Additionally, some are dually diagnosed with both substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. Rosenheck cites a study that showed both psychiatric and substance use disorders to be two to three times more common among those who served in the military. The study also cited antisocial personality disorders to be five to six times more common among veterans. Many developed substance and drug abuse habits during military service, with addictions increasing after discharge. Unemployment and extreme poverty then pushed them towards homelessness.
Veterans have more health problems and physical disabilities than the general population.
These problems are in addition to an already difficult re-entry into mainstream society. Many veterans, particularly those from the Vietnam era, suffer from social isolation and lack of self-esteem and motivation. Homeless veterans do not fare well in programs designed for the general homeless population. Dropout and recidivism rates are high. Access to Veterans Administration benefits is also limited.