Veteran Addiction Treatment Centers
Experts have long been aware that traumatic incidents can trigger a number of mental health concerns, including addictions. Soldiers and veterans are at high risk for developing addictive behaviors and many carry their addictions into their daily lives long after they’ve left the battlefield behind. Indeed, veterans struggle with all kinds of addictions, including those to prescription and illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Many note that their use of these substances help to dull their memories of things experienced in the military that they prefer to erase from their minds.
For several decades, the Veterans Administration has recognized the high rate of addictions among veterans and has addressed the problem by offering VA-run programs and facilities to help vets struggling with these issues. Veterans can also take advantage of the many private facilities around the country that aid those with addictive behaviors.
Recognizing the Problem
It’s not always easy to admit to an addiction problem and it can be even harder to ask for help. Some veterans do not see their drug or alcohol abuse as an addiction but, often, family members are the first to recognize the problem and can certainly help by contacting the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and locating a healthcare facility that offers free addiction treatment for vets.
Once the vet agrees to treatment, he/she will most likely be examined by a general practitioner and the level of his/her drug or alcohol abuse will be determined through a series of screening procedures. The veteran will be asked to discuss his substance abuse particulars with the doctor as well and may be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist for one-on-one treatment. However, many are referred to addiction treatment centers where they will work with addiction professionals, usually in a group scenario, to combat their abuse issues.
What’s Available?
Basically, doctors will recommend either an outpatient or inpatient treatment program for the addicted veteran that needs intervention by professionals.
Short-term outpatient treatment: This kind of therapy is recommended for those who doctors believe have a solid chance of overcoming their addiction. It focuses on finding an alternative to substance abuse and it provides segue into addiction support programs like Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous. These outpatient programs can range from just a few days to a few weeks and are offered at many VA hospitals or healthcare clinics, other hospitals, and also private treatment facilities.
Long-term outpatient treatment: Designed for abusers with a more serious problem, these programs usually last for several weeks and require daily attendance on the part of the patient. These long-term outpatient treatment programs generally last all day – perhaps 9 am to 5 pm – and include several different kinds of treatments ranging from private counseling to group sessions to physical activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and prompt teambuilding skills. As with short-term programs, this kind of therapy also introduces the patient to 12-step programs that he/she can take advantage of on a weekly basis after completing this more intensive treatment.
Inpatient facilities/programs : Veterans with severe addiction issues and those who have failed to respond to outpatient programs are often remanded to an inpatient facility and program. Participation in such a program can be voluntary but may also be involuntary if family members or medical professionals fear for the patient’s health or safety. Inpatient programs offer intense treatment that involves individual counseling, group counseling, workshops, physical fitness time, and social activities, all designed to help conquer the addiction and aid the veteran with the task of assimilating back into society once he/she is drug- or alcohol-free.
Choosing a Addiction Treatment Center
A veteran who is facing addiction has a wide range of facilities from which to choose. Often, which program is chosen will depend upon geographic location, insurance coverage and/or ability to pay, and the scope of the program.
Substance abuse programs that cater specifically to veterans are an excellent choice as they can address the problems particular to vets, especially those issues that tend to prompt substance abuse. One such facility that recently opened to serve the “New Warriors” who served in Iraq and Afghanistan is the Pathway Home Program in California’s bucolic Wine Country. Sessions at Pathway Home address the unique stresses of dealing with combat and the trials of re-transition into civilian life, especially after long deployments.
Last modified: December 24, 2010.
