Most veterans are strengthened by their military service, but the combat experience has unfortunately left a growing number of veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. One in five veterans has symptoms of a mental health disorder or cognitive impairment. One in six veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation IraqiFreedom suffer from a substance abuse issue. Research continues to draw a link between substance abuse and combat–related mental illness. Left untreated, mental health disorders common among veterans can directly lead to involvement in the criminal justice system.
2.4 million veterans served in Afghanistan and Iraq. 1 in 5 suffer from PTSD or severe depression. Half of these veterans have been incarcerated at some point since serving in these wars. 22 veterans of the most recent wars committed suicide each day of last year. Read more…