Project Proposal

Veterans and Substance Abuse The Author’s Name The Institutional Affiliation Course Number and Name The Instructor Assignment Due Date Introduction This research is significant in understanding the longitudinal impacts on veterans’ health outcomes, followed by socioeconomic impacts. Substance abuse among veterans triggered other societal challenges like homelessness, unemployment, and crime probability. The research aims to identify substance abuse as a problem source for the VHA while planning a sustainable intervention program. Background Substance use disorder (SUD) among veterans is a rising concern for the United States of America (US) Veteran Health Administration (VHA). Insights confirm that SUD increased the financial burden on VHA to provide veterans with necessary treatment and health interventions to overcome the challenge (Hoggatt et al., 2023). According to Dell et al. (2022), veterans suffer from various mental diseases that increase substance abuse. The authors argued that veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and chronic anxiety, luring substances and alcohol to seek functional stability. However, the rising SUD rate threatens wellness viability and sustainability for veterans, family members, the justice system, and society in the long run (Dell et al., 2022). Cypel et al. (2023) argued that the SUD among veterans traces five decades ago during the Vietnam War era. The Vietnam War inflicted physiological and psychological injuries among veterans, forcing soldiers to indulge in drug and alcohol consumption after returning home. The addiction increased during the warfare in Afghanistan and Iraq, inflicting more combat-related injuries among veterans (Cypel et al., 2023). Springstein and English (2023) argued that soldiers indulged in substance abuse to cure post-war emotional disruptions. The legalization and accessibility of marijuana in various states increased the addiction, triggering SUD syndrome among veterans to cope with warfare nightmares and traumas (Springstein & English, 2023). Hence, the problem requires robust exploration to find a decisive solution. The investigation must explore untapped segments such as veterans’ morale, post-war socioeconomic influences, and impacts on children exposed to abuse-based parenting. SUD syndrome is a significant challenge that policymakers and administrative departments should optimize with meaningful solutions, allowing veterans to enjoy a quality lifestyle. Statement of the Problem Why is it Important? Addressing SUD syndrome in veterans is a necessary concern for the US government and VHA. Substance abuse among veterans has significant societal impacts that influence future generations. As evidence, Ee and Zhang (2022) argued that substance abuse increases neighborhood crimes, influencing household safety and wellness. War heroes embrace crime to earn short-term finances and purchase drugs. Rising SUD syndrome would influence the crime rate and disrupt neighborhood peace in the long run. Besides, the practice influences the upbringing of the upcoming generation exposed to a delinquent environment performed by war heroes (Ee & Zhang, 2022). Hence, this research is essential to conduct cost-benefit analysis (CBA) while shaping a future society. Furthermore, moral responsibility is a fundamental factor that the public should recognize while linking SUD syndrome with the veterans. According to McDaniel et al. (2023), veterans indulge in substance abuse due to emotional and physical traumas inflicted during warfare. Most veterans w...