ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors explore addiction and grief issues within the military among specific groups that include active duty service members (ASDMs), National Guard and Reservists, and veterans. This is an area of concern that is not openly addressed due to the unique culture of the military environment. The chapter begins by providing a military demographic profile along with an overview of military culture. Substance use issues that include alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medication are explored. In addition, grief, stigma associated with grief, and connection between substance abuse and grief are examined. The chapter concludes with mental health implications with some focus on military cultural awareness, use of rituals in the therapeutic process, equine-facilitated therapy, and complicated grief therapy.
