Supporting Veterans in 2025

By Bees | November 11, 2025

US Military tags reading: Support a Veteran Today used as an asset for LifeRing News Blog posted on Veterans Day 2025 Veterans Day:
Honoring Service and Supporting Recovery

As we observe Veterans Day, we honor the profound sacrifices made by those who serve our country. Their dedication protects our freedoms, but for many, the return home brings a new, invisible battle: the struggle with mental health and substance use disorder (SUD).

It is vital to shine a light on these unique challenges and underscore that help is available, and recovery is attainable.

The Reality: Invisible Wounds and Substance Use

The transition from military life back into civilian society, coupled with exposure to trauma and the stresses of service, places Veterans at a disproportionately increased risk of developing SUD.

  • The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common "invisible wounds" among Veterans.
  • For some, problematic substance use—including alcohol or drugs—becomes a form of self-medication to cope with these painful underlying mental health issues.
  • It is crucial to understand that SUD is not a failure of willpower or a moral failing; it is a complex condition that demands compassion, understanding, and appropriate support. The stigma surrounding addiction can make the path to recovery feel isolating, often preventing Veterans from seeking the help they need.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

Addressing problematic substance use among Veterans necessitates a holistic approach that encompasses mental, physical, and emotional health. Treatment must go beyond detoxification to include comprehensive therapies that address underlying issues, including trauma.

  • Therapeutic Interventions: Proven effective treatments include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), group therapy, and trauma-informed care. These therapies provide Veterans with crucial coping strategies and supportive environments to process their experiences.
  • Mindfulness and Wellness: Integrating practices such as yoga and meditation can promote emotional regulation and stress relief. Organizations like the Wounded Warriors Project (WWP) emphasize this holistic wellness approach.
  • Veteran-Specific Programs: Tailoring treatment is essential. Many organizations, including the VA (US Department of Veterans Affairs), offer specialized programs that incorporate military experiences into treatment, fostering understanding and camaraderie.

The Power of Peer Support and Community

One of the most powerful tools in combating addiction is community support. Veterans thrive in environments where they feel understood, accepted, and can connect with others who share similar experiences.

Building a network through support groups, community events, or peer mentorship programs can significantly alleviate feelings of isolation and help dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use.

LifeRing Secular Recovery: A Unique Path for Veterans

LifeRing Secular Recovery offers specialized, secular peer support meetings for Veterans and active personnel, creating a safe, judgment-free space focused on empowerment and self-direction. By cultivating connection and dismantling the isolation caused by stigma, a holistic model that includes peer support is the key to equipping Veterans with the tools and community they need to successfully take charge of their recovery journey.

Veteran-Specific Focus Meetings: LifeRing offers specialized meetings for Veterans, active personnel, and allies, creating a safe space for those with similar living experiences.
Examples include:

Co-occurring Disorders Meetings: LifeRing also hosts meetings tailored to people in recovery with co-occurring disorders, such as SUD alongside mental and emotional health issues.
Examples include:

Trauma Support Meetings:  In addition, LifeRing offers meetings tailored for individuals seeking support in recovery from trauma. These meetings provide a safe, peer-driven space for participants to address the role of past trauma in their lives and recovery journeys, alongside substance use disorder (SUD) or other co-occurring challenges.
Examples include:

Empowerment Focus: LifeRing emphasizes personal empowerment, equipping individuals with essential tools and strategies to take charge of their recovery journeys. This is core of all LifeRing meetings and recovery support resources.

Moving Forward Together

On this Veterans Day, we must commit to supporting our Veterans year-round. We must advocate for accessible treatment, fund community programs, and foster environments where mental health and wellness are prioritized.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Help is available, and recovery is within reach. Let us stand together in support of our Veterans, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve.

Veteran's Live Person-to-Person Crisis Resources

If you are in crisis, or you know someone who is, please seek immediate help.

Veterans Crisis Line:

Military OneSource:

Additional Veterans Support Resources

Mental Health and SUD Support Websites

LifeRing Support Resources

To join a focus meeting (including Veterans in Recovery  and Co-occurring Disorders meetings) or access LifeRing recovery resources, please visit the LifeRing Recovery Communities webpage.

 

You can help LifeRing provide peer-to-peer support resources for Veterans, Active Personnel and Allies
with your one-time or monthly donations.

Thank you!