Addressing the opioid crisis: a call to action for California’s veterans

OPINION – The opioid epidemic in California is an urgent matter that requires immediate action, particularly with regards to its effects on veterans and their families.

As a military veteran myself, I understand firsthand the challenges and struggles that many of our servicemen and women face, both on the battlefield and upon returning home. It is imperative that we address this crisis head-on and ensure that our veterans are adequately supported and protected from the devastating effects of opioid addiction.

The fight to pass The Alternatives to PAIN Act by Congress this year would mark a significant step forward in the fight against the opioid epidemic. However, it is crucial that leaders in Sacramento also take action to implement solutions that focus on educating California physicians and patients about non-opioid approaches for pain management. By doing so, we can help safeguard vulnerable groups, such as veterans and their families, from falling victim to the grips of addiction.

Statistics paint a grim picture of the reality facing many veterans. According to former Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, veterans are twice as likely to die from accidental overdose compared to the general U.S. population. Shockingly, nearly half of combat wounded veterans report misuse of prescription opioids, highlighting the prevalence of this issue within our community.

Furthermore, drug overdose mortality rates among veterans, according to the Veterans Health Administration, have increased by 53% from 2010–2019, underscoring the urgent need for action. The healthcare costs associated with prescription painkiller abuse among service members amount to roughly $1 billion a year, further emphasizing the staggering toll that opioid addiction takes on our veterans and their families. And the National Institute on Drug Abuse claims that from 2002 to 2009, the percentage of veterans who receive opioid prescriptions increased by 7%. These are our currently retired and separated veterans from post 9-11 war campaigns. Many of the men I served with are either deceased from this addiction or have lost everything.

California lawmakers must seize the opportunity to enact policies that prioritize the health and well-being of our veterans. While there is no easy solution to the opioid epidemic, providing education about alternatives to opioids for pain management is a crucial first step. The introduction of non-opioid pain treatments that can be prescribed to veterans would offer a safer option for managing pain.

In conclusion, addressing the opioid crisis in California requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that prioritizes the needs of our veterans. By implementing policies that educate and encourage the use of non-opioid pain alternatives, we can help mitigate the risk of addiction and ensure that those who have sacrificed so much for our country receive the care and support they deserve. Implementation will contribute to mitigation of addiction in our veteran community, and reduce the biproduct, homelessness.

It is time for lawmakers in Sacramento to take decisive action and stand up for our veterans in their time of need. We need leaders – policymakers who will lead by example and influence – to optimize better treatment methods for our veterans and help tackle an untapped salient issue, long overdue.

Nick Busse served for 13 years in the US Army’s 1st Infantry and 1st Cavalry Divisions, managing more than 200 combat operations in Iraq. Today, he is a successful businessman and advocate for military veterans.