Several veterans in alcohol rehab for veteransAccording to the Pew Research Center, there are approximately 18 million living veterans in the United States. Veterans and military members have higher rates of substance use disorders (SUD) than the general public.

Drug and alcohol abuse among veterans is a significant and complex issue that can have severe consequences for veterans and their families. Many veterans also have mental health disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which further complicates issues with SUD.

The nature of military service is far different than any civilian job. Therefore, at Beaches Recovery, our addiction treatment program for veterans is uniquely designed to help veterans heal and learn to manage their symptoms among peers with shared experiences.

Call 866.605.0532 to learn more about our veterans’ addiction treatment program.

Recognizing the Need for Addiction Programs for Veterans and Military Members

Alcohol use is an established part of the military culture, and drinking is widely viewed as a way to bond, blow off steam, and manage stress. The rates of underage drinking and binge drinking are much higher among military members than the general population. For many, the military culture normalizes alcohol abuse, laying the foundation for alcohol addiction.

In 2020, 26.2% (5.2 million) veterans struggled with a mental illness or substance use disorder

In addition to having developed unhealthy drinking patterns in service, many veterans rely on alcohol to self-medicate to relieve mental health symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which are often undiagnosed and untreated. While drinking can initially seem to alleviate symptoms, ultimately, it exacerbates them, leaving veterans stuck in a dangerous cycle that can have life-threatening outcomes.

The Growing Need for Drug Rehab for Veterans

Historically, drug abuse in the military was less common than alcohol abuse, particularly as it is a punishable offense. In recent years, however, prescription drug abuse has increasingly become a problem. Opioids and benzodiazepines are widely prescribed to veterans to treat chronic pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Unfortunately, the addictive nature of these drugs often leads to dependence, abuse, and addiction, especially among veterans who are not receiving treatment for mental health issues. Many veterans use alcohol and drugs together, further complicating their SUD.

The Benefits of an Addiction Treatment Program for Veterans

Everyone struggling with SUD deserves access to treatment, and this is especially true for our nation’s veterans, who voluntarily sacrifice their safety and well-being to protect our country. Most veterans have unique experiences and challenges related to their service. Rehab programs for veterans with staff familiar with military culture help create a more supportive and empathetic environment where veterans can feel seen and heard.

Significant benefits of inpatient rehab for veterans include:

  • Improved physical and mental well-being
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Education about the causes and effects of substance abuse
  • Fostering the development of healthy coping skills
  • Offering a safe and supportive environment
  • Group therapy with peers who have shared experiences
  • Family education and support
  • Connections to community resources and support groups
  • Access to VA Resources
  • Improved relationships
  • Better overall quality of life

Inpatient rehab allows veterans to be entirely removed from the stressors of everyday life to focus solely on their recovery. At Beaches, our complete continuum of care means veterans have access to outpatient services, sober living, and other aftercare programs to provide support during the transition back into civilian life.

Resources for Veterans and Military Members

Additional Resources

Insurance Information for Military Personnel

Insurance Options We Accept

Apply for for VA healthcare here.

What to Expect from an Alcohol and Drug Recovery Program for Veterans

Common barriers to treatment among veterans include the stigma attached to SUD and mental health disorders, limited access to services, and the fear of not knowing what to expect from treatment. At Beaches, we understand our client’s needs and thoroughly explain what to expect from treatment.

Addressing drug and alcohol abuse among veterans requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. We utilize a combination of evidence-based and holistic practices to treat the mind, body, and spirit, all of which are impacted by SUD.

While each client receives an individualized treatment plan, standard components of treatment include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Trauma-informed therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
  • Mindfulness meditation therapy
  • Yoga therapy
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Experiential therapies
  • 12-step and non-12-step support groups

While we take addiction treatment seriously, we know that one of the most essential components of lasting recovery is learning to have fun in sobriety. Our beautiful coastal location allows us to incorporate creative adventure and experiential therapies into treatment, helping clients learn that a sober life doesn’t mean a boring life but opens a new world of possibilities.

Call Now to Learn More About Beaches Recovery Program

At Beaches, we recognize the unique treatment needs of veterans and are committed to helping them receive the help they deserve. Call 866.605.0532 today or use our online contact form to learn more about our addiction treatment program for veterans.