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Mission Critical: Preventing Veteran Suicide

Here’s the general good news: according to the 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention (NVSP) annual report, veteran and active military member suicide rates have decreased. “From 2021 to 2022, age-adjusted suicide rates for female Veterans decreased 24.1%, while for female non-Veteran U.S. adults, rates increased 5.2%. For male Veterans, age-adjusted suicide rates increased 1.6%, while for male non-Veteran U.S. adults, rates increased 1.8%,” the report states. 

What the Data Shows 

That said, there are still some concerning aspects of Veteran mental health care. The NVSP data also breaks out some of the “primary health and life stressors experienced by servicemembers who died by suicide”, which we provide verbatim: 

  • Select mental health diagnoses: 42%
  • Relationship problems: 44%
  • Workplace issues: 24%
  • Administrative/legal issues: 29%
  • Financial issues: 12%
  • Assault or harassment: 2%

The NVSP report further states that “individuals with mental health (MH) conditions or substance use disorders (SUDs) generally have higher suicide rates than those without these conditions.” It clarifies that for Veterans and current service members who use the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital services, “the suicide rate for individuals with MH/SUD diagnoses was 90.7% greater than for those without these conditions.” Specifically identified are alcohol use disorder (AUD) and the misuse of various types of substances such as cannabis, opioids, and a rising concern, sedatives such as benzodiazepines. “Sedatives can significantly impair an individual’s mental and emotional stability,” the report indicates. “Suicide rates in this group increased by 29.2%…underscoring the need for targeted interventions.”

Necessary Actions for Veteran Suicide Prevention 

NVSP also notes that “concurrent increases in suicide rates for specific conditions are a sobering reminder of the complexities surrounding Veteran suicide prevention.” So, generating a broader awareness of reliable, culturally competent health services is one primary factor in helping Veterans recognize the need for care early and trust that it will be effective.  It’s also critical to help Veterans and their families recognize the trauma and addiction connection and seek trauma-informed mental health, AUD, and SUD treatment. Individualized care using evidence-based practices is proven to promote long-lasting recovery.  Finally, it’s all too easy to feel no one understands your unique circumstances. So, Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire encourages everyone to become familiar with and promote access to various health resources, hotlines, warmlines, and other Veteran and first responder services. These programs aren’t just through the VA—many are founded and operated by former and current military personnel who want to create a valuable circle of support. Here are just a few: 

  • Lifeline for Vets. Call 888-777-4443. Experienced volunteers offer support to “Veterans and their families who are enduring a crisis or who have a critical need for help.” 
  • Military One Source. Call 800-342-9647, or use chat, VOP, or OCONUS to connect. This non-medical initiative offers resources to military members and their families regarding relationship building, stress reduction, and other critical support. 
  • Stop Soldier Suicide. Call 844-317-1136. This program provides counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention that’s 100 percent free for U.S. Veterans and current service members. 
  • Veterans Crisis Line. Dial 988 and then press 1 or text 838255. This therapeutic service is open to all current and former military personnel, as well as family members and friends. 

How Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire Supports Veterans 

Felicia Orchard, our chief executive officer, stated in this interview, “The stigma surrounding mental health issues, SUD, and AUD can discourage individuals from seeking help. They fear judgment or discrimination from society, friends, and even healthcare providers,” Orchard explains. This often means a person will hide their struggles, delaying or preventing treatment. Our primary mission at Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire is to deliver high-quality, evidence-based treatment. Our board-certified professionals also understand the special needs of Veterans’ health care and have the right solutions. If you or a loved one is struggling with AUD or SUD, we encourage you to reach out to us right away. We have three locations to serve you: 

  • The Antrim House in Antrim, a detoxification and residential treatment facility for men and women.
  • Recovery Mountain in Tilton, a residence for Veterans and first responders as part of outpatient programming.
  • The Lakes Addiction Treatment Center in Laconia offers inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient rehabilitation programs for men and women. 

We provide individualized treatment on all levels, including physical, emotional, and psychological. Our goal is to help Veterans achieve long-lasting wellness and to provide ongoing support throughout their recovery journey. Empower your ability for healing by talking with one of our admissions team specialists today.