Addiction and Mental Health Challenges Among Veterans

The men and women who serve in the military deserve our highest respect. They took an oath and sacrificed many things to uphold and protect our freedoms. As veterans return home to resume their civilian lives, many struggle with their emotions and the transition back to “normal.” To cope with their feelings, a significant percentage of veterans turn to substances as a coping mechanism. In many cases, veterans who turn to drugs and alcohol develop substance abuse and mental health issues that wreak havoc on themselves, their families, and sometimes their communities.

This article will discuss the addiction and mental health challenges among veterans. Also, we will discuss the importance of veteran’s drug rehab programs and their role in helping them restore their physical and mental health. If you or a loved one needs veterans mental health treatment, SEE Purpose should be your first phone call. We offer intensive substance abuse and mental health treatment services that are evidence-based and personalized to meet your specific needs.

Invest in your health and future and call SEE Purpose today to learn more about our top-rated drug and alcohol rehab in Indiana.

What Are the Addiction and Mental Health Challenges Among Veterans

Veterans are among the most vulnerable to developing substance abuse and mental health issues. The following statistics provided by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs paint a startling picture:

  • More than 2 of 10 Veterans with PTSD also have SUD.
  • Almost 1 out of every 3 Veterans seeking treatment for SUD also has PTSD.
  • The number of Veterans who smoke (nicotine) is almost double for those with PTSD (about 6 of 10) versus those without a PTSD diagnosis (3 of 10).
  • In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, about 1 in 10 returning Veterans seen in VA have a problem with alcohol or other drugs.
  • War Veterans with PTSD and alcohol problems tend to binge drink. Binge drinking is when a person drinks a lot of alcohol (4-5 drinks or more) in a short period of time (1-2 hours).

Additional statistics provided by VeteranAddiction.org state the following:

  • Alcohol is the primary substance for 65% of veterans entering treatment centers—nearly twice the rate of civilians.
  • Nearly 25% of veterans have PTSD.
  • Veterans who have an SUD are 3 to 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD.
  • Nearly 71% of male veterans and more than 43% of female veterans used firearms to commit suicide in 2017.
  • Almost 20% of veterans have thought about suicide, and nearly 15% have tried to commit suicide.

Why Do Veterans Struggle With Substance Abuse and Mental Illness?

There are several key reasons why veterans turn to substances. One big reason is the fact there is continued stigma surrounding substance abuse and treatment. Many veterans are hesitant to seek help because they feel people will view them as weak. Instead of seeking professional help, many veterans turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate and numb their feelings. Secondly, the military implements a “

 no tolerance policy” regarding substance use while on active duty. While effective, veterans may be more susceptible to developing mental issues and substance abuse problems if the right interventions are not in place while on active duty. Additionally, veterans are more vulnerable to addiction and mental illness if they have a family history of either condition or return to an environment where substance use is common.

The Importance of Veterans Drug Rehab

When veterans struggle with substance abuse, finding the right specialized care gives them the tools and support they need to address and overcome addiction. The best treatment programs feature medical detoxification, 12-step group support, therapies such as CBT and Motivational Interviewing (MI), and medication-assisted therapy. Equally as important, there also must be veterans’ mental health treatment programs that are easily accessible for those in need. In many cases, veterans’ mental health therapy programs and addiction treatment can be found under one roof. Finding these specialized programs gives veterans the best chance at lasting recovery.

Do You Need Help Today?

If you are a veteran in need of substance abuse or mental health treatment, the time to seek treatment is right now. As one of Indiana’s premier drug and mental health rehabs, SEE Purpose Treatment Center provides the intensive treatment and expert support you need to break free from the grip of addiction and mental illness.

Our veterans’ treatment programs are specifically designed with your needs in mind. Our Indiana drug addiction treatment center are evidence-based and dynamic to change as your needs change during treatment. Most importantly, you will be surrounded by caring professionals in a safe non-judgmental environment. You don’t have to battle addiction and mental illness alone; call SEE Purpose and transform your life.

Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse

If you are dealing with bipolar disorder, it is a daily nightmare. Your day is filled with unpredictable mood swings and shifts in energy. While there are many options to treat your bipolar disorder, you may fear the stigma that surrounds your diagnosis. As a result, you may be medicating with substances to cope with your feelings. While drugs and alcohol help you feel better in the short term, you are not addressing the root of your mental illness. This not only will lead to your bipolar symptoms growing worse, but you may also develop a debilitating addiction.

This article focuses on the two-headed monster that is bipolar disorder and substance abuse. You will know more about bipolar disorder and the connection between bipolar disorder and addiction. Treating both conditions requires intensive professional help. As one of Indiana’s premier treatment facilities, SEE Purpose provides a dynamic and individual approach to treatment. Our evidence-based substance abuse and mental health programs empower you to transform your life.

Call SEE Purpose today and overcome bipolar disorder and substance abuse once and for all.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Simply defined, bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes unpredictable shifts in a person’s moods, energy levels, activity levels, and concentration. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) identifies three main types of bipolar and they are defined as the following:

  • Bipolar I disorder – defined by manic episodes that last for at least seven days (nearly every day for most of the day) or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate medical care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least two weeks.
  • Bipolar II disorder – defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. The hypomanic episodes are less severe than the manic episodes in bipolar I disorder.
  • Cyclothymic disorder – defined by recurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes.

When people with bipolar experience “up” periods, they are extremely happy, upbeat, optimistic, and have seemingly inexhaustible energy. When those with bipolar experience depressed states, they feel lifeless, sad, and indifferent to their environment. 

The Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse

There is a strong connection between bipolar disorder and substance abuse. If you are like many who experience bipolar, you have a constant and exhausting struggle with your moods and energy. While there are many mental health treatment programs that can help you address and overcome bipolar, you may be very hesitant. You may fear the stigma of mental illness and be labeled as “weak” or ”defective”. You may also not be able to afford mental health treatment because of cost or being uninsured.

As a result, you may turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. In the short term, substances help dull emotions and help you cope with what you are feeling. In the long run, using substances as a primary way to cope with bipolar will harm you. Without dealing with the underlying issues that created your illness, you will see your symptoms worsen over time. Worse yet, your substance use will increase, and you may develop a complex condition called dual diagnosis, which is difficult to treat.

Getting Treatment For Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse

The most effective way to treat the dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder and substance abuse is through an intensive dual-diagnosis treatment program. In these specialized programs, experienced addiction and mental health professionals work together and treat your dual diagnosis with a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment program personalized to your needs. The important components of your dual diagnosis treatment program include the following:

  • Medical detoxification
  • Individual, group, and family therapy
  • Medication management (MAT programs)
  • Emotion management
  • Holistic therapies such as art therapy, animal therapy, and music therapy
  • 12-step programs
  • Relapse prevention
  • Aftercare programs, including continuing counseling and therapy

For the best results, you should seek this type of treatment in a residential setting and away from the triggers of your home environment. Because of the complexity of dual diagnosis, you should find a treatment program that lasts for 60 days or more.

Conquer Dual Diagnosis With The Help Of SEE Purpose Treatment Center

Bipolar disorder and substance abuse tear apart the lives of sufferers and families alike. If you need evidence-based dual diagnosis treatment, contact SEE Purpose Treatment Center today. We use a unique multi-dimensional approach to treatment that treats you in mind, body, and spirit. With the support of our experienced treatment team, you are given the space and respect to address your issues and transform your life.

Call SEE Purpose Treatment Center today and begin to see that recovery is a reality and learn how our Indiana inpatient substance abuse program can help.

How We Can Help Reduce The Effects of The Opioid Epidemic

You go to the dentist for a toothache. You end up needing a tooth extracted and get prescribed an opioid to manage the pain. Unfortunately you’re prescribed more pills than needed and end up taking one every day. You start to enjoy the feeling of the pill and don’t even realize you keep taking them every day; popping one in the morning has become habitual. 

Flash forward six months you’re now buying painkillers on the street because you can no longer get a prescription. You’re starting to underperform at work, you haven’t seen your friends in a while, and people keep asking you if somethings wrong due to your appearance. You never thought that toothache would be the catalyst for an opioid addiction but it was. 

Understanding the Severity of  the Opioid Epidemic

The current opioid epidemic in America is the result of extremely addictive drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and heroin. Some of the brand names you may be familiar with are  OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percodan.

These medications are effective at reducing pain but again, are extremely addictive. They aren’t intended to be used for long term pain management but due to how easily accessible they are, and how commonly prescribed, people end up abusing them in the long run. 

Opioid overdoses are also becoming a leading cause of death in the United States. It’s estimated that over 67,000 people died from drug overdose in 2018. That’s more deaths than those caused by car accidents. Seventy percent of drug overdose deaths in recent times are caused by opioids.

Ways to Fight the Opioid Epidemic

Fortunately, there is some progress being made in fighting the devastating opioid epidemic. Between the years 2017 and 2018, opioid overdose deaths actually decreased by four percent.

Spread awareness of opioid addiction

Probably the most important thing to do is to make society aware of the opioid epidemic in order to fight back. Those who are aware of the seriousness of opioid addiction can start to recognize it in some and hopefully prevent it in others. Anyone who is aware of the addictive nature of opioids can also  be careful when taking painkillers themselves. 

For those who have someone in their life who is addicted to opioids and scared they are going to overdose, Narcan, can easily be purchased from a pharmacist at a local Walgreens, CVS, etc. 

Prescribe opiate painkillers more carefully

A lot of addicts unfortunately develop an addiction because they were overprescribed the drugs. About 80 percent of those who become addicted to opioids were first exposed to them from a prescription.

Doctors are now more careful when prescribing opioids and also exploring alternative pain management methods; acupuncture, chiropractic, and exercise just to name a few. 

Providing rehab services for impacted individuals

Anyone who is addicted to opioids often requires rehab to overcome the addiction. Opioid addiction can frequently lead to an extreme physical dependence. Coming off  opioids is dangerous for those who are severely addicted. The safest way to detox from opioids is under the care of medical professionals at a detoxification center. Once safely detoxed, recovering addicts can complete an inpatient residential treatment to learn how to live without opioids. 

Thanks to modern-day technology and federal and state government funding, addiction treatment is now becoming way more accessible to anyone who needs it.

See Purpose Is Fighting Back

At See Purpose in Indiana, we offer addiction treatment for anyone struggling with drugs or alcohol. We’re on a mission to fight the opioid epidemic that is plaguing America. If you or someone you know has a problem with addiction, reach out to us for more information on how to get help!

Mending Broken Relationships During Recovery

Addiction doesn’t just affect the user, it can wreak havoc on relationships and even destroy them entirely. But don’t be discouraged, you have the ability to get sober and mend those broken relationships. 

Whether you’re currently struggling with addiction or have been proudly sober for years, you’re not alone — a study from the Faces and Voices Recovery Campaign showed that approximately two-thirds of American families are affected by addiction in some way. By understanding how your relationships became strained in the first place, you can then take steps toward rebuilding them. 

How Does Addiction Affect Relationships?

Before you take any measures towards repairing your relationships with loved ones, it’s important to know what they may be feeling and where they’re coming from. Your sobriety alone will not automatically fix everything.

Instead, start by thinking how long you’ve been/were struggling with addiction. While every family and group of friends is different, it’s highly likely that at least some of your loved ones struggled and suffered right along with you — even when they were not physically by your side. After all, addiction can result in a variety of other negative habits that go beyond substance abuse:

  • Lying / frequently distorting the truth (especially when trying to cover up your addiction)
  • Stealing
  • Failure to be at important events and activities and often arriving late
  • Forgetfulness
  • Violent outbursts either verbally, physically, or both
  • Saying hurtful things that you didn’t mean

Now, you probably never meant to hurt anyone, especially your loved ones. But the truth is that even if you did your best not to cause your loved ones harm or frustration, they have still most likely been deeply affected by your behavior. If you’re like many people struggling with drug addiction, your loved ones may no longer trust you. Some of them may even view you as a totally different person; someone they no longer really know. In many cases, they may feel emotionally drained. This is especially true if they’ve already tried helping you multiple times. 

How To Repair Those Relationships

There are very few things in life that are permanent, broken relationships are not one of those things. There’s definitely a few things you can do to repair friendships and other kinds of relationships: 

Reach Out

Timing here is incredibly important. Because you will be facing other difficulties during the initial stages of addiction treatment, it is best to wait until you have started to recover and have attained sobriety. Then you’ll be able to share your experience with them and show what you’ve already accomplished in terms of fighting your addiction — not just what you have planned for the future.

Keep in mind that you may need to reach out to some people multiple times before they agree to hear you out or meet with you. It is also imperative that you stay calm and collected the entire time, never resorting to anger or inappropriate reactions. This can be more challenging than it sounds (especially since some of your loved ones may still be upset with you), but you want to show them you changed your behavior. 

Show That They Can Trust You

Demonstrating that you are dependable and trustworthy is one of the biggest things that will help to successfully rebuild your relationships after addiction. And how do you show you can be trusted? Call when you say you are going to call. Meet when you say you are going to meet. Keep promises and appointments, etc. Show that you are dedicated to your new life and everyone in it. 

This step will take some time, but trust will be gradually established the more your loved ones see you actually following through and being dependable. Once they see that you are serious about sobriety, they will also see that you are serious about rebuilding your connection with them.

Don’t Ask For or Expect Anything in Return

Your goal should be to regain a healthy, positive relationship with your loved ones. You cannot do this if you are looking to gain anything else from them. Do not ask them for anything other than taking the time to accept a phone call or a meeting in person with you. They are not in your life to give you money or be taken advantage of. You will earn your loved ones’ respect and trust much faster by realizing this. 

Now, if you’re like a lot of people, one or more of your loved ones may have actually served as an enabler while you were in the throes of addiction. Understand that they (and you) may be tempted to fall back into old ways. In this case, practicing awareness will be extremely helpful.

Don’t Force Things

Rebuilding relationships after addiction takes a lot of time and a lot of patience. Do not rush your loved ones or yourself! Go at your own pace. As you progress through your addiction treatment and recovery you will be increasingly better able to relate to your loved ones and connect with them. Understand that they may need therapy themselves for what they have gone through (especially if they were your enabler). 

See Purpose Can Help You! 

Need help navigating sober life or looking for help with addiction? At See Purpose Treatment Center in Indiana, we provide a unique approach to drug and alcohol treatment that gives you real-life options. We understand that addiction treatment and the path to sobriety are multifaceted, and what works for one person may not work for another. We also believe in the importance of a strong support network. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you recover your relationships with your loved ones. It’s never too late to regain your life!

The Benefits of Luxury Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, you’re probably currently researching treatment options. Well, look no further as you’ve landed on the right page. See Purpose Treatment, located in Indiana, is a premier, luxury addiction treatment center that offers detox, residential inpatient, partial hospitalization, outpatient, and aftercare options. 

What is Luxury Addiction Treatment?

Many people associate luxury addiction treatment with being meant only for celebrities and millionaires, but this isn’t the case. See Purpose Treatment Center is dedicated to making luxury treatment approachable. People from all different kinds of backgrounds have the ability to pursue recovery at a luxury facility. The goal of luxury addiction treatment is to help clients get sober while having amenities that make them feel safe and comfortable. Luxury treatment allows clients to escape the everyday stressors of life and focus on recovery. 

Our facility is spacious and located on lush, green grass, with a lake in the backyard. We hope that our clients can find happiness while starting recovery and connecting with a little bit of nature. Our facility is set up so each client has personal space and is able to establish boundaries with their housemates. Luxury addiction treatment focuses on the small details. 

Benefits of Luxury Treatment

When making the decision to seek treatment, you want to make sure you go to a facility that feels warm and inviting. If you walk into a facility that doesn’t feel good to you, you may feel inclined to run out the door and continue getting high. We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Benefit 1: Our luxury treatment facility makes sure there are always more staff members than clients present. This ensures that each client gets the attention they deserve. Recovery can be unpredictable and we always want to be prepared with the appropriate amount of staff.  We make sure that the help you want and need is available at all times during your time with us. 

Benefit 2: We have a variety of treatment options available for clients. Everyone has a different story when it comes to addiction. At See Purpose Treatment Center we focus on tailoring treatment to each client’s specific needs. We know that having options during recovery is an important component. We have two treatment tracks our clients can choose from upon arrival, Traditional Therapeutic Modality, and the Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness Program. We also offer 12 step-based and non-12 step based programs. 

Benefit 3: Our staff is highly trained and know exactly what our clients are going through. Our clinical staff is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and also have a mindfulness background. We have a medical and clinical director who oversees our programs to make sure our clients are receiving the most up to date and refined treatment. 

Benefit 4: Finally, comfort is going to be key during treatment. Our facility is set up to create a comfortable atmosphere for all of our clients. Any client who is with us for residential inpatient is going to feel like they’re getting the help they need in the comfort of their own home. We don’t want our clients to worry about getting the things they need or having a bad night’s sleep, we want them to be able to focus 100% on recovery. 

See Purpose Treatment Center can Help 

At See Purpose Treatment Center, we’re a luxury drug & alcohol treatment program based in Indiana. We provide a variety of treatment programs, such as detox, residential inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient. We are honored to provide a program that brings a unique and individualized approach to the treatment of substance abuse to the local area. If you’d like to get help, contact us today. 

Why Should Someone Seek Addiction Treatment in Indiana?

Seeking treatment for addiction can be intimidating and confusing. At See Purpose Treatment Center, we understand the hesitation you may feel about finding a rehab. We know it’s scary to do something for so long, like drink or use drugs, and then stop. We’re here to let you know although it may not feel like it, your life will be so much better without drugs or alcohol. If you found yourself here, you probably have a few questions regarding treatment and addiction. 

What Is Addiction Treatment?

Addiction treatment is going to come in many shapes and forms. If you decide to seek treatment, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your addiction treatment services to meet your own individual needs. Some options you’ll be able to choose from are: 

  • Traditional outpatient program: Often seen as the backbone of addiction treatment. This includes working with a counselor in a one on one setting and group setting. During these sessions, you learn the coping skills to stay sober. Outpatient programs typically last around 3-4 hours a session and occur a few days a week. 
  • Inpatient program: Inpatient programs require you to stay at the facility 24/7. Usually, the first step of inpatient is detoxification. Then you spend the rest of your time attending various therapy sessions and support groups. Inpatient programs usually offer clients the option for alternative therapies such as meditation or acupuncture. Inpatient generally lasts around 28-30 days. 
  • Transitional programs such as intensive outpatient (IOP) or partial hospitalization program (PHP): These programs include intensive therapy sessions that last on average from 9:30-4 pm. These programs are similar to inpatient as you’ll spend the majority of the day working on recovery but you sleep at home, not the facility.

Why Should You Travel for Addiction Treatment?

Leaving your comfort zone and traveling for addiction treatment is recommended. It will probably be more difficult for you to pursue the path to recovery when you stay in the place that fueled your addiction. The last thing you want is to start recovery down the street from where your drug dealer lives. If you drive past your favorite liquor store on the way to your IOP sessions, you may feel inclined to stop in.  By traveling for addiction treatment, you have more options to choose from. All of the distractions you have at home will be left behind. It’s important during early recovery to limit your distractions and stay focused on being the best you can be. One place you can travel to for treatment in the United States is Indiana. 

Why You Should Travel to Indiana for Addiction Treatment

Indiana is located in the heartland of America. This is a place where traditional therapies join with innovative new techniques to provide you with the best chance of making a full recovery. When you arrive in Indiana, you’ll be greeted by friendly, trained professionals, who have the best interests of the client at heart. Indiana is also a safe place, it has a very low crime rate. If you decide to stay in Indiana after treatment and start a new sober life, the cost of living is quite low. It’s a great place for a new beginning.

Let Us Help Today

At See Purpose Treatment Center, we are a drug & alcohol treatment program located in Indiana. We offer detox, residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment options. We provide a unique program that brings a truly individualized approach to the treatment of substance abuse. With our multi-conceptual approach to addiction treatment, our goal is to help the whole person. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!