Armed Forces Day in the United Kingdom, observed this year on Saturday, 28th June 2025, is a national event to honour and commemorate the dedication, bravery, and sacrifice of the men and women serving in the British Armed Forces.
Whilst we publicly recognise the courage of military personnel, it is equally important to acknowledge the profound, and often invisible, costs to their health, especially their mental wellbeing. Beyond the physical risks of warfare, the psychological burden can be immense. For many veterans, the return to civilian life is not only a transition but also a struggle against unseen adversaries: trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance misuse.
The mental health toll of military service.
For those who serve in the armed forces, particularly in combat roles, the experiences of war, violence, and loss are enduring. The constant state of hyper-vigilance, the exposure to life-threatening situations, and the need to make split-second decisions in dangerous environments all take a significant toll on mental health.
Many veterans experience difficulty reintegrating into civilian life after service. For some, the shift is compounded by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a serious psychiatric condition triggered by traumatic experiences. Without timely and appropriate mental health support, many veterans may turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to cope with the distress.
PTSD: A long-recognised but recently diagnosed disorder.
Though PTSD was only formally recognised by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980, the condition has existed for centuries. Historical records describe similar afflictions among soldiers, from ancient Greek warriors in Homer’s Iliad, to “soldier’s heart” in the American Civil War, and “shell shock” in World War I.
Today, PTSD is defined as a psychiatric anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to traumatic events. Common symptoms include:
- Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
- Avoidance and numbing: Withdrawing from others, emotional detachment, and efforts to avoid reminders of the trauma.
- Hyperarousal: Insomnia, irritability, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle responses.
- Negative thoughts and mood changes: Feelings of guilt, shame, hopelessness, and detachment from loved ones.
- Physical symptoms: Headaches, gastrointestinal issues, heart palpitations, and panic attacks.
PTSD affects around one in three people who experience severe trauma. According to a 2024 study by Combat Stress (the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health), up to 17% of UK veterans deployed to combat zones may experience PTSD, significantly higher than in the civilian population.
Substance misuse among veterans.
Unfortunately, many veterans turn to substances to self-medicate. Alcohol and drugs may offer temporary relief, an escape from flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional pain, but they often worsen mental health symptoms over time.
The link between PTSD and substance misuse is well-documented. In fact, up to 40% of individuals diagnosed with PTSD also experience substance use disorders. Among UK veterans with a substance misuse disorder, roughly 80% struggle with alcohol, and 20–25% with drugs, including both illicit substances and prescription medications.
A recent report published by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in 2024 found that:
- 11% of UK veterans experience harmful levels of alcohol consumption.
- 5–7% misuse prescription medications, particularly opioids prescribed for injury-related pain.
- 1–2% report illicit drug use, though this number may be under-reported due to stigma.
The culture of silence surrounding mental health and addiction in the military remains a significant barrier to help-seeking. In many cases, substance misuse begins during active duty, as personnel attempt to cope with the extreme demands of service, trauma, or physical pain from injury.
Military culture, pain management, and addiction.
The relationship between military service and substance use has long historical roots. The Royal Navy’s infamous “daily rum ration” was only abolished in 1970. Amphetamines were distributed to troops during World War II to increase alertness, and high levels of heroin and marijuana use were reported among U.S. forces in Vietnam.
More recently, prescription drug misuse has become a rising concern. Pain management after combat injuries often includes strong opioid-based medications. Studies have shown that service members who receive opioid prescriptions are three times more likely to develop substance misuse disorders compared to those who do not receive such medication.
Many veterans find themselves in a cycle of dependency, often without adequate mental health support. The stigma around mental illness and addiction (particularly in military culture) can prevent individuals from accessing care until the problem becomes overwhelming.
First Responders and parallel challenges.
Veterans are not alone in facing these challenges. Emergency responders (including police, paramedics, firefighters, and frontline healthcare professionals) are also at heightened risk for PTSD and substance misuse. A 2024 NHS survey reported that one in five emergency workers in the UK showed signs of PTSD, and up to 15% reported problematic alcohol use.
The shared reality of witnessing trauma, experiencing life-threatening situations, and enduring high-pressure environments links these professions closely. Mental health support for these groups is slowly improving, but much work remains.
Treatment and recovery: A way forward.
PTSD and substance misuse are treatable with the right support. Therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing), and trauma-focused therapy have shown success in helping individuals process traumatic experiences and reduce reliance on substances.
However, many individuals require a comprehensive, integrated approach to address both trauma and addiction. This is especially true for veterans, who may also struggle with reintegration, physical injuries, and a sense of isolation.
Rehab in Spain.
At Ibiza Calm, our residential treatment centre in Spain, we offer world-class, personalised care for individuals suffering from PTSD, addiction, depression, and other mental health conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes clinical psychologists, medical professionals, addiction specialists, and trauma therapists.
We offer a medically supervised detox programme and a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including talk therapy, group work, mindfulness, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy – all within a serene, private setting on the island of Ibiza.
For more information on our programmes or to speak with a member of our admissions team, please contact: sharon@ibizacalm.com
English 
Spanish 
Dutch