When it comes to addiction, most of us know that millions of people battle it every day and that for many, it can be a lifelong struggle. The trouble is that for veterans, in particular, is their addiction struggles are often overlooked. When it comes to alcohol addiction treatment for veterans or even drug addiction treatment for veterans, there is much less knowledge and far fewer options available to get them the help they need.
See Purpose is proud to offer veterans addiction treatment in Indiana so that those who serve can get the help they need and not suffer or do without needed care while dealing with addiction.
UNDERSTANDING VETERAN’S DRUG ABUSE
Veterans Addiction Statistics
Veteran addiction treatment is becoming an increasingly important issue as more and more veterans return home from war zones with addiction problems. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, almost 20% of returning veterans have a substance abuse problem, 25% admit misusing alcohol or prescription drugs, and 12% suffer from behavioral issues related to substance abuse.
This can be attributed to the fact that many veterans experience intense stress after returning home from active duty, leading to alcohol abuse and addiction. Veterans suffering from addiction face a unique set of challenges, unlike the average person, and as such, they need specialized care to deal with the addiction and the underlying causes behind it.
Further, many veterans also suffer from mental health disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These can often lead to drug addiction or alcoholism as well. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 60% of veterans who have a mental health disorder also have substance abuse problems.
This is why it’s so important for anyone suffering from addiction, whether they be a veteran or not, to get professional help as soon as possible. The sooner someone gets help for their addiction, the better their chances are of making a full recovery and leading a healthy and productive life.
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How is Veterans Addiction Treatment Different From Standard Treatment?
The main difference between veteran addiction treatment and standard addiction treatment is that the former considers veterans’ unique experiences and needs. Standard addiction treatment programs typically don’t address the issues that are specific to veterans, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and so on.
This is why it’s important for veterans to seek out specialized addiction treatment that can help them overcome their addiction and deal with the underlying causes behind it.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Veterans
Veteran Stress and How it Affects Addiction
Many veterans experience intense stress after returning home from active duty. This can lead to alcohol abuse and addiction. Veterans suffering from addiction face a unique set of challenges, unlike the average person, and as such, they need specialized care to deal with the addiction and the underlying causes behind it.
One of the most common contributing factors to veteran addiction is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a condition that can be caused by exposure to traumatic events such as combat, natural disasters, sexual assault, and so on.
Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, irritability, and more. These symptoms can make it difficult for veterans to readjust civilian life and can often lead to substance abuse as a way of self-medicating.
Another common contributing factor to veteran addiction is military sexual trauma (MST). MST is defined as any type of sexual harassment or sexual assault that occurs during military service. Unfortunately, this is an all too common problem in the military.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, one in four women and one in 100 men who have served in the military have been victims of MST. This can lead to a number of mental health problems such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and so on.
Yet another factor is that alcohol is often readily available to those in the military both while in service and once a person returns to civilian life. This accessibility coupled with trauma can lead to alcohol abuse and addiction.
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The Potential For Veteran Drug Addiction
While illicit drug use is less common than in the past, veterans’ potential for drug use while serving or after returning home is still a reality.
There are a number of reasons why drug use may be more prevalent among veterans. For one, many veterans have been prescribed opioids for pain management after sustaining injuries while serving. Opioids are a highly addictive class of drugs, and it’s not uncommon for people to develop an addiction to them.
In addition, drugs, much like alcohol, become a means of coping with mental illness as a result of military service. Even legitimate use can turn to addiction over time, and without treatment for the underlying mental health issue, the addiction will likely continue.
Addiction that is combined with mental illness is known as a co-occurring disorder. These are difficult to treat because the addiction masks the mental illness and vice versa. Not only that, only treating one problem will likely result in relapse. This is why it’s important for veterans to seek out a treatment program that specializes in both addiction and co-occurring disorders.
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Our drug rehab center in Indiana works directly with your insurance company to verify what benefits will cover your addiction treatment expenses, in order to get the help you are seeking.
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PTSD and Drinking
Why is Veteran Alcohol Abuse Common?
There are a number of reasons why alcohol abuse is so common among veterans. One reason is that many veterans use alcohol as a way of self-medicating. This is because alcohol can help to numb the pain and trauma that they may be experiencing.
Another reason why alcohol abuse is common among veterans is that it’s often seen as a way of coping with the stress of readjusting to civilian life. This is because many veterans find it difficult to readjust to civilian life after serving in the military.
Finally, another reason why alcohol abuse is common among veterans is that it’s socially acceptable within the military culture. This is because drinking alcohol is often seen as a way of bonding with fellow soldiers and relieving boredom during downtime.
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How to Find Veteran Addiction Treatment in Indiana
If you or someone you know is a veteran suffering from addiction, the first thing to do is reach out to the VA and ask for help.
The VA offers a number of different programs that can help veterans with addiction, including inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, residential rehabilitation, and more.
There are also a number of private rehab facilities that cater to veterans and offer specialized treatment programs.
It’s important to do your research before choosing a rehab facility. Make sure the facility has experience treating veteran addiction and co-occurring disorders. Also, make sure that the staff is made up of people who understand the military culture and can provide support during the treatment process.
You’ll also want to make sure that if you’re trying to get care through military insurance or the VA, the facility is licensed and accredited to get the care you need by a treatment center that you trust. See Purpose offers comprehensive addiction treatment and detox in Indiana for those in need.
See Purpose is committed to providing the highest quality in care for our veterans so that they can return to a normal life free of addiction and ready to face the world clean and sober again. We offer personalized treatment plans at our Indiana inpatient treatment facility, and our kind and caring staff are there for you 24/7.
If you are a veteran suffering from addiction, contact us today and get started letting us help you.