Page 12 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023 Veterans are struggling with addiction and mental health T his Memorial Day, millions of Americans will honor the memory of the men and women who died in U.S. military service. It commemorates all those individuals who sacrifi ced their lives. Outside of this day, we must never lose sight of the millions of servicemen and servicewomen who made it home to their families but are fi ghting a new battle. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates that over 3.9 million veterans have a substance use disorder or mental illness. Moreover, substance use disorders significantly increase suicidality among veterans ages 18 and older. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors occur frequently among veterans ages 19 to 49. In Massachusetts, there are over 300,000 veterans, over half of them aged 65 and over. There are many reasons why veterans struggle with addiction and mental health issues. “There is a correlation between veterans and substance use disorders, homelessness, and suicide. Yet, this is preventable with early intervention and treatment,” said Michael Leach of Addicted.org. Many veterans struggle to adjust to civilian life, face fi nancial hardships, and have diffi culty fi nding employment or accessing benefi ts. Mental and emotional health concerns can lead to signifi cant problems, such as unwanted thoughts or feelings. Untreated trauma is common among veterans, which can lead to substance use as a means of coping. Veterans also face barriers when accessing help, such as cost and insurance gaps. Communities experience inadequate funding and limited access in rural locations. Stigma regarding addiction and mental illness is also problematic. Fortunately, there are options to consider. Outside of the VAFacility locator through the U.S. Department of Veterans Aff airs, other resources include: • Military and veterans services are off ered through city websites and the state website Mass.gov; • SAMHSA provides a treatment facility locator where veterans can fi nd services specifi c to their needs; • Helpful hotlines include the Veteran Crisis Line, 1-800-2738255, and the Lifeline for Vets, 1-888-777-4443. When covering costs, families may consider combining VA benefi ts with other forms of insurance, such as private health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, to reduce costs. Families play a signifi cant role in supporting veterans. Speak to them often, openly and honestly about their substance use. Express concern, but do not pass judgment. Help them fi nd treatment. Be patient and show compassion for what they are going through. Remember, addiction and mental health issues are treatable. Drug and alcohol treatment centers often off er specialized treatment programs for veterans and treat co-occurring disorders. Treatment centers have become increasingly better equipped to help veterans. It takes families and communities coming together to help our veteran population. Too many men and women who served this country are struggling in silence. While on this Memorial Day, we honor those who lost their lives, we must continue to fi ght for those who are alive with us today. Veronica Raussin is a Community Outreach Coordinator for Addicted.org, passionate about spreading awareness of the risks and dangers of alcohol & drug use. BBB Tip: Shopping for Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is coming up, and along with it, the purchase of special gifts. A National Retail Federation (NRF) survey shows that families are planning to spend more on Mother’s Day this year than they have in the past. Flowers, jewelry and special outings are hot items this year, and 84% plan to celebrate, according to the NRF. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reminds everyone to exercise caution when shopping online and in stores when spending money. BBB’s Annual Risk Report identifi es online purchasing scams as the riskiest. Here are a few tips for shopping for Mother’s Day gifts: • Shopping online: Avoid suspicious websites and glossy pop-up ads. Ensure the website has the “https://” and the “lock” icon in the URL. Don’t click on hyperlinks in unsolicited emails. Pay with a credit card or PayPal. Understand return and refund policies. Read the fi ne print. BBB has more tips for online shopping at https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/14040-bbbtip-smart-shopping-online • Flowers: Since Mother’s Day flower sales are the secondhighest sales period for your local florist, it’s important to choose wisely and fi nd someone you can trust with your order. Complaints fi led with BBB about florists have included fl owers being late, wrong or not delivered. Also, it is not uncommon for local fl ower shops to be affi liated with third-party entities. BBB advises consumers to confi rm that the business they place their order with is affi liated with that online source. If you send fl owers to your mother in another city, it is best to check online for a fl orist in her area. Make sure you have enough time for delivery; ask about all fees associated with your order; and make sure the date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order. — Read more about buying fl owers at https://www.bbb.org/ article/news-releases/17026bbb-tip-choosing-a-fl orist — Research the fl orist industry, looking at positive and negative reviews and complaints on BBB.org. — Find a fl orist near you in the BBB directory at https://www. bbb.org/near-me/retail-fl orist • Electronics: Whether you SHOPPING | SEE Page 18 VERONICA RAUSSIN Community Outreach Coordinato
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