Making a decision to protect your country is an honorable choice. However, in the process of being a soldier, you may have experienced trauma while in combat. In some cases, this can cause veterans to turn to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain associated with certain memories. A veterans addiction recovery center can provide you with the tools you need to acknowledge your past traumas and, if necessary, begin the addiction recovery process.
Vertava Health offers several veteran support services. Contact Vertava Health today by calling us at 844.470.0410 to learn how our centers can provide you with the help needed to recover from past traumas and addiction. Our veteran addiction treatment can help.
An Overview of Veterans and Addiction
It is not uncommon for veterans to struggle with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, it is also common for veterans with these struggles to become addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Here are some common symptoms of veterans who will need mental health and addiction support:
- Flashbacks
- Hopelessness
- Insomnia
- Relationship problems
- Aggressive behavior
- Memory problems
- Self-destructive behaviors such as inflicting self-harm or engaging in substance abuse
Memories of past trauma often trigger the symptoms. Veteran support programs will provide dedicated guidance from medical and mental health professionals who will help them navigate painful experiences without resorting to drugs or alcohol.
Veterans Addiction Recovery Centers Can Help with Addiction Recovery
The best way to overcome addiction is to acknowledge triggers and create a plan to navigate these challenges in a healthy way.
A veteran in addiction recovery will be provided with supportive medical staff to rid their bodies of toxins associated with substance abuse. Mental health practitioners will be available as well. They will offer individual and group therapy options to allow veterans to realize that they are not alone in their experiences.
Finally, in group therapy, veterans will learn new behaviors with their peers. Veterans can participate in a number of therapy programs, such as art, music, and mindfulness, to further support their healing. The behaviors and activities veterans in addiction recovery have learned can be transitioned through their sobriety. Family therapy is also available to help veterans, spouses, and children communicate these challenges.
In addiction recovery, healthcare practitioners will use a variety of evidence-based modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Tips for Supporting a Veteran in Recovery
Supporting a veteran in recovery can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Encouragement and understanding are vital in helping them through the process. Here are some tips for providing meaningful support:
- Be an active listener – Listen without judgment or interruption, allowing the veteran to express their feelings without fear of criticism or judgment.
- Practice empathy – Put yourself in the veteran’s shoes and attempt to understand their situation.
- Encourage self-care – Self-care is an important part of maintaining mental health, so it’s important to remind your loved one to take time for themselves.
- Do your research – Learn about different resources available to veterans that can help in their recovery.
- Offer support in small ways – Little gestures such as offering to have a meal together or going for a walk can be meaningful.
- Discuss a plan of action – Work with your veteran to create an action plan that sets achievable goals and outlines the steps needed to reach them.
- Connect veterans with other veterans – Being around people who understand what they’re going through can make a huge difference in recovery.
- Be patient – Everyone’s healing process is different, so it’s important to keep a supportive attitude and recognize that progress doesn’t always happen quickly.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your veteran feels supported throughout their recovery journey. It can be an incredible experience for both of you, and the rewards are well worth it.
Benefits of Veterans Addiction Treatment
Veterans addiction treatment is a crucial step in the recovery process for veterans suffering from substance use disorder. It provides specialized care that addresses needs unique to those who have served in the military, such as trauma and PTSD. Below are some ways veterans can benefit from addiction treatment:
- Professional support – Addiction treatment centers provide around-the-clock medical and mental health services to veterans in recovery.
- Enhanced coping skills – Treatment programs can help veterans learn positive coping strategies for managing the difficulties of life after service.
- Education about addiction – Treatment centers offer educational resources regarding substance use disorder, helping veterans gain a better understanding of their illness.
- Group support – Addiction treatment centers provide supportive groups that give veterans a safe space to share their thoughts and feelings with people who are going through similar experiences.
- An individualized plan – Treatment plans for veterans are tailored to meet their specific needs so they can get the most out of their recovery experience.
Veterans addiction treatment is an important step in the journey toward sobriety. With the proper help, veterans can live the happy, healthy lives they deserve.
Call Vertava Health’s Veterans Rehab Center Today
Trauma, addiction, and recovery are all experiences that are specific and unique. Our program considers your individual experiences and needs and then works within our model to support your healing journey. Veterans in addiction recovery also need support as they transition out of treatment programs. Contact us at 844.470.0410 to learn how our veterans addiction recovery center can guide you to live a life focused on navigating your pain.
