Our nation’s military service members, both veterans and those still on active duty, are at greater risk for mental health and substance use disorders than the general population. A life of service in the military presents unique challenges for service members and their families. When service members are deployed, families have to adapt to a new way of life. When military personnel return home, there is an obvious cause for celebration. However, their return home can present significant adjustments for everyone. Many service members struggle to cope with the trauma of active duty and feel a disconnect from their civilian family and friends who cannot grasp the full scope of their experiences. A veteran’s treatment program is designed to address these individuals and families’ unique challenges.
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we believe that our service members deserve compassionate care to help them overcome the trauma they’ve endured. Our veterans’ treatment program provides comprehensive treatment for PTSD and co-occurring substance use disorders. Call us at 833.551.2304 to learn more about the numerous benefits of our veterans’ treatment program.
Veterans and Addiction: Coping with PTSD
While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can impact anyone at any age, most people associate it with active-duty military personnel and veterans. PTSD is a mental health disorder that results from experiencing or witnessing trauma that the brain cannot process adequately.
PTSD affects service members and veterans at higher rates because they tend to experience more exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) than civilians. Those who participate in combat or live and work in warzones are at higher risk of repeated trauma exposure. In addition to active combat, other risk factors for PTSD among military personnel and veterans include:
- A history of trauma
- A history of anxiety or depression
- Sexual harassment or sexual assault
- Physical pain or injury
- Lack of support following trauma
- Co-occurring stressors, such as financial insecurity or family discord
While illicit drug use can result in a dishonorable discharge from the military, drinking is a highly ingrained part of the culture. Problematic drinking habits frequently carry over into civilian life. Service members and veterans using alcohol to self-medicate often develop alcohol use disorder (AUD). Prescription anxiety and pain medications also commonly lead to substance use disorders (SUD) among current and past military personnel. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for these individuals to turn to illicit drugs like heroin as their AUD or SUD progresses.
Integrated Treatment for PTSD and Substance Abuse
Historically, individuals with co-occurring disorders were faced with limited treatment options because rehab facilities focused on either substance abuse or mental health treatment. At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we understand that treating one disease without treating the other results in a cycle of chronic relapse from both. That is why we offer integrated dual diagnosis treatment.
PTSD and substance abuse are each complex disorders. Combined, the symptoms of one feed off the other, creating a vicious cycle for service members and veterans that is virtually impossible to break without professional treatment. The impacts of co-occurring PTSD and substance abuse are devastating for the affected individual and their friends and family.
In our holistic veterans’ treatment program, current and former military service members have access to programs and services, including:
- Medical detox
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Extensive Telerecovery services
- Aftercare
Some of the therapies available include:
- Family therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Anger management therapy
- Group therapy
- Experiential therapy
We know that PTSD and substance use disorders affect everyone differently. Therefore, we provide person-centered therapy tailored to each of our client’s individual needs and circumstances.
Call Gulf Breeze Recovery to Discover the Benefits of Our Veterans’ Treatment Program
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we believe that people are not broken and can recover no matter what they have experienced. Our private location on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast provides a safe, secure, and serene place where you can reflect on healing with the support of peers and our highly-skilled, compassionate treatment team.
Call Gulf Breeze Recovery today at 833.551.2304 to learn about the benefits of our veterans’ treatment program for you and your family.