Mental Health and Substance Use Considerations in the Care of Returning Veterans

Since September 11, 2001, approximately 2.5 million men and women have been deployed in the Global War on Terror. Nearly half have spent between 6 to 24 months in direct service to combat zones in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom [OEF]) or Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom [OIF]).1 While on active duty, our military constantly faces life-threatening situations. Upon their return home, the majority of these soldiers and Marines successfully move forward with their lives, after an initial few months of acclimation.