As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the globe, many veterans with substance use issues have faced the closure of treatment facilities, mandates to shelter in place, and social distancing measures. To better understand their pandemic experiences, substance use changes, and functioning, a survey was nationally administered to a sample of United States veterans reporting substance use issues during the pandemic. The purpose of this cross-sectional online survey for veterans (N = 409) was to report on COVID-19 experiences, safety behaviors, and infection experiences while also investigating the relationship among addictive behaviors, mental and physical health, and COVID-19 impact. Measures also assessed specific substance use concerns, pandemic-related loneliness, and functioning. Though few veterans reported personally receiving a confirmed COVID-19 medical diagnosis (10.5%), the impact of pandemic stressors was evident, with a majority reporting anxiety related to contracting COVID-19 (61.4%) or fear of a family member or close friend contracting COVID-19 (58.7%). Participants reported increased use of alcohol (45.3%), sedatives (36.6%), inhalants (35.7%), tobacco (35.0%), and cannabis (34.9%), attributed specifically to the pandemic. Regression analyses revealed that even when controlling for the contribution of problematic substance use issues, negative pandemic impacts and self-reported COVID-19 related loneliness were related to more impaired physical and mental health functioning during the pandemic. Findings from this sample of veterans with addiction issues add to the growing literature suggesting unique and adverse effects of COVID-19 stressors on functioning while also revealing specific pandemic impacts for this group.

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Veterans with mental health and substance use conditions have poor employment outcomes and would likely benefit from integrated career, mental health, and substance use related interventions. However, vocational psychology has overlooked this vulnerable population, and vocational interventions are often relegated as less important than other psychotherapeutic interventions that target substance use or symptom reduction. Drawing upon Social Cognitive Career Theory and Psychology of Working Theory, this qualitative study examined how external and internal factors influenced the vocational trajectories of eight veterans with mental health and substance use conditions. Additionally, this study examined participants’ perspective on the usefulness of improving career outcomes in supporting their lives and recoveries. Using Consensual Qualitative Research methodology, this study uncovered how personal, environmental, relational, mental health, and substance use factors impacted the vocational trajectories of veterans living with mental health and substance use conditions. Findings also highlight that veterans want fulfilling employment and more clarity in their vocational lives to support their mental well-being and prevent substance use. Implications for vocational psychology theory and integrative practice are discussed.