Veterans with Mental Illness Have High Rates of Substance Use Disorders

Veterans with mental illness often also struggle with substance use disorders, according to a study of records from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Medical News Today reports that the researchers examined data from veterans who were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric disorders. They found that of the more than 1 million veterans diagnosed with a mental disorder, the rates of substance abuse disorders ranged from 21 percent to 35 percent.

The researchers report in the American Journal on Addictions that veterans with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have the highest rates of substance use disorders.