Americans hold the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces in high regard, as we should. Their selflessness and courage in serving as protectors of our nation and freedoms deserve our gratitude, honor, and respect. These jobs our servicemen and women perform are physically, mentally, and emotionally stressful, particularly for those who were or are in combat zones. Veterans and active-duty service members are at higher risk than the general population for developing substance use disorders and mental health disorders. A veterans’ treatment program is uniquely designed to help service members heal and learn to manage their symptoms to live the life they deserve.
Gulf Breeze Recovery offers a full range of dual diagnosis treatment programs and therapies in various settings, including detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs. Contact us at 833.551.2304 to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one.
Recognizing the Connection Between Addiction and Trauma
Trauma is a psychological reaction to a distressing experience. Untreated trauma can lead to mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. There is a strong link between addiction and trauma because of the tendency to turn to drugs or alcohol to find temporary relief from psychological stress, otherwise known as self-medicating. Trauma can be caused by sudden, unexpected events or continual exposure to harmful situations many veterans face. Examples of traumatic events include:
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Witnessing or experiencing violence
- Serious accidents or life-threatening illnesses
- Living through or witnessing natural disasters
- Being the victim of a crime, or physical or sexual assault
- Domestic violence, either as a victim or observer
- Living in or participating in a combat zone or war
Events are perceived as traumatic to the degree that they threaten our sense of safety and well-being. Traumatic events trigger our natural fight or flight instinct, raising cortisol levels. Cortisol is critical in our natural stress response and is usually short-lived. In PTSD, which veterans often have, cortisol levels are altered, becoming sometimes too high and sometimes too low, leading to physical and psychological impairments.
Gulf Breeze Recovery has a highly skilled treatment team that understands the effects of trauma and that trauma triggers PTSD or other mental health disorders that can give rise to substance use disorders. We offer trauma therapy, among other programs to help veterans and their loved ones overcome these challenges.
Comprehensive Treatment for Veterans
A significant portion of veterans and active duty service members and veterans face various mental health and substance use disorders. There are many challenges to transitioning back to civilian life, especially after experiencing life in a war zone or involvement in active combat. Finding healthy ways to cope with trauma can be difficult without professional interventions.
There are numerous reasons veterans develop mental health or substance use disorders. Commonly reported causes can include:
- Feelings of isolation or alienation
- Feeling unable to reconnect to the civilian world
- Relationship issues
- Chronic pain from injuries
- Unemployment
- Repeated exposure to trauma
- Combat-related death of peers
Research statistics from the department of veterans’ affairs indicate that nearly one in ten United States veterans struggles with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we provide treatment for many conditions frequently seen among military personnel, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Alcohol addiction
- Prescription drug addiction
- Heroin addiction
- Benzo addiction
Mental health disorders and chronic pain from combat-related injuries frequently result in substance use disorders among active-duty members and veterans. At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we know that the best treatment outcomes occur with comprehensive, holistic treatment in a welcoming, supportive environment that honors the individual.
Discover the Benefits of a Veterans’ Treatment Program at Gulf Breeze Recovery
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we recognize the unique treatment needs of our nations’ veterans, active-duty members, and their families. We are committed to helping our nations’ heroes receive the treatment they deserve. Reach out to our team at 833.551.2304 to learn about the many benefits of our veterans’ treatment program for yourself, your loved one, and your family.
