DRUG REHAB SERVICES / From the desk of Jody Boulay
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 halfstaff, 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.
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, 244,334 veterans lived in Oklahoma.
Veteran suicide data in Oklahoma, for example, shows that after accounting for age differences, the veteran suicide rate in Oklahoma was significantly higher than the national general population, according to Veterans Affairs data. In 2022, 126 veterans in the state committed suicide.
Alcohol abuse, in general, unfortunately, is a common precursor for addiction and suicidal ideation and increases the risk of drug overdose. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the state has some of the highest rates of mental illness and substance use disorders based on 2020 data. Between 2019 and 2023, the rate of unintentional drug overdose deaths increased by 129%.
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. Other resources, such as okimready.org, offer treatment, prevention, and education resources. The state provides a navigation tool to find services locally. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs is also available at 1-855-701-6382.
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.
Editor’s Note: 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.
