The alarming suicide rates among military veterans in the United States continue to be a pressing concern. Recent analysis by OpDD has shed light on the severity of the issue, revealing that the number of suicides in eight states represents 1.37 times more than what was reported by the VA from 2014-2018. If these states and their age adjustments are representative of the national rate, the findings indicate a devastating reality: approximately 44 military veterans per day die by suicide. The implications of this data necessitate exploring effective interventions to address the crisis. In this blog, we will discuss the potential of cannabis products in alleviating the underlying issues contributing to suicide rates among veterans, while considering the characteristics identified by OpDD's analysis.
Cannabis and Suicide Prevention: The distressing psychological challenges faced by veterans, combined with the physical toll of their service, contribute to the increased risk of suicide. Cannabis products offer potential benefits in mitigating the factors associated with suicide among military veterans.
Addressing Mental Health and Psychological Well-being: Cannabis products, particularly those containing CBD, have shown promise in managing anxiety and depression, which are often prevalent among veterans with suicidal tendencies. CBD's anxiolytic properties can help reduce feelings of distress, providing a potential tool for calming intrusive thoughts and improving overall mental well-being. By promoting a more relaxed state, cannabis products may offer veterans a reprieve from the negative changes in thinking and mood associated with suicidal tendencies.
Pain Management and Preventing Self-Injury Mortality: OpDD's analysis revealed that self-injury mortality, often categorized as accidents or undetermined causes, accounts for a significant portion of veteran deaths. Over 80% of these cases are coded as overdose deaths. Cannabis products, particularly those high in THC, have demonstrated efficacy in managing chronic pain, which is a leading factor contributing to self-injury mortality. By providing potential pain relief and reducing the reliance on opioids, cannabis products can play a role in preventing accidental overdoses and self-injury among veterans.
Factors Identified by OpDD Analysis: OpDD's analysis identified various characteristics that could refine the identification of veterans at higher risk of suicide. While cannabis products cannot directly address these factors, they can potentially serve as a complementary therapy alongside targeted interventions.
Service Length and Suicide Risk: OpDD found that the longer someone has served in the military, the lower their probability of suicide becomes, decreasing by 2% for every year served. Cannabis products can contribute to this aspect indirectly by offering relief from physical and psychological symptoms, potentially improving overall well-being and resilience.
Risk Factors for Suicide/SIM: OpDD identified that veterans who served for less than three years were at the greatest risk of suicide and self-injury mortality. Furthermore, experiencing a demotion during military service increased the odds of dying by suicide/SIM by 56%. Targeted support programs and counseling should be utilized in conjunction with cannabis products to address these risk factors comprehensively.
Conclusion: The staggering suicide rates among military veterans demand urgent attention and multifaceted interventions. While cannabis products cannot single-handedly solve the crisis, they hold promise in addressing the underlying physical and psychological challenges faced by veterans. By potentially alleviating pain, managing mental health symptoms, and reducing the risk of self-injury mortality, cannabis products can play a supportive role in suicide prevention efforts. However, it is crucial for veterans to work closely with healthcare professionals specializing in medical cannabis and mental health to develop personalized treatment plans. Combining cannabis products with targeted interventions and support tailored to the characteristics identified by OpDD's analysis can pave the way for a comprehensive approach to combatting suicide among military veterans and ensuring their well-being.