Links to other resources: Contact Florida Springs, Florida Rehab Location
A recent VA study has shed light on a critical but often overlooked issue: how a veteran’s housing situation impacts their mental health, substance use, and their overall use of healthcare services. For veterans facing homelessness or living in transitional housing, the stakes are high. This research helps us better understand what kind of support is needed and how to ensure veterans don’t fall through the cracks after returning to civilian life.
At Florida Springs in Panama City, we’ve seen firsthand how stable housing and access to quality addiction treatment can make a difference. Our facility is proud to be a provider in the Veterans Administration Community Care Network (VA-CCN), offering addiction treatment for veterans in Florida who might otherwise go without help. This study supports what we know from experience: that where and how a veteran lives can deeply affect their path to recovery.
The research analyzed the healthcare records of more than five million veterans from 2021 through 2023. Veterans were grouped into three categories: those who were homeless, those living in supportive housing such as HUD-VASH, and those living independently. From there, the study examined how many veterans had mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both. It also measured how often these veterans used outpatient care, inpatient care, or emergency departments.
Study Results
The results were striking. Homeless veterans had the highest rate of mental health conditions, with about 63 percent having at least one diagnosis. Around 28 percent had a substance use disorder, and roughly one in four veterans were struggling with both issues at the same time. That overlap of mental health and substance use, often referred to as co-occurring disorders, is particularly concerning because it makes treatment more complex and the risk of crisis greater.
Interestingly, veterans living in supportive housing had even higher rates of co-occurring disorders than those who were homeless. Nearly one-third of them had both mental health and substance use issues. This finding may seem surprising, but it’s consistent with the principles behind the Housing First model, which does not require sobriety before offering stable housing. In other words, many of the veterans who move into supportive housing are still in active recovery or have not yet entered treatment.
For independently housed veterans, the rates of both mental health and substance issues were significantly lower. Only about 6 percent had co-occurring conditions, which may reflect greater overall stability in their lives.
How This Affects American Healthcare
Where things really get concerning is when you look at healthcare usage. Veterans with both mental health and substance use conditions used more services across the board. Homeless veterans with co-occurring disorders were especially likely to rely on emergency departments, suggesting that they may not be getting consistent outpatient care or early intervention. Even among those in supportive housing, rates of emergency room use remained higher than in the independently housed group.
The type of substance also made a difference. Among homeless veterans, those using stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine had fewer outpatient visits but used the emergency room more often than those with alcohol or benzodiazepine-related disorders. This pattern suggests that stimulant users may be more likely to avoid or drop out of structured treatment and then return to care only when in crisis. However, once mental health conditions became severe, the differences in emergency care use between stimulant and depressant users disappeared. In both cases, high mental health needs drove up emergency room visits.
So what does all of this mean for communities and care providers trying to support veterans? First, it shows that housing alone is not enough. Placing someone in a home or transitional housing without addressing their mental health or substance use is unlikely to produce long-term stability. Veterans need access to integrated treatment that can meet both types of needs.
Second, this research highlights the importance of tailoring outreach and care based on the type of substance used. Veterans struggling with stimulants may need more proactive engagement and alternatives to traditional outpatient settings. Peer support specialists, mobile crisis teams, and flexible outpatient options could all help meet them where they are.
Finally, the study confirms that earlier detection and coordinated treatment are essential. Supportive housing programs like HUD-VASH provide a key opportunity for early screening and intervention, and they must be adequately funded and staffed to serve this role effectively.
At Florida Springs Wellness and Recovery Center, we are committed to providing high-quality drug and alcohol rehab in Florida for veterans who have served our country. Our programs are designed to address both substance use and mental health conditions together, with care tailored to the specific experiences of veterans. Whether a veteran is seeking outpatient drug rehab at Florida Springs, participating in medical detox, or entering our residential inpatient program, they will receive compassionate and professional care.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence showing that veterans need more than housing. They need holistic support, consistent follow-up, and treatment that recognizes the complex reality of their lives. As a VA-CCN provider, we are proud to be part of that solution.
If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of help, contact Florida Springs to learn more about our medication assisted treatment in Florida and how VA benefits can make care affordable and accessible. Recovery is possible, and we are here to help every step of the way.
By Tim Cannon
