If you’re a veteran, you may have increased risks for substance use and substance problems. In addition, your drug and alcohol problems may develop for reasons that are not as common in the general population. These facts help explain why a veterans’ addiction treatment program is such a vital resource. Veteran-specific rehab addresses the addiction factors most likely to have an impact on former service members. As a result, they can provide benefits that might not be available to you in a less specialized rehab program.
Veterans, Substance Use, and Addiction
People in the military have increased chances of using drugs and/or drinking heavily. That’s particularly true if you serve outside of the U.S. The military environment provides enough structure to help counter this heightened substance use. But when you leave the service, you no longer have that kind of built-in protection. Statistics show that use among veterans rises accordingly. The list of the most common sources of problems includes:
- Alcohol
- Prescription painkillers
- Cocaine
- Heroin
Overall, veterans develop diagnosable problems just a bit more often than those who never served. But affected veterans often have other issues that aren’t as common in the general population. Such issues include PTSD and chronic pain. They also include homelessness, as well as depression, and certain other mental health conditions. In addition, they include physical disability and greater odds of attempting suicide. Any of these factors can seriously complicate the process of recovering from addiction.
What Is Veteran-Specific Rehab?
Veteran-specific rehab is designed to address your unique situation as a former service member. It does so by providing the recovery options most needed by veterans. These options include treatments geared toward your specific form of addiction. Psychotherapy is the number one option in most cases. You may also need medication.
In addition, effective rehab for veterans typically includes a range of other treatment approaches. Depending on your needs, useful approaches may include:
- Trauma therapy
- Specialized PTSD therapy
- Medications and therapies for depression
- Similar options for other mental health conditions
Other important services may also be available. For example, you may receive education or housing support. You may also receive life skills training that helps you transition back into society.
Dual Diagnosis and Rehab for Veterans
Any time addiction and a separate mental illness occur together, the result is something called dual diagnosis. The presence of this combined issue is well-known for increasing the challenge of rehab. Fortunately, you can meet this challenge with the right kind of help.
This help includes customized addiction services. It also includes customized care for your specific mental illness. Dual diagnosis treatment is a common need for veterans. Top-quality programs feature it.
Benefits of Specialized Addiction Treatment for Veterans
Research shows that there are some significant advantages to veteran-specific rehab. The top benefits include:
- Truly personalized help for your addiction symptoms
- Additional help for the underlying issues common among veterans
- A greater chance of returning to a stable daily routine
You may also receive other benefits. For instance, you may find it easier to find a job and/or stay employed.
Learn More About Addiction Treatment for Veterans at Evoke Wellness
Want to know more about veteran-specific rehab? Talk to the experts at Evoke Wellness. We can help you get a fuller understanding of this treatment option. We can also help clarify its full range of benefits.
Evoke Wellness at Cohasset specializes in addiction treatment for veterans. We also specialize in the treatment of dual diagnosis. No matter your situation, you’ll find customized options that fit your needs. You’ll also find caring support from experienced specialists. For more information on how we can help, call us today at 866.931.6429. You can also fill out our online contact form.
