THE FINAL WAR –
May 24, 2023 – Yet, outside of this day, we never forget the countless veterans who made it home but now fight new battles. Unfortunately, substance use, drug overdose, and suicide have claimed the lives of countless veterans. In Rhode Island are over 60,000 veterans, with around 3,000 living in Cranston, most of whom are wartime vets. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 3.9 million veterans have a substance use disorder or mental illness.
Moreover, substance use disorders significantly increase suicidality among veterans ages 18 and older. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are also common among veterans ages 18 to 49.
“Too many vets fall through the cracks and do not receive the help they need. Early intervention saves lives, but it can be challenging for families to know where to begin or where to find help,” said Michael Leach of Addicted.org.
