Opioid Addiction Among Veterans: A Silent Crisis

This study examines the multidimensional determinants of opioid addiction among U.S. military veterans using a cross-sectional survey of 387 veterans receiving care within Veterans Health Administration–affiliated facilities. Guided by self-medication, stress–diathesis, and social learning perspectives, the study integrates clinical, psychosocial, and treatment-related factors into a unified empirical framework. Multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression models are used to assess predictors of opioid addiction severity and high addiction risk. Results indicate that long-term opioid therapy, alcohol and stimulant comorbidity, loneliness, and housing instability significantly increase addiction severity and the likelihood of high-risk classification, while treatment engagement exerts a strong protective effect. The models demonstrate strong explanatory power and satisfactory diagnostic performance. Findings highlight the combined role of polysubstance use and social vulnerability alongside clinical exposure in shaping opioid outcomes. The study contributes theory-informed evidence by modelling both continuous and binary addiction outcomes. Policy implications emphasise integrated care combining pain management, substance use treatment, housing stabilisation, and social support to effectively address opioid addiction among veterans.