If you are a veteran who is struggling with an addiction, you may need to look into veterans rehab programs in your area. These are specialized addiction treatment programs designed to provide a safe place for veterans to begin recovery.
Although any type of rehab program has its benefits, seeking specialized treatment can greatly improve your chances of long-term sobriety. In this article, we discuss five things veterans need to know about veterans rehab programs, plus the types of treatment programs available and why veterans need specialized treatment.
Choosing Drug Rehab for Veterans: 6 Reasons Why
Here are six things to know about veterans rehab programs:
1. Treatment Can Include Co-Occurring Disorders
One of the most important things veterans need to understand about the veterans rehab program is its ability to treat co-occurring disorders. In anyone who suffers from substance abuse, co-occurring disorders are incredibly common and often directly contribute to addictive behavior. This is because substance use problems and substance use disorder frequently coexist with mental health conditions.
For example, someone who has a co-occurring disorder, such as anxiety or depression, may find that these conditions simultaneously affect their mental health and long-term recovery outlook.
Here are some examples of common co-occurring mental health disorders that veterans may have in addition to substance abuse:
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
Veterans rehab programs often have a strong focus on dual diagnosis so that co-occurring disorders will be treated along with substance abuse (such as PTSD treatment). This creates a comprehensive treatment plan that is highly individualized, improving your chances of a long-term recovery.
2. Your Treatment Expenses May be Covered
Are you worried about the cost of veterans rehab programs? If so, the good news is that there are financial resources available for veterans, especially when it comes to seeking mental health or medical care. Veterans pay little to no out-of-pocket costs for many rehab services due to VA benefits such as insurance and the VA healthcare program.
Many veterans receive financial assistance through the US Department of Veterans Affairs (otherwise known as the VA). There are other resources available to individuals who have served in the military so you can get the care you need without having to pay out of pocket.
Some treatment centers may even provide reduced fees, scholarships, or payment plans for a few months. But again: access to these services is often dependent on enrollment in appropriate VA health care programs. Be sure you’ve enrolled in VA healthcare to take advantage of the recovery services available to you.
3. Many Programs Use a Holistic Approach
If you are a military veteran who is looking for addiction treatment, you need to find a program that uses a holistic approach. The good news is that most veterans rehab programs offer a whole-person approach that addresses individual needs through evidence-based therapies.
Substance abuse is a very complex disorder that varies on a case-by-case basis. Because of this, a holistic approach takes into account your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs when creating a treatment plan. Not only does this highly personalized approach improve your recovery experience, but it also improves your chances of long-term sobriety.
This whole-person approach will be essential for treating the root cause of your addiction.
4. Medication-Assisted Treatment May be Available
Many veterans would benefit from medication-assisted treatment, otherwise known as MAT. This is an option commonly provided with veterans rehab programs, allowing you to go through recovery with the help of specific medications.
MAT is a key component of addiction treatment programs for veterans struggling with drug and alcohol dependence, offering support for those facing substance use disorders involving drugs, alcohol, or both. This is because certain medications can greatly help with the detox process, making it more comfortable, safer, and more effective for long-term recovery.
Here are some examples of the types of medications MAT can provide:
- Suboxone
- Subutex
- Librium
If you aren’t sure whether MAT is the right fit for your recovery needs, you can discuss this with an addiction professional or your healthcare provider. However, for people with health issues or a history of relapse, MAT can help make the withdrawal process safer.
5. Support Services May be Provided
Not only do veterans rehab programs help to meet the needs of veterans and their unique recovery situations, but they also provide support services beyond detoxification. This is confidential help designed to assist and support veterans throughout their recovery journey, including things like aftercare, relapse prevention, and family group counseling.
Support services improve the drug addiction recovery experience by equipping you with the tools you need for long-term recovery. Many programs offer coping skills training to help veterans manage symptoms, overcome challenges, and achieve a fulfilling life after treatment. This also connects you to additional aftercare resources that you can continue to use long after your program is complete.
You will need to research the different types of veteran rehab programs available to find the one that provides the services you would benefit the most from.
Here are some examples of the types of treatments for military service veterans:
6. You Can Pick the Environment
There are two common types of treatment for veterans: residential rehab, and outpatient services.
Residential rehabilitation might make sense for severe drug and alcohol addictions, especially those that require medical supervision. Participating in a residential program can provide the structure and support needed for holistic recovery. Many veterans rehab programs offer comprehensive rehabilitation services within a residential rehab or residential rehabilitation setting.
On the other hand, outpatient rehab for veterans can offer self-paced support and mental health services without the commitment of a residential stay. That way, you can continue with daily responsibilities such as work and family without neglecting the much-needed care you need. This may be recommended for those with less severe drug and alcohol addictions, including those that do not require MAT or 24/7 supervision.
Why Veterans Need Specialized Rehab Treatment
Veterans are at a high risk of developing substance abuse disorders while they are in the military, as well as afterward. Even though this is most commonly associated with combat veterans, anyone who has served in the United States Armed Forces faces unique challenges and traumas that increase their risk of using substances.
Combat veterans face a variety of mental health challenges due to what they have had to do and what they have seen when deployed. For example:
- Many experience trauma and traumatic events during their service, which can lead to mental health issues such as PTSD.
- These mental health issues, along with physical injuries, can result in chronic pain and increase the likelihood of developing substance abuse disorder to substances such as prescription medications.
- Women veterans may also need gender-specific services and safe spaces to address their unique needs.
- Veterans are more likely than the general public to experience traumatic events and, therefore, require comprehensive, trauma-informed care.
For veterans, substance use is a common form of self-medication when it comes to coping with stress, the challenge of adjusting to civilian life, and dealing with pain from physical injuries. That is why it is so essential that veterans seek help and take advantage of resources specifically designed for them.
Thankfully, rehab programs for veterans are available across the country, ensuring that support is accessible no matter where veterans live.
Join a Rehab Program Today at The Lakes Treatment Center
It is not uncommon for military veterans to experience issues with addiction for a variety of reasons. Especially for individuals who have co-occurring disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse is a serious risk. If this is something you suffer from, you need to find a veterans rehab program curated to fit your specific recovery needs.
At The Lakes Treatment Center, all of our rehab programs take a holistic approach, considering the individual’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Our programs also provide many resources that can be beneficial for veterans, including relapse prevention, aftercare, dual diagnosis, and medication-assisted detox.
Are you ready to start your recovery journey? Contact us today at The Lakes Treatment Center to learn more about our rehab programs and aftercare resources for veterans.
