HONOR Veteran’s Program: Alcohol and Drug Rehab for Veterans
Veterans and active military service members experience high rates of drug and alcohol addiction along with debilitating symptoms of PTSD – especially those who have combat experience. Thankfully, there are options for alcohol and drug rehab for Veterans experiencing symptoms of PTSD and addiction. The HONOR Veteran’s Program at Spring Gardens Recovery was established to help Veterans struggling with drug and alcohol use disorders.
The HONOR Veteran’s Program at Spring Gardens Recovery works with Veterans in need of treatment for PTSD and addiction through their STAR System.
STAR stands for Strength, Therapeutic, Adaptable, Recovery.
The STAR System utilizes a patient-centered care approach individualized based on the patient’s capabilities, needs, and goals. We also consider previous treatment experience(s) and patient preferences.
Types of Therapies in the HONOR Veteran’s Program, VA Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Trauma-focused therapies are the most effective treatments for PTSD. When used in conjunction with other clinical and holistic therapies, we find the best success in long-term recovery. Some of the options for treatment for Veterans in addiction treatment at Spring Gardens Recovery include holistic therapies, experiential therapies, animal therapy, and pain management.
Holistic Therapies for Veteran Addiction Treatment
Spring Gardens Recovery offers holistic therapies, including guided meditation therapy, sound healing, massage therapy, yoga, and Reiki healing. Massage therapy, in particular, comes with the benefits of being a natural pain reliever and can be extremely helpful in the treatment of chronic pain. Massage treatment also helps to reduce stress and anxiety and support your immune system. We also offer KT taping as a therapeutic tool, along with stretching therapies.
Narrative Therapy for Veterans
Narrative therapy is exceptionally beneficial for Veterans as it allows them to find their voice and use their voice to become an expert in their own life to live in a way that reflects their goals and values. Narrative exposure therapy is perfect for those who need treatment for trauma disorders, including PTSD, and those suffering from complex and multiple traumas.
Experiential Treatments
Sound, rhythm, adventure, and animal therapy are just a few of the experiential therapies we offer at Spring Gardens Recovery. Experiential therapies allow for healing through expressive tools and activities. During these treatments, the patient focuses on the activities and, through the experience, can identify and release negative emotions and retain positive emotions. Spring Gardens offers many experiential therapy methods, and we can truly customize a treatment approach to reflect each patient’s needs.
Pain Management for Chronic Pain
We realize that many Veterans have physical injuries along with their other traumas. We also understand that veterans may receive more opioid prescriptions than the general public, leading to higher instances of substance use disorder. We recognize the importance of treating physical pain while also breaking the cycle of addiction. We will work closely with you and your other VA physicians to coordinate an appropriate pain management plan for you.
Rates of Substance Abuse Among Veterans
According to a 2010 study, 8.3% of VA patients met the criteria for a Substance Abuse Disorder (not including nicotine dependence). [1]
Many of those struggling with substance use problems are merely trying to cope with PTSD symptoms. They do this by drinking heavily, taking more than the prescribed amount of medications, smoking too much, or even taking drugs or medications not prescribed.
On the other hand, people who may drink heavily or use other drugs are also more likely to develop PTSD.
PTSD in Veterans
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health problem that some people develop after a life-threatening event, whether they experienced it personally or witnessed it. Some examples of events are combat, terrorist attacks, a natural disaster, car accident, sexual or other physical assault, and more.
Rates of PTSD in Veterans
Anyone, at any age, can develop PTSD. But several factors influence the chances that someone will have PTSD. Unfortunately, Veterans experience some of the highest rates of PTSD due to the conditions faced during their time of service.
The number of Veterans with PTSD varies by service era, according to ptsd.va.gov:
- Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF): Between 11-20% of Veterans who served in OIF or OEF have PTSD each year.
- Gulf War (Desert Storm): Approximately 12% of Gulf War Veterans have PTSD each year.
- Vietnam War: Approximately 15% of Vietnam Veterans were currently diagnosed with PTSD at the time of the most recent study in the late 1980s. However, estimates show that about 30% of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime. [2]
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms can be debilitating, but it’s never too late to get help for PTSD. And the even better news is that treatment for PTSD works to either get rid of PTSD entirely or help to lessen the severity of symptoms. PTSD treatment also gives you the tools to manage the symptoms you have to live a full life. The most common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Reliving the traumatic event
- Avoiding things that remind you of the traumatic event
- Having more negative thoughts and feelings than before the trauma
- Feeling on edge
The symptoms of PTSD may last longer than a few months, cause you to be very upset, and even disrupt your daily life. But you don’t have to live with these symptoms forever – treatment can help.
“…veterans with an SUD diagnosis were three to four times more likely to receive a PTSD or depression diagnosis and <1% of veterans received an isolated diagnosis of SUD without any diagnosis of a co-occurring disorder.” [3]
The HONOR Veteran’s Program at Spring Gardens Recovery works directly with Veterans to give them the tools and therapies necessary to recovery from PTSD and addiction and live a fulfilling life.
HONOR Veteran’s Program Provides Treatment for PTSD and Addiction
When someone needs treatment for PTSD or another underlying mental health concern while also struggling with addiction, they need a specialized treatment called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder treatment.
Will VA Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment?
The VA health care program covers services to treat alcohol and drug use problems. Whether you are enrolled in Tricare or are working directly with the Veteran’s Administration/US Department of Veterans Affairs, you have options available for help.
Spring Gardens Recovery’s HONOR Veteran’s Program accepts many insurance providers for coverage, including Tricare, which covers active-duty members, veterans, activated guard and reserve members, and military family members.
You will need a referral from the VA. However, we may be able to assist with that process. Please give us a call, and we will do what we can to help you. While the VA does offer programs to help with substance abuse and PTSD through VA resources, you also can seek help at a private facility, like the HONOR Veteran’s Program at Spring Gardens Recovery.
Get Started with HONOR Veteran’s Program, Alcohol and Drug Rehab for Veterans
If you’re ready to get started on your recovery, please give us a call.
Sources:
[1] Community Provider Toolkit, https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/communityproviders/clinic_sud.asp
[2] PTSD: National Center for PTSD, https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp
[3] Quote from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5587184/#b3-sar-8-069. The study referenced can be found here: Seal KH, Cohen G, Waldrop A, Cohen BE, Maguen S, Ren L. Substance use disorders in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in VA healthcare, 2001–2010: implications for screening, diagnosis and treatment. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2011;116(1–3):93–101. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21277712/
