Facts About Veterans and Drug Addiction

When returning home from combat or deployment in the military, veterans face numerous challenges when readjusting to civilian life. Coping with trauma, feeling alone, dealing with chronic pain or disability, substance abuse, and homelessness are real issues many United States veterans face.

In 2018, more than 1.7 million veterans were treated for mental health issues, with traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, suicidal ideation, depression, and addiction issues as the most common issues.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a significant issue for many veterans, especially those involved in moderate to severe combat. With this disorder, it becomes challenging to deal with traumas like:

  • Suffering a significant injury
  • Witnessing the death or injury of a peer
  • Sexual assault or sexual harassment

Many veterans with PTSD and other major mental health issues like depression and anxiety turn to substances like drugs and alcohol to cope. At least 11% of veterans accessing services through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) have a substance use disorder or addiction.

Illicit drug use and prescription opioid abuse are also common in veterans. Alcohol abuse is a common issue during active duty, continuing after military service has been completed, with the VA reporting approximately 10% of veterans display signs of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). This number increases to 25%, increasing behavioral problems if the person has experienced combat.

There are many reasons this is an issue in the veteran community, including:

  • Stigmas surrounding mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Being prescribed addictive painkillers or other medications for pain and injury
  • Using substances to self-medicate or escape
  • Having difficulties fitting into civilian life after military service

Benefits of Outpatient Drug Rehab for Veterans

WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab’s outpatient drug rehab for veterans in Florida can help veterans facing substance use issues after deployment. Some of the benefits of outpatient drug and alcohol rehab include:

  • Having the option to live at home with your family and support network as you access addiction treatment
  • Flexible treatment so you can get back to your family, start a job, or go to school while in rehab
  • Access to a strong sober community, with peer groups, professional help, and opportunities to get to know others experiencing the same issues as you
  • Full support from our team as you try out recovery strategies in real-life situations
  • For those experiencing homelessness, WhiteSands can help you find a temporary sober living home as you rehabilitate, with assistance finding transitional housing and longer-term housing if needed

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

What to Expect in Outpatient Drug Rehab

In our outpatient program, you live at home or in a sober residence and commute for treatments. The options include:

  • The Partial Hospitalization Program: a short-term phase of treatment after inpatient rehab or detox to prepare you to move into an IOP. It is a day/night program, with days full of therapy, groups, medical care, and a weekly psychiatrist visit. 
  • The Intensive Outpatient Program: The IOP is a flexible three days per week of group and individual therapy, medical care, and meeting with your life skills coach.
  • The Outpatient Program: The OP is an even more flexible version of our IOP that can be customized to your needs and preferences, increasing or decreasing in intensity as needed.

Learn about the recovery rate for meth addiction here:

https://whitesandstreatment.com/2018/10/19/meth-recovery-rate/amp/

What is the Meth Recovery Rate?

How Long Is Outpatient Drug Rehab?

The length of time spent in outpatient drug rehab at one of the WhiteSands addiction treatment centers is entirely up to you. Every patient is different and has unique needs depending on their addiction, mental health issues, and social needs, so we customize each program to best suit the individual.

After rehab, we also offer a recovery program you may join that lasts a lifetime, providing support and a continued connection to professionals and peer groups so you will never be alone in your recovery.

Treatment for Mental Health and Addiction for Veterans

At our treatment facility for addiction, we offer dual diagnosis treatment, a specific type of addiction program in which mental health issues are diagnosed and treated simultaneously as addiction, as these issues are usually connected. This process will help you break the cycle of abuse and get a fresh start as you move out into the world as a sober individual.

Why Choose WhiteSands?

WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab has addiction rehabilitation programs, including outpatient drug rehab for veterans in Florida that can help you stop using substances to cope with issues and get down to the root of the problems causing the addictive tendencies in the first place.

We have relapse prevention programs, life skills programs, and numerous other programs to help you get back on your feet. We can help you get to the underlying causes of your PTSD and addiction, helping you heal your body and mind to get back to living a normal, healthy life. To find out more about our detox programs and which outpatient treatment program may be right for you, contact WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today. 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.