Jay Wylie, a former U.S. Navy officer and director of operations at Confidential Recovery in San Diego, California, wrote in a report that the actual number of veterans who die each day may be closer to 44, based on research conducted by the American Warrior Partnership, including unreported cases and overdose-related deaths.
While all veterans are at risk, veterans of the War on Terror face a much higher suicide rate than veterans of previous wars and non-veterans. According to the Costs of War Project at Brown University, more than 30,000 veterans have died by suicide since 9/11, four times the number of soldiers killed in combat during the same period (7,057). These staggering figures illustrate the lasting toll of these conflicts.
Several factors contribute to the rising suicide rate among veterans of the War on Terror. Many have experienced long-term exposure to severe violence, including repeated encounters with roadside bombs and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health challenges that make the transition to civilian life particularly difficult.
In addition to physical and psychological scars, moral scars—deep emotional wounds caused by witnessing or participating in events that conflict with a person’s core values—play a role. For many, the chaotic end of the war in Afghanistan exacerbated these feelings, leaving them with unresolved feelings about their service. These unresolved conflicts can also lead to substance abuse to help a veteran cope with emotional pain and negative feelings.
Veterans may face many obstacles when they finally seek help. Long wait times for appointments, limited treatment options, and mental health stigma prevent many from getting the care they need. Even when care is available, it often focuses only on treating symptoms and does not address the underlying problems.
In addition to mental health care, veterans struggle with increased substance abuse, financial stress, relationship struggles, or the challenge of transitioning to civilian life. These factors can contribute to feelings of isolation and hopelessness and increase the risk of suicide.
Substance abuse is increasingly linked to an increase in the number of veteran deaths, especially those involving overdoses, also known as “self-harm deaths.” In addition to the daily suicide rate, an additional 20 veterans die from overdoses each day, illustrating just how dire the issue is.
Opioid and alcohol addiction play a significant role in these tragedies. Many veterans turn to substances to cope with physical pain, mental health struggles, and the challenges of civilian life. Unfortunately, this reliance on drugs and alcohol often leads to fatal consequences, especially when combined with feelings of hopelessness or untreated trauma. Addressing substance abuse alongside mental health issues is essential to saving lives and providing veterans with the supports they need to recover.
