Veterans, Addiction, and Recovery: Critical Factors to Understand

A lack of connection, authenticity, or sense of purpose are all factors that promote addictive behaviors or substance use disorder for many individuals. This is especially true for veterans who are often unprepared for the unique ways these challenges affect members of the military. Attendees will learn why these factors are exacerbated for veterans in transition and how to help these veterans navigate this high-risk period of their life. This presentation will prepare participants to work with veterans by equipping them to meet veterans where they are and provide the support and understanding that veterans need for their journey in recovery. During the presentation, participants will be guided through an exercise to promote greater emotional resilience that they can use in their own life and in their work with veterans and veteran families. This presentation will provide an eye-opening perspective on why so many veterans struggle after they transition from active duty.

• Participants will be able to explain unique challenges veterans face while transitioning from the military and how these challenges contribute to, or exacerbate, addictive behaviors and substance use disorder.
• Participants will be able to explain how and why veterans struggle with lack of connection, lack of authenticity, and lack of meaning and purpose in their lives after military service.
• Participants will be able to explain tools for helping veterans to establish a greater sense of connection, foster greater authenticity, and uncover a sense of meaning and purpose.