Rehab Options in Florida for Veterans with Drug Abuse

Understanding the Unique Needs of Veterans in Drug Rehab

Veterans coming home from a combat situation, or returning home after being deployed will often have to face difficult emotions, stress, and trauma. Some have chronic pain or new disabilities, others have to face homelessness and mental illness, and some may have turned to drugs and alcohol as a means of escape, or for self-medication purposes.

The VA has reported that approximately 10% of all returning veterans display signs of having an alcohol use disorder, a number which rises to 25% if they have experienced combat. The veteran community also has to contend with stigmas surrounding mental health and the military, being prescribed prescription pain medication, and having difficulties fitting back into civilian life after their military service.

For this multitude of reasons, rehab options in Florida like WhiteSands offer those struggling with drugs or alcohol a safe place to heal, regain their health, and take care of their mental wellbeing in a dual diagnosis program.

Overview of Rehab Options Available in Florida for Veterans

There are several rehab options in Florida that veterans can access. These include:

Detox programs – often, the first step to an effective treatment program is detoxing. At WhiteSands, our inpatient detox program is designed to keep each patient as comfortable as possible, with comfortable rooms, healthy food, non-judgmental medical staff onsite 24 hours a day, and prescription medication as needed to ease any pain or discomfort as the substances leave the body

Inpatient rehab – WhiteSands is a luxury rehab facility, so patients can expect top-tier care from the moment they enter the building. Typical stays in inpatient treatment last anywhere from 30 to 60 days, with hours of therapy, medical care, groups, and holistic treatment options provided every day, and relaxation and fun every evening. Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychiatric care, dual diagnosis treatments, life skills training, and relapse prevention training.

Outpatient rehab – there are different levels of care available on an outpatient basis. At WhiteSands, you can live at home or stay in a sober residence, coming to the treatment center for scheduled treatments. The outpatient levels of care are:

• PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program): a short-term phase of treatment after inpatient rehab or detox, to prepare the patient to move into an IOP. It is a day/night program, with days full of therapy, groups, medical care, and a weekly psychiatrist visit
• IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program): a flexible three days per week of group and individual therapy, medical care, and meeting with a life skills coach
• Outpatient Treatment: an even more flexible type of outpatient treatment plan that is tailored to meet each person’s unique needs, and can increase or decrease in intensity as needed

Residential vs. Outpatient Rehab: Which is Best for Veterans?

While you have the final say in the type of rehab program you enter, our team of experts will work with you from the moment you enter treatment to determine the best possible course of action for your unique needs. The admission team will do a thorough health analysis, get to know you, provide a mental health screening, and learn all about your history of substance use.

You may need to spend some time in inpatient rehab if you have mental health concerns, need medical care, are experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms, or do not have a safe sober place to live with strong support. You may be a better candidate for outpatient treatment if you have already completed detox and residential rehab, or if you need care and support but do not currently require medical care, and are not experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder.  

For the best possible outcome, it is often recommended that a patient begin their treatment on an inpatient basis, and then move out of the treatment center but continue in an IOP or PHP for long-term support during the transition back to everyday life.

Specialized Treatment Programs for Veterans in Florida

A huge percentage of veterans are dealing with mental health issues, coupled with substance use disorders. Many have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and others are dealing with traumatic brain injuries, suicidal ideation, anxiety, and depression. Some people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate or to help mask symptoms of mental illness, but substances such as these can hide mental illness, allowing the condition to worsen as time goes on.

For this reason, combining strong psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other mental health and behavioral health treatments into a veteran’s dual diagnosis rehab plan can be extremely beneficial. Substance use and mental health are interconnected and treating them together at the same time is the most efficient way to help the individual feel better, faster. At WhiteSands, we use evidence-based care to help veterans regain their health in a tailored dual diagnosis program.

Importance of Personalized Care in Veteran Drug Rehab

Personalized care can make all the difference in the effectiveness of drug rehab for veterans. They are often working through complex issues and difficult memories after returning home. Many are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and military sexual trauma (MST), along with serious practical issues including homelessness, living with chronic pain, and integrating back into their everyday life.

At WhiteSands, we offer dual diagnosis treatments, counseling, life-skills integration, and multiple types of therapy into individualized treatment plans for our veteran patients. All care is provided by trauma-informed staff who truly care and want to help.

Integrating PTSD and Trauma-Informed Care in Rehab for Veterans

Integrating PTSD and trauma-informed care into a drug or alcohol rehab program is ideal, as mental health issues and addiction can feed off one another, making it difficult to heal one issue without addressing the other. Staff who understand trauma will be better able to help those working through it while avoiding triggering the patient further, and a dual diagnosis plan is the most effective way to stop the cycle for good and allow the patient to work toward a healthier and happier future.

How WhiteSands Treatment Supports Veterans in Florida

WhiteSands has the top rehab options in Florida, including inpatient detox and rehab options, as well as a variety of outpatient and aftercare programs that will provide support and much-needed care for as long as it is needed.

Through integrated treatment plans that provide medical treatments, health education, psychological care, therapy, and holistic wellness options, the trauma-informed staff at WhiteSands can help each person heal the root of their addiction while treating mental health concerns at the same time. There are relapse prevention programs, life-skills programs, and even help with short-term housing issues that will help our patients regain their footing, so they can move on, and live the life they want to live, feeling happier and healthier.

If you or a loved one is dealing with a substance use disorder or a mental health concern, or if you want to learn more about what we can offer you in our luxury facilities, please contact our team today by calling 877-855-3470 and we will get you started on building your customized treatment plan. Your health is our priority. With our whole-patient approach combining behavioral therapy, counseling, education, physical health care, and nutrition, we can help you heal in a safe and comfortable environment.

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.