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Veterans experience unique physical, mental and emotional difficulties when deployed and when they return home. Reintegrating with family, friends and a community can be challenging after deployment or military service— especially if veterans feel misunderstood and isolated, two emotions frequently cited by veterans.
Combat exposure and post-deployment reintegration challenges have been shown to present an increased risk for substance use disorders (SUDs) among veterans. SUDs can be distressing and dangerous to veterans and their family members. Often, veterans struggle with multiple, inter-connected disorders at once.
Though treatment is available, it can be difficult to find substance abuse care that addresses co-occurring disorders and shows sensitivity to a veteran’s unique experience. Here’s what you should keep in mind when you seek out a program for yourself or a loved one in Sacramento.
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Choosing to serve our nation in any capacity is admirable, and those who enlist in the United States military are among the most courageous members of our community. Although the military’s unique culture positively impacts millions of lives, many men and women face stresses they have difficulty coping with.
Separating from family and friends, adapting to a new lifestyle and feeling anxious or uncertain about the future can impact an individual’s physical and mental health. This is especially true for active duty or reserve personnel who are deployed and may deal with these high-tension situations by relying on alcohol or prescription drugs.
After their deployment or when they’ve been discharged from service, these individuals may continue to struggle with substance abuse. More than 10% of veterans are diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder — a higher diagnosis rate than that of civilians.
Instances of drug or alcohol misuse and abuse aren’t limited to deployments or being stationed away from home. There are a variety of issues that may enable substance abuse and addiction, even if veterans never struggled with these diseases while enlisted. Common causes behind substance abuse and addiction include:
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports those with a substance use disorder are three to four times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, this connection may occur when veterans with PTSD try to cope with their symptoms by turning to drinking or drug use.
Injuries with chronic pain sustained during deployment can accelerate drug or alcohol usage and lead to a substance abuse disorder. Veterans with severe injuries and chronic pain may be prescribed opioids for pain management. Research has shown that long-term opioid use can have potentially severe consequences in the form of addiction and substance abuse.
In 2016, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the suicide rate among veterans was 1.5 times greater than that of non-veterans. Substance abuse often precedes suicidal behavior in veterans. Substance abuse, pain and prescription pain medications can all be linked to risk of suicide and warrant prompt and effective treatment.
Alcohol and drug addiction present a myriad of obstacles that interfere with an individual’s ability to hold a job and maintain strong social bonds with family and friends. This can lead to risks of homelessness. In 2014, around 70% of homeless veterans also reported an SUD, reports the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
In addition to these conditions, other common dual diagnoses in veterans include substance abuse and anxiety, depression and adjustment disorders. Given the unique situations and hardships veterans with SUDs face, their treatments should be individualized to their needs.
The military lifestyle is vastly different than everyday civilian lifestyle, and exposure to combat is unlike any other experience imaginable. When men and women leave the military, they lose some positive and protective influences. This loss can result in an increase in stress and the development of unhealthy coping habits. Because veterans may struggle to cope with the traumas or injuries sustained in the military, they require substance abuse treatment programs specifically designed to help them address and overcome their challenges.
These unique needs are something most civilians will simply never be able to understand. This common understanding is one of the many sacrifices you made when you chose to serve and protect them. Still, you deserve to be able to discuss what you’ve gone through with people who understand, and at Diamond House Detox, we believe that addiction assistance for veterans starts and can only be achieved with the guidance of people like you.
The veterans’ program in our addiction recovery center is run by veterans who have been where you are. They’ve seen combat or borne the weight of information no civilian ever needs to know. And, like you, they may have turned to drugs or alcohol and found themselves needing veteran-specific rehab. When they couldn’t find what they needed, they decided to design the program for themselves with the team at Diamond House Detox.
Today, they foster a safe haven where veterans can connect with like-minded people and find a path to sobriety that accounts for their service experiences with every step forward they take.
Our Treatment ProgramsSubstance abuse in veterans is becoming increasingly common, especially among female veterans. There are many alcohol and drug addiction treatment options that are specifically designed to cater to veterans’ unique needs. Diamond House Detox provides veterans with a safe space for detoxification, stabilization and the highest-quality treatment services available. We address substance abuse issues as well as the psychological and spiritual health of our guests. Our in-house addiction treatment and therapy programs for veterans include:
As with any other disease, managing a substance abuse disorder takes time, patience and dedication. Our team of counselors understands drug and alcohol addiction recovery is a unique experience for each veteran, and they’re committed to helping you achieve sobriety. Your recovery will be kept confidential as you follow a personalized treatment plan designed to empower you to overcome your specific substance abuse and psychological challenges.
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Diamond House Detox offers more than a space dedicated to drug and alcohol addiction treatment. We strive to create a comfortable environment where men and women feel at ease sharing their experiences and taking the first steps toward sobriety. We want you to be able to focus on identifying the root of your addiction and learn to manage it without outside stressors.
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At Diamond House Detox, we provide substance abuse care for those suffering from addiction and other psychological disorders. Our veteran addiction treatment in Sacramento offers a number of addiction therapy programs and detoxification from alcohol, prescription drugs, stimulants, marijuana, heroin, methadone and suboxone.
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