Veterans are some of the bravest members of our community.
Across the UK, there are over 2 million veterans who stepped up to protect our country and our values.
For many veterans, adjusting to civilian life can be challenging. It can take time to adapt to life outside the armed forces, the loss of routine, structure and comradeship. But for others, it can also present serious health challenges.
Independent survey of 300 veterans
An independent survey1 of 300 UK veterans, commissioned by Wellford Clinics, found 68% had been diagnosed with a long-term physical or mental health condition since leaving the armed forces: 29% had been diagnosed with depression, 28% with anxiety, 25% with a sleep disorder or persistent sleep problems, 19% with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 17% with chronic pain.
For many veterans, these are not isolated health problems. They can affect sleep, relationships, employment and quality of life.
Mental and physical health are often closely connected. Chronic pain can interfere with sleep and employment. Poor sleep can exacerbate anxiety and depression. PTSD can affect relationships and everyday activities. Multiple conditions can occur together, making treatment and recovery more complex.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the research confirmed many veterans are reluctant to ask for help if they’re struggling with their health.
More than half (61%3) said they needed health support after leaving the armed forces but didn’t seek help. Over one in five (22%4) said they don’t feel able to ask others for help if they’re struggling with their mental health and one in six (16%) don’t know where to seek mental health support.
Just under two out of three (65%5) said there isn’t enough healthcare support specifically for veterans. Without the healthcare they need, veterans like many others may try to self-medicate.
Our survey found 71%2 of veterans said they had self-medicated with alcohol, drugs and other substances since returning to civilian life. Among respondents, 37% said they used alcohol, 34% used prescription medicines, 31% used over-the-counter medicines, 8% used street-bought cannabis and 5% used other street-bought drugs.
Asked why they self-medicated, veterans said it helped them to cope with symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain and PTSD as well as the challenges of returning to civilian life. Others said they self-medicated because they couldn’t access their GP or didn’t feel their issues were taken seriously by healthcare professionals.
“Serving in the armed forces can exact a heavy toll on their health with veterans experiencing very high rates of anxiety, chronic pain, depression, insomnia and PTSD,” says Dr Daniela Tonucci, Medical Director of Wellford Clinics. “It’s sad to see so many veterans self-medicating with alcohol, drugs and other substances because they can’t get the help they need.”
Free lifetime care for veterans
Against this background, 48% of the veterans surveyed said they would consider using medical cannabis to alleviate symptoms associated with a mental or physical health condition. A further 7% said they currently use medical cannabis or have used it previously.
Medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription in the UK since 2018. At Wellford Clinics, our specialist doctors can provide expert advice to veterans and other patients living with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, PTSD and many other conditions. They can also offer advice to people who have been self-medicating with street-bought cannabis and other substances.
Wellford Clinics also offers free lifetime care to veterans. “Our Veterans Access Scheme ensures veterans who are eligible for medical cannabis treatment won’t pay appointment or prescription fees,” says Richard Guest, Chief Commercial Officer at Wellford. “We hope it will reduce the number of veterans who rely on self-medication and street-bought cannabis.”
Support our campaign
Wellford Clinics is also joining forces with veterans to call on the UK Government to follow Canada’s lead and reimburse veterans for the cost of their medical cannabis medication.
“As a responsible and regulated healthcare organisation, we can’t offer prescription medicine for free,” says Richard. “But as a country we could do more to support veterans. In partnership with veterans, we’re calling on the UK Government to reimburse veterans for the cost of their medical cannabis. The Canadian Government has reimbursed veterans for medical cannabis since 2007. We believe UK veterans deserve similar support.”
Armed forces veteran and Wellford Clinics patient Ian Foster is supporting the campaign. “There are over two million veterans across the UK. As Wellford’s survey shows, many are living with long-term physical and mental health conditions. For a lot of veterans, medical cannabis is a vital medication that helps them to work and live day-to-day. If Canada can reimburse veterans for the cost of medical cannabis, why can’t the UK?”
In partnership with veterans, we’re calling on the UK Government to reimburse veterans for the cost of medical cannabis. You can support this campaign by signing this petition on the parliamentary website.
It takes 20 seconds to find out if you’re eligible for medical cannabis treatment.
