Review of Clinical Care Transition From the Department of Defense to the Veterans Health Administration for Service Members With Opioid Use Disorder

Excerpt:  “The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted a national review to evaluate the transition of clinical care of service members with opioid use disorder (OUD) from the Department of Defense (DoD) to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). OUD is an established risk factor for opioid overdose death and suicide. In 2020, opioids were responsible for approximately 75 percent of overdose related deaths. … There are challenges within the first 12 months after discharge from DoD associated with leaving active duty and transitioning to civilian life, such as homelessness, reintegrating with family, employment, substance mismanagement, and the risk of suicide. In response to the needs of transitioning service members, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DoD, and VA created a joint action plan to address ‘seamless access to mental health treatment and suicide prevention resources for transitioning uniformed service members in the year following discharge, separation, or retirement.'” (footnotes omitted)