Veterans and first responders face unique challenges when it comes to substance abuse and recovery. For this reason, they also have distinct needs that require specialized care during addiction treatment. Veteran’s rehab programs can provide a safe and welcoming space for veterans and first responders to receive specialized care that addresses both their substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental health issues.
Through the combination of evidence-based therapies with trauma-focused care, veterans can heal from the underlying traumas that may have contributed to their addiction. To assist in the healing process, experienced professionals provide specialized care to individuals in this population. In doing so, veterans can overcome their addiction and find lasting recovery.
Drug and alcohol usage have far-reaching and devastating effects on the veteran population. While addiction poses risks to anyone caught in its grip, veterans are particularly vulnerable. Many veterans and first responders return home carrying unaddressed trauma, underscoring the importance of trauma-focused healing in rehabilitation. Unresolved issues such as trauma, stress, chronic pain, societal stereotypes, and subpar living conditions can further exacerbate substance abuse among this group.
Whether it stems from the transition back into life after service or after a tour of duty in a combat zone, 1 in 15 veterans struggle with alcohol and drug abuse. More than 76% of veterans with substance use problems meet the criteria for co-occurring mental health disorders as well. This further highlights the need for comprehensive and specialized treatment programs that address both addiction and underlying mental health issues.
If you or a loved one is a veteran struggling with substance abuse, PTSD, or other mental health issues, the Aliya Health Group is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals specializes in providing holistic and personalized treatment for veterans, using evidence-based approaches to address the unique challenges faced by those who have served our country.
To discuss your specific needs and learn more about our services, please call our 24/7 admissions team at 888-973-2078 or fill out a secure contact form and one of our team members will be in touch with you shortly.
U.S. service members and first responders have a direct need for tailored rehab for veterans. Because of the stress and hazards of their work, they often return to civilian life with trauma and other debilitating issues. Self-medication is a prevalent concern, as these individuals will commonly turn to drugs and alcohol to numb their pain. Markedly, veterans may return from service with physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wounds. At Aliya Health Group’s veterans’ rehab center, we offer custom treatment programs for this population.
We provide specialized trauma-informed care that addresses all of the comorbid issues clients bring with them into rehab. Through our Valor program, individuals are treated holistically for healing that addresses their minds, bodies, and souls. Because wellness is only achieved when all issues are dealt with, our program track helps clients cope with their co-occurring illnesses. Clients who enter our rehab for veterans receive specialized care that tends to their direct needs.
Today, it’s commonly understood that veterans may return from service with emotional triggers and trauma wounds, like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s also well understood that veterans and first responders are likely to struggle with drug and alcohol misuse. Yet, many people don’t understand the extent of the issue. Roughly 5.2 million veterans battle substance abuse of some form. Sadly, the number who get treatment is much lower.
The link between substance abuse and combat trauma is also severe. PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD) go together for a great amount of time. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) states that two in 10 veterans with PTSD also have SUD. This is because mental illness and substance abuse exacerbate each other. Often, they can stem from each other, as is the case in veterans who self-medicate their trauma with drugs.
Substance abuse and addiction are problems with many other issues stemming from them, as well as leading to them. In particular, veterans and emergency responders have an increased risk of battling other major physical or mental problems. For example, they often have comorbid alcohol and drug use disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Alcohol is one substance that first responders and veterans may abuse. In fact, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most common addiction among veterans. Alcohol’s effect on the brain creates pleasurable feelings and numbs negative ones. Thus, veterans enter the cycle of addiction the same way anyone does. The more they hurt, the more they drink until their tolerance has grown. Once they have become dependent, individuals need more alcohol to feel the same results. Alarmingly, the structure of one’s brain can be adapted by alcohol and drugs. Once someone becomes psychologically dependent on alochol, they have formed a toxic pattern of abuse that is difficult to break on their own.
Detoxing from alcohol can also be dangerous due to its hold on an individual’s body. After forming a physical dependence on alcohol, any attempts to stop drinking can result in life-threatening withdrawals. For this reason, detoxification should never be done alone and is the first part of our addiction treatment for those who need it.
Alcoholism in veterans can take different forms, such as binge drinking, self-medicating, and addiction. Veterans deployed to an area of combat have a greater risk of alcoholism based on the hazards of their experience.
Similarly, individuals who’ve formed a dependence on drugs have already gone through the process of their brain adapting to them. Drug addiction can occur from opioids, hallucinogenics, prescription meds like painkillers, and psychoactive drugs like marijuana.
Frequently, substance addiction stems from self-medication tactics. Veterans may turn to drugs because they find they soften the hard edge of pain, making life more tolerable. However, over time drugs can destroy a person’s health, relationships, and finances. True healing occurs when individuals are present in the world and fulfilled, rather than numbing their feelings. Our drug abuse treatment helps veterans and emergency workers to get their lives back. They first detox from substances and then work with trauma counselors to treat their comorbid issues.
It is important for veterans to seek help and support for these side effects to manage them effectively. This can include therapy, support groups, medication, and other forms of treatment.
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To understand the negative impact of military service on those both in and out of active duty, it’s crucial to address one of its most detrimental aspects — combat exposure. This experience, often an inescapable part of a soldier’s life, can leave an indelible mark on a person’s physical and psychological well-being. The after-effects of combat exposure can manifest in various ways, affecting a veteran’s emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and overall quality of life.
Common side effects of combat exposure may include:
These side effects can greatly impact a veteran’s daily life, making it difficult to maintain healthy relationships, hold down a job, or engage in enjoyable activities. They may also lead to self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
It is important for veterans to seek help and support for these side effects to manage them effectively. This can include therapy, support groups, medication, and other forms of treatment.
Many individuals who have experienced the challenges of combat and war often face a long journey of recovery. The immense stress, trauma, and emotional breakdown from sudden displacement, separation from loved ones, and the loss of friends and family are beyond comprehension for most of the world.
However, military members have to face these harsh realities of war on a day-to-day basis, resulting in an internal battle with their mental health. As a result, veterans often struggle to cope with sleep difficulties, intrusive memories, anxiety, grief, and anger. While each person eventually has their own way of coping with the pain of war, many turn to substance abuse, violence, or gambling as a means of escape.
It is also common for veterans to experience co-occurring disorders — the presence of two or more psychiatric conditions at the same time. These disorders can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Research has shown that there are several risk factors associated with these co-occurring disorders in veterans, such as exposure to combat, multiple deployments, and military sexual trauma.
Our medical professionals are trained and experienced in identifying the signs and symptoms of co-occurring disorders and have a deep understanding of the associated risk factors and underlying causes. Throughout our Valor program, our clinicians are dedicated to the development and implementation of effective, specialized treatment methods to benefit the lives of veterans struggling with addiction and mental health disorders.
Veterans and first responders may not ever prioritize their health by entering treatment. There are numerous reasons why they may not begin rehab. These include stigma, the belief they can handle it themselves, and a lack of awareness of their options. One study found that there were 44 enablers and barriers to care amongst veterans, with PTSD playing a key role. Additional symptoms like depression, anxiety, and one’s familiarity with rehab also contribute to these conditions. Often, the more issues a veteran faces, the more barriers they may encounter when seeking help.
At Aliya, we prioritize the veteran population and understand they are vulnerable when it comes to their wellness. It’s important to us that veterans who enter our centers are treated like people, not like their illnesses. All clients who enter our treatment programs work with a case manager to create a custom service plan. They follow their care plan throughout rehab. Further, our Valor program is structured to anticipate the needs of our clients. We implement trauma-focused therapy and counseling to help clients heal from SUD, PTSD, and any other issues they battle.
We understand that true healing comes from a holistic approach to treatment. Therefore, it is especially important for veterans to receive trauma-informed care because they’re likely struggling with co-occurring issues. SUD, PTSD, chronic pain, and other behavioral and mental conditions need to be concurrently addressed for them to be healed. One main treatment goal is targeting a reduction in symptoms of comorbid illness. Through our holistic treatment approach, we walk clients through recovery from their illnesses so they can achieve total body wellness.
Veterans and first responders have unique needs in substance use treatment. Veteran’s rehab programs provide specialized, trauma-focused care for clients struggling with drug and alcohol abuse after military service or because of the daily stress and danger of their job as first responders.
That’s why Vogue Recovery Center and Footprints to Recovery developed the Valor program, which offers trauma-focused, evidence-based treatment for veterans and first responders. As one of our specialty treatment program tracks, our veteran’s program offers specialized care within a supportive and understanding recovery community.
In addition, we equip clients to have a fulfilling life of sobriety and health after their program. Returning to civilian life after deployment, as well as after treatment, can be a struggle for combat veterans. Our counselors and case managers work with clients to prepare them for “regular life” after rehab. Clients learn coping strategies and trigger management as alternatives to self-medication. They also create relapse prevention plans. Further, to promote life skills, our team helps clients with a variety of needs, including financial planning, nutrition counseling, and resume building. Moreover, we assist with vocational, social, legal, and housing needs.
Our Valor program aims to provide the best path toward healing for veterans. We do this by treating their co-occurring disorders and preparing them for the future. We help them identify their purpose in life and build self-resilience to reach it.
At Aliya Health Group, we prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment for our veteran clients. We recognize that seeking help can be difficult, especially for those who have served in the military where asking for help may not be encouraged. That’s why our team strives to create a welcoming space where our clients can feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of judgment or stigma.
By joining our veteran’s rehab program, you can recover in a safe, accepting space alongside peers who have a firsthand understanding of what you’re going through. Likewise, you can learn more about the link between trauma and substance abuse and understand how both are a response to excessive stress. Our comprehensive programs can also teach you how to manage PTSD symptoms, stop using drugs and alcohol to self-medicate and adopt healthy coping skills that help you move forward.
Your treatment team will be comprised of credentialed and experienced individuals from diverse background. Some may include military personnel, veterans, and retired first responders. All veterans program staff are trained in military culture sensitivity and trauma. This allows us to provide specialized treatment for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), substance abuse, and other mental health issues commonly experienced by veterans.
Depending on your specific needs, we will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that includes trauma-focused approaches and treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders.
This personalized, trauma-informed approach is mirrored in the safe and supportive atmosphere found in our treatment facilities. As such, veterans participating in our Valor program can heal from their experiences in the military surrounded by compassionate, empathetic clinicians. Through our evidence-based therapies and customized treatment plans, we strive to help you overcome any obstacles and improve your overall well-being.
Aliya Health Group offers specialized treatment specifically designed for veterans and first responders. Our team of experienced professionals is trained in treating co-occurring disorders and understands how to effectively address trauma, stress, and other complex issues that may be contributing to substance abuse.
Some of our treatment services for veterans include:
Our veteran rehab programs include evidence-based approaches that are proven to help individuals cope with traumatic experiences, manage stress, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Our team of experts understands the unique needs and challenges faced by veterans, and we are dedicated to providing personalized care that addresses their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
We understand that each veteran’s journey is unique, and we tailor our treatments to address their specific needs and challenges. Our team of experienced therapists and mental health professionals are highly trained in working with veterans and have a deep understanding of the military culture.
Recovering from addiction and trauma can be challenging, which is why we are there every step of the way for our veterans. Throughout treatment, each of our treatment offerings aims to empower them to lead fulfilling lives by equipping them with the tools and strategies needed to manage their mental health effectively.
Your treatment team is made up of behavioral health professionals who help you address mental, physical, and behavioral aspects of addiction and mental health conditions. Our model of care acknowledges the link between trauma and substance use disorders and treats both issues simultaneously.
Specific therapies depend on the location and treatment program but may include approaches such as:
Veterans groups include educational lectures, open discussions, guest speakers, and coursework presentations shared in a supportive and caring environment. (Note: groups are subject to change.)
Recovery is a process of change that includes learning how to improve health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and reach Your full potential. We’ll help you set your own recovery goals. You’ll collaborate with case managers to fill your days with activities that help you achieve the independence, resources, and income necessary to participate in society. This may include:
One of our main priorities at Aliya Health Group is providing ongoing support for our veterans even after they complete their treatment program. You’ll work with your case manager and treatment team to set up a continuing care plan. This helps to ensure that you have the necessary skills and support systems in place for when you graduate treatment.
Continuing care plans may include:
To help our veterans successfully transition back into civilian life, we offer resources such as support groups, career counseling, and educational workshops. That way, we can ensure that our clients have what they need once they return home or to a sober living residence.
We offer a full continuum of care so that you can ease the transition back into everyday life moving through higher levels of care to lower levels with less hours. Levels of care include:
At Aliya Health Group, we understand that the journey towards recovery is not a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we offer a full continuum of care to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to help you achieve long-term recovery and improve your overall quality of life.
The first step on the road to recovery is medical detox. This highly supervised process helps rid your body of harmful substances and prepares you for further treatment. Our experienced medical team will ensure that you are safe and comfortable throughout this crucial stage.
From there, we offer residential treatment in a warm and welcoming environment where you can focus solely on your recovery without distractions from everyday life. Our individualized treatment plans will address your specific needs, whether it be through therapy, medication management, or alternative therapies such as yoga and meditation.
Once you have completed our residential program, we offer continued support through our partial hospitalization program (PHP). After completing PHP, you can transition into our intensive outpatient program (IOP). Both PHP and IOP allow you to gradually transition back into your daily routine while still receiving the necessary support and guidance from our team.
Following IOP, you can also take advantage of our outpatient program (OP) and sober living options to ensure long-term success in your recovery journey. No matter where you are in your recovery, our team will be there to provide ongoing support and help you maintain a healthy and fulfilling life.
Our team at Aliya Health Group is dedicated to providing high-quality care that is tailored to each individual’s unique needs. We understand that addiction affects everyone differently and requires personalized treatment approaches for long-term success. Our goal is not just to help you overcome addiction but also to empower you with the tools and resources necessary to live a happy, healthy, and sober life.
Aliya Health Group offers veteran rehab programming at several of our treatment facilities that span across the United States. Within our network of established addiction treatment organizations, our rehab facilities can be found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, and Washington. Military personnel and emergency workers can receive trauma-informed care services within our Valor program, which we offer at several of our nationwide treatment centers.
Please reach out today with your questions about our treatment for veteran addiction. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to help you gain access to trauma-informed care for addiction.
We know the decision to enter addiction treatment isn’t easy. We’re here to make sure the process is as stress-free as possible. Your substance use likely stems from complex factors like PTSD and mental health disorders, which require specialized treatment from trained behavioral health professionals.
We are in-network with Triwest and Optum VA Community Care. Our admissions advisors will work directly with your insurance provider to determine your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs to you. If your insurance plan is out-of-network, we advocate on your behalf. Our team will work hard to advocate for your access to life-saving substance abuse treatment.
You’ve worked hard for your country, and now it’s time to get the help you need to live the life you deserve. If you are looking to seek treatment for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to call our 24/7 admissions department or fill out a secure contact form. After reaching out, our team in admissions will collaborate with you, the VA, and insurance providers to place you in a quality addiction treatment program.
We’re here to answer any of your questions about our Valor program for veteran addiction. Give us a call today at 888-973-2078.
