Key takeaways:
- Alcohol and drug abuse is common among active soldiers.
- Some reasons include stress, loneliness, army drinking culture, and peer pressure.
- Signs of substance abuse include inability to stop, withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, and extreme mood swings.
- Reach out to Avenues Recovery for compassionate, professional care for active-duty military members.
Understanding Army substance abuse
Alcohol and substance use has been part of military life for decades, shaped by experiences most civilians will never face. Soldiers carry the weight of chronic stress, the grief of losing friends, and, for some, the lasting trauma of combat itself. For many, substances become a way to quiet the nervous system and cope with experiences that don’t simply fade when service ends.
Military culture can also play a role. Alcohol is often readily available and woven into social life, making drinking feel like an expected way to bond or fit in. Long separations from loved ones add another layer of strain. Together, these factors can lead some soldiers to use alcohol to seek relief, regulate emotions, or temporarily escape overwhelming stress.
If you’re the parent of a young soldier, it’s natural to worry. Beyond your child’s physical safety, you may wonder who they’ll be when they return home. Will the experiences they’ve endured leave lasting emotional scars? Could substance use follow them long after service ends? Given the strong connection between military life and substance use, these concerns are real and valid. This guide is here to address them with clarity, compassion, and honest information so you can better understand what may be happening and how to support your child.
Why alcoholism is so common in the military
Research by the NIH (National Library of Medicine) has shown that boredom and lack of structure during downtime can contribute to drinking among soldiers. Loneliness and homesickness also play a significant role, especially when service members are separated from their loved ones for long periods. Your son may deeply miss his family and friends, and alcohol can sometimes become a way to cope with that sense of isolation.
Some soldiers turn to alcohol as a way to cope with the intense stress of military life or the trauma associated with combat and violence. Others drink to fit in and feel connected to their peers. Social drinking can be especially powerful for young men, where alcohol may be tied to ideas of toughness, belonging, or acceptance within the group.
Military culture can further reinforce this pattern. Alcohol is often readily available and woven into how service members spend their downtime, making drinking feel like the default way to relax or bond. Over time, this culture becomes deeply ingrained, making it difficult to change even when alcohol use begins to cause harm.
How prevalent is alcohol abuse in the military?
Research has found that both binge drinking—defined as five or more drinks at one time for men and four or more for women—and heavy drinking, meaning binge drinking at least once or twice a week, are relatively common in the army. In one study, 34.0% of soldiers reported binge drinking at least once in the past 30 days, while 9.8% reported heavy drinking.
These numbers can be unsettling, and that reaction is completely understandable. It’s hard to see how prevalent alcohol use can be in an environment where your child is serving. Still, it’s important to remember that not every young man drinks, and not every soldier who does will develop a problem. As a parent, your influence still matters. By understanding the signs of alcohol misuse and staying engaged, you’re better equipped to recognize potential struggles early and support your child in making healthier choices.
Are substances used in the military?
Drugs can become another way for stressed, grieving, or lonely service members to temporarily escape emotional pain. Whether depressants, stimulants, sedatives, or hallucinogens, substances may offer a brief sense of relief, connection, or confidence, helping some individuals feel more at ease, fit in with peers, or momentarily forget what they’re carrying.
A study examining the prevalence of multiple illicit substances across military branches has found that prescription pain relievers are the most commonly misused drugs among service members. Sedatives are also used with some frequency, while antidepressants are misused far less often.
Both illicit and prescription drugs are used across the military, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. While drug use is less widespread than alcohol or tobacco, it remains an important concern for parents of service members. In the sections that follow, we’ll outline common signs of drug and alcohol use and share guidance on how you can respond and support your child.
Signs of alcohol and drug abuse in the military:
There are many signs of alcohol and drug use, both physical and emotional. As the parent of a young adult—someone you may no longer have direct control over—you can still empower yourself by learning these signs. Having this knowledge allows you to make informed decisions, notice changes early, and support your child with care and intention.
Physical signs of substance use disorder:
- Difficulty stopping alcohol or drug use, even after promising to quit
- Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, nausea, vomiting, or insomnia when cutting back or stopping
- Preoccupation with alcohol or drugs, including frequent thoughts about using or planning the next dose
- Needing increasing amounts to achieve the same effects (tolerance)
- Neglect of personal hygiene or grooming
Emotional signs of substance use disorder:
- Secrecy and defensiveness around how personal time is being spent.
- Discipline issues in the military
- Extreme mood swings.
- Using substances at the expense of relationships, work life, and other commitments.
- Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and depression.
- Isolating; abandoning previously important relationships and much-enjoyed hobbies.
Why it’s difficult for military personnel to get help:
Most people who struggle with addiction carry a deep sense of guilt and shame. They may believe something is fundamentally wrong with them or that they lack the strength or discipline to stop, even after repeated attempts. One of the most painful parts is the feeling of losing control over their own life.
For service members, these feelings can be even more intense. Many soldiers take pride in their resilience, self-discipline, and commitment to service. Admitting to a substance use problem can feel like admitting failure, something that directly conflicts with the values they’ve been trained to uphold.
Fear of stigma also plays a powerful role. A young soldier may worry about being judged by peers, viewed differently by family and friends, or facing serious professional consequences. Concerns about ridicule, loss of rank, or even discharge can make reaching out feel risky or impossible. These fears often keep service members struggling in silence even when help is needed.
Tips for helping your son in the military:
Before exploring treatment options for service members struggling with substance use, here are some ways you can support your child and navigate this challenge with care and intention:
- Start the conversation early. Talk openly about the risks of alcohol and drug use before your child leaves for service, or during breaks when you have time together.
- Keep communication open and nonjudgmental. Let your child know they can be honest with you without fear of criticism or punishment.
- Talk through healthy coping strategies. Discuss ways to manage grief, loneliness, peer pressure, and other difficult emotions that can arise during military service.
- Pay attention to changes. Notice shifts in mood, behavior, habits, or social connections when you communicate during active duty or time off.
- Watch for physical warning signs. Be mindful of changes in appearance, sleep, or health that could signal substance use.
- Avoid confrontation. If you suspect substance use, try not to accuse or demand explanations, which can push your child further away.
- Educate yourself. Learn about substance use, military-specific resources, and treatment options so you’re prepared if your child reaches out for help.
- Encourage help gently. If you’re concerned, express care and concern while encouraging your child to seek professional support when they’re ready.
Treatment options for active-duty members of the military:
By now, you have a clearer understanding of the issue, know which signs to watch for, and—most importantly—can approach your child’s situation with compassion. A natural next question is what recovery options are available if your son or daughter is currently on active duty.
Active-duty service members have access to a range of addiction treatment options, including inpatient and outpatient programs. Many rehab centers that specialize in caring for military personnel, offering trauma-informed support, help with co-occurring mental health conditions, and individualized treatment plans that address anxiety, depression, and PTSD. With the right care, recovery is possible while honoring the unique demands of military service.
Avenues Recovery support for service members:
At Avenues Recovery, we offer specialized treatment tracks designed specifically for active-duty service members seeking recovery. These programs provide thoughtful, trauma-informed care tailored to individuals who may have faced extraordinary stress or experiences during their service.
If you or your child is ready to explore support, our experienced team is here to help. We’re committed to guiding service members and their families through each step of recovery, with care focused on long-term stability, healing, and peace of mind. We have special tracks for active-duty members of the military who are seeking recovery. These programs offer a more nuanced and supportive level of care for the heroes of our countries who may have seen or experienced more than they would have liked to.
Reach out today to learn more about how we can support your journey.