, and relationship problems.
- Female veterans have a suicide rate 4 times higher than male veterans, and seeking treatment for substance abuse and mental health conditions can be life-saving.
The stress and intense conditions faced by military Veterans can take a toll on mental health over time. People who are serving our country face many traumatic events and high-stress experiences, which can make it challenging to transition back into civilian life. In fact, recent data shows that 1 in 10 Veterans seeking care through the U.S. Veteran’s Administration meet the criteria for a substance use disorder diagnosis.
Additionally, Veterans who experience combat-related injuries have an even higher risk of developing substance abuse issues. The stigma of addiction remains high, particularly because of zero-tolerance policies in the armed forces. But these trends can’t be ignored: many Veterans need support as they are working through substance abuse recovery.
In this article, we are taking a closer look at the complex factors affecting Veterans – specifically females who have served (or are currently serving) in the armed forces. The reality is that men and women cope with trauma in different ways, which is why tailored support is necessary for each gender and why veterans rehab for women is so important.
The Unique Challenges: Increasing Female Presence in the Military
Military reports from 2021 show that 231,741 members of the active-duty force (17.3%) are women. Historically, only men were enlisted in the armed forces, although there are reports of many women who served in both World Wars and the Civil War—working as nurses, spies, or even soldiers (disguised as men).
It wasn’t until 1948 when formal legislation was passed by President Harry S. Truman to allow women in the armed forces, making women a permanent presence in miliary activities. Over time, the number of women in combat roles has continued to increase – including active duty, reserves, and the National Guard.
Even though women are an important part of the military in our modern world, they are continuing to face unique challenges:
- Harassment and Discrimination: Despite efforts to eliminate sexual harassment and gender discrimination, it’s common for women in the military to face these problems more than men.
- Lack of Understanding: Women have specific needs, such as maternity leave, medical concerns (relating to hormones, menstruation, and menopause), and childcare requirements.
- Proving Themselves: There seems to be double standards that make women feel the need to prove themselves. It can be challenging and stressful to work in a male-dominated environment, which can lead to loneliness and isolation for women in the military.
Our nation has come a long way over the years in including women in ways they weren’t able to participate previously. However, discrimination and undue pressure remain for women who choose to join the armed forces. Hopefully, improvements will continue to be made to ensure a safer and more supportive environment for women in the military.
How Female Veterans are Affected by Stress, Trauma, and PTSD
When people are exposed to traumatic events, it can result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is quite common among Veterans. Researchers have found a link between PTSD and substance abuse in women. While both men and women can be at risk of a substance abuse disorder after experiencing a traumatic event, women, in particular, show higher rates of this dual diagnosis (30% to 59%).
When a woman is dealing with the symptoms of PTSD, they can fall into the cycle of self-medicating with substances. Alcohol and drugs offer a temporary numbing effect to minimize nightmares, anxiety, flashbacks, and hypervigilance.
Even though women are capable of doing many things that men can do, women may internalize stress differently than men. As a result, women often have a higher risk of mental health problems as a result of stress and trauma, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD… which can lead to substance abuse over time.
PTSD affects women differently in several ways. Women may have heightened feelings of shame and guilt after experiencing traumatic events. Also, dissociation can be a side effect: a coping mechanism after trauma (which can take a toll on mental health).
Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
There is undeniable evidence that mental health conditions and substance abuse go hand-in-hand. When a person is suffering from mental health challenges, then they have a much higher risk of also struggling with substance abuse, resulting in co-occurring mental health disorders.
Binge drinking and alcohol abuse are quite high and the most common substance used by people in the military. The misuse of prescription medications and cigarettes is also a problem, although these issues have decreased in recent years. Among active-duty members, the use of illicit drugs is relatively low.
Because the military has zero-tolerance policies, there is a stigma for people who need treatment – causing some people to suffer in silence. For example, military personnel and Veterans are often afraid of the labeling and they worry about a loss of opportunities in their career if they enter a treatment program for mental health and/or substance abuse.
Military Sexual Trauma (MST): The Impact in a Culture of Silence
Data shows that women have a much higher risk of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) compared to men. According to the Disabled American Veterans, 1 in 3 female Veterans have experienced MST, which is much more prevalent compared to 1 in 100 males. Many women also feel that the level of harassment is higher for them in comparison with their male colleagues.
Different types of Military Sexual Trauma include both sexual assault (rape and/or unwanted touching) as well as sexual harassment (physical or verbal harassment with a sexual nature).
As with other forms of trauma, MST can take a toll on a person’s mental and physical health. Long-term impacts might include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse
- Relationship problems
- Chronic pain
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Sexual dysfunction
The problem that needs to be addressed is that there are many reasons why a woman might not report MST. There is a culture of silence in the military, especially when women are fearful of retaliation or stigma. Some women are scared to report abuse because they have a lack of trust in the system.
How Women are Affected by Combat Trauma
As women continue to be more involved in combat roles, they are exposed to various types of traumas, such as witnessing the destruction of war (violence, injury, and death). Women who see the effects of war are prone to PTSD, which can lead to other negative impacts in their lives, including substance abuse.
At the same time, women have a higher likelihood of experiencing moral injury: psychological distress when they are participating in activities that violate their own moral code. Female Veterans following orders might experience mental effects in the aftermath because these actions were misaligned with their own value systems and morals. Moral injury doesn’t seem to affect men as severely.
The Risk of Poverty and Homelessness Among Female Veterans
According to the VA, homelessness among women Veterans increased by nearly 24% between 2020 and 2023. While additional research is needed, experts are finding that female Veterans have a higher risk of falling into poverty and homelessness, which are factors that can increase the risk of substance abuse.
When a woman is dealing with PTSD and other mental health challenges, economic instability can become a growing concern because it’s difficult to work. It’s a chicken-or-the-egg situation because economic instability can increase the risk of substance abuse… but women in this situation also find it harder to access treatment because of the cost of these services.
Female Veterans Have Higher Rates of Suicide
One of the most shocking statistics released by the VA is that female Veterans have a 4x higher risk of suicide compared to male Veterans. Between 2020 and 2021, the suicide rate among women Veterans increased by 24.1%, compared to an increase of 6.3% among male veterans.
Untreated trauma and substance abuse can both increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially when a woman is experiencing both of these factors. For this reason, seeking treatment for substance abuse and mental health conditions can literally save a woman’s life.
Comprehensive, Trauma-Informed Treatment Programs for Women
While it’s not possible to go back in time and erase the trauma or stress that a woman experienced, there are solutions available to address both the underlying mental health issues and resulting substance abuse.
One of the reasons why Avery Lane stands out as a preferred provider for women who need treatment is because we emphasize a gender-specific approach. Every woman receives a personalized plan that addresses her unique needs, addressing issues such as Military Sexual Trauma, societal expectations, combat trauma, motherhood, and more.
Our trauma-informed therapists have years of experience handling these types of concerns. We are proactive in maintaining an environment that provides each woman with safety and empowerment, especially as she collaborates with other women who are on the same healing journey.
Avery Lane: A Trusted Resource for Women
If you or a loved one needs support with substance abuse treatment, then we invite you to reach out to our team at Avery Lane to learn more about available services. We use proven therapies for addiction recovery, including supportive holistic modalities in addition to formal treatments. Our residential settings provide the safe haven you need to heal and recover. Contact Avery Lane to schedule a consultation and discuss your needs: (888) 835-4407.
