Veterans and Addiction
Addiction Treatment for Veterans
Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment for Veterans
Serving as a member of the Armed Forces is not a simple task, as troops often experience situations where their physical and mental wellbeing are compromised. Situations like these can put Veterans at high risk for addiction and other mental health conditions, but resources and support are available.
Why Are Veterans High Risk for Addiction?
Several factors put Veterans at high risk for developing addictions to drugs and alcohol. Some of the most common of these risks include:
- Trauma exposure. Veterans with a history of exposure to combat are at high risk of developing PTSD and other mental health issues and may turn to substance use to deal with symptoms.1
- Sexual trauma. Veterans who experience sexual assault are at risk for anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Victims of sexual trauma may turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the emotional impact.2
- Availability of prescription medications. Veterans may suffer from combat-related injuries and pain. In 2009, military doctors wrote around 3.8 million prescriptions for pain relievers.1
- Barriers to treatment. Due to the perceived stigma, Veterans may be reluctant to seek help despite resources and treatment programs.3
The Link Between PTSD and Addiction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.1 Symptoms can include reliving the event, avoiding reminders of the trauma, negative thoughts, and increased emotional arousal (which can manifest as insomnia, angry outbursts, trouble concentrating, being easily startled, etc.).4 Mental health conditions, including PTSD and depression, are closely linked to substance misuse among both male and female veterans.5,6,7
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Veterans
A dual diagnosis (or “co-occurring disorder”) refers to a condition where an individual is experiencing both a SUD and a mental health condition at the same time.8 Many Veterans find themselves struggling with addiction and one or more mental health problems.3 Veterans who are hospitalized or injured during combat are at greater risk for substance misuse.9 Around 11% of Veterans meet the criteria for SUD at their first VA appointment.3 Unfortunately, research shows that Veterans who develop a SUD are 3-4 more times likely to be concurrently diagnosed with PTSD or depression.9
Addiction Treatment Programs for Veterans
There are several treatment programming options available for Veterans dealing with untreated SUD, mental health conditions, or both. Veterans can work with specialists to determine which level or levels of care will address their needs most effectively.
Paying for Veteran Rehab
There are excellent benefits to using VA programs that help pay for treatment. For example, the VA healthcare program covers many addiction treatment services both at their facilities and at some outside hospitals or clinics.15
If you are a Veteran without health insurance, there may be other options, such as paying for rehab without insurance, going to certain state-funded rehab centers, or exploring free rehab options. You may also be concerned about paying for out-of-pocket costs and be seeking low-cost rehab options to assuage these worries. Thankfully, we can help.
Finding Veteran Addiction Treatment Facilities
If you are a Veteran seeking treatment or a family member looking for information on how to help a loved one, support is available today. In addition to treatment available through local VA hospitals, Salute to Recovery is a Veteran-specific treatment track available through American Addiction Centers.
For more information on how AAC can help you, reach out to an admissions navigator by calling when you feel ready. Help is available 24/7. Start your journey in recovery with AAC today by calling us right now, or verifying your insurance by filling out the form below.