A Look at Veteran Opioid Use | Atlanta Detox Center

Drug and Alcohol Detox Center

Veterans face unique challenges that often make them more vulnerable to opioid misuse and addiction. From managing chronic pain due to service-related injuries to coping with mental health conditions like PTSD, many veterans are prescribed opioids, which can lead to dependence or misuse. The Atlanta Detox Center is dedicated to exploring the root causes of veteran opioid use and raising awareness about the signs and risks associated with it. By understanding the factors behind opioid misuse in this population, the center aims to offer specialized care to help veterans safely detox and recover from opioid use disorder.

What Do Opioids Feel Like?

Opioids are potent drugs that can create intense sensations of comfort. However, they also carry substantial dangers, particularly if abused. Veterans given opioids for chronic pain may feel a range of side effects in addition to pain relief, such as soothing or euphoric sensations. These impacts frequently make opioids attractive, yet they can also result in reliance and addiction. Recognizing the sensation of opioids can assist individuals in identifying when their usage is becoming troublesome.

Some of the common symptoms associated with opioid use include:

Euphoria: A powerful feeling of well-being or happiness that can feel all-encompassing, often described as a “high.”
Pain Relief: A significant reduction in physical pain, which is why opioids are often prescribed to veterans for injuries or chronic pain.
Relaxation: A calming effect that can ease physical tension and emotional stress.
Drowsiness: A heavy, soothing feeling that can make it hard to stay awake or alert.
Nausea: Some users may feel queasy or experience stomach discomfort after taking opioids.
Warmth: A sensation of warmth spreading through the body, which can feel soothing but may also lead to excessive sweating.
Dizziness: A feeling of lightheadedness or spinning that can impair coordination.

Although these feelings can be enjoyable or provide momentary respite from discomfort, the dangers linked to the use of opioids are significant. As time passes, the body develops a resistance, needing increased amounts to produce the desired outcomes. This may result in dependency, as the body starts needing opioids to operate correctly, elevating the chances of developing an addiction. This is especially worrying for veterans, as many may already be at risk for mental health issues such as PTSD or depression, which opioids can worsen.

Why Are Opioids Dangerous for Veterans?

Veterans may face higher risks when using opioids because of their specific health issues, such as physical injuries, and chronic pain, and mental illnesses like PTSD. Although opioids can offer short-term respite, they also carry a range of dangers, particularly when taken over extended periods or in conjunction with other drugs. The intricacies of veteran health put them at an increased risk for the hazards of opioid abuse.

A concerning pattern is the significant increase in veteran overdose deaths. Between 2010 and 2019, the rate of drug overdose deaths in veterans rose by 53%, with a notable contribution from opioid-related fatalities.¹ Numerous veterans with opioid use disorder (OUD) also face challenges with various substance use disorders. In 2017, a study of veterans in the VA system found that most with OUD also had another substance use disorder like methamphetamine or benzodiazepine. This mixture has the potential to heighten the risk of opioid misuse.²

Moreover, there is an increasing trend of stimulant use among veterans. From 2012 to 2018, there was a threefold increase in stimulant-related overdose deaths among veterans, while drug overdose deaths involving stimulants rose by 333.4% from 2010 to 2019.³ The increase in the use of stimulants, along with the misuse of opioids, forms a dangerous combination that raises the likelihood of fatal overdoses.

The dangers are even more significant for susceptible veteran groups. For instance, homeless veterans are 12 times more prone to developing OUD than veterans who are not homeless. Experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage and lacking stable housing frequently worsens substance use disorders and raises the likelihood of overdose. A recent research discovered that the deaths of 2,421 veterans resulted from overdosing on alcohol between the years 2012 and 2018, with most of these instances also involving opioids.

For veterans, opioids present a dual danger, not only due to the high risk of addiction but also because they can be even more threatening when mixed with other substances or taken by those facing mental health or socioeconomic issues. The intersection of these factors results in the problem of opioid misuse being crucial in the veteran community.

Offering Support for Veterans at Our Detox in Atlanta

At our Georgia detox center, we understand the unique challenges veterans face when dealing with opioid use disorder. Our veteran’s opioid detox program is designed to provide the specialized care needed to safely and comfortably detox. In contrast, our relapse prevention program helps veterans build long-term strategies for recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use, our team is here to support you through every step of the admissions process.