By: Jody Boulay
Community Outreach Coordinator
DRS

Memorial Day is a solemn occasion to honor the men and women who made the ultimate
sacrifice in service to our nation. As we gather this day to honor the brave men and women who
gave their lives in service to our country, it’s worth remembering that the sacrifices of military
service don’t end on the battlefield.
For many veterans and active-duty personnel, the struggle continues long after they return home,
this time against often invisible enemies such as substance use disorders, suicidal ideation, and
the risk of drug overdose.
The connection between military service and addiction is not often discussed, but it should be.
Military life demands extraordinary resilience. Long deployments, exposure to life-threatening
situations, time away from loved ones, and the ingrained culture of stoicism all leave lasting
emotional and psychological impressions.
According to census data, in 2022, 205,615 veterans lived in Nevada. While it is challenging to
know how many veterans in local communities struggle with addiction and mental health issues,
there are some national and state trends among veterans and the general population that offer
some insight into the issues.
Veteran suicide deaths in Nevada, for example, rank as the ninth primary cause of death among
veterans. According to veteran suicide data from 2018 to 2022, there were 599 veterans suicide
deaths. When broken down by age groups between 2018 and 2022, 42% of the veteran deaths of
Nevada residents aged 25-34 were due to suicide.
Nationally, the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 6.3% of veterans had
a substance use disorder in the past year. Alcohol use, for example, was common among 56% of
veterans, while 22% engaged in binge drinking, and 5.2% experienced an alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol abuse, in general, unfortunately, is a common precursor for addiction and suicidal
ideation and increases the risk of drug overdose. According to the Department of Health and
Human Services, there were 776 alcohol-related deaths in 2021 and 1,511 drug-related deaths.
Methamphetamines were involved in the highest number of unintentional overdose deaths in
both 2019 and 2020 and observed a significant increase year-over-year of 44%.
We need to normalize conversations around mental health and addiction within military culture.
We should also support community-based organizations and nonprofits doing critical work in
this space. Many of these groups offer holistic, veteran-centered services that go beyond what
traditional institutions can provide, from non-traditional therapy and outdoor rehabilitation
programs to job training and sober housing.
Fortunately, there are resources to help, such as the Veterans Crisis Line; dial 988, then press 1,
or text 838255 anywhere in the state. The Crisis Support Services of Nevada offers a substance
use disorder helpline at 1-800-450-9530 or text IMREADY to 839863. The Nevada Department
of Veterans Services also offers some assistance and resources.

This Memorial Day, while we remember the fallen, let’s also remember those still fighting
against the weight of their memories, their pain, and the stigma that keeps them from seeking
help. Let’s make it clear that their service matters. Their struggles matter. And they are not alone.
Jody Boulay is a mother of two with a passion for helping others. She currently works as a
Community Outreach Coordinator for DRS to help spread awareness of the dangers of drugs and
alcohol.