Addiction is a difficult problem for many, including those who have served in the United States Military. With tens of thousands of veterans faced with substance abuse issues, counseling, support groups, and therapeutic services are helping them to find their freedom from addiction.
When our service men and women leave the military, they face new challenges. These can include finding jobs, adjusting to a non-military lifestyle, and sometimes even a physical or emotional disability incurred in their service. Many former military personnel also come home with an addiction, either to drugs or alcohol, that can threaten their home and jobs, and their relationships with their loved ones.
It’s estimated that 20% of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are struggling with some form of substance abuse. These rates are three times higher than those of the general population. The VA is taking steps to address this alarming issue with addiction-counseling centers and substance abuse programs.
There are many advantages to joining a military or veteran-focused therapy program. These programs provide an environment where veterans can come together and share their experiences with other veterans, and the counselors are specifically experienced in working with this population. The military environment can also serve as a supportive community where veterans can find the care and help they need.
There are three primary components of an effective program for addiction recovery among military personnel; education, substance abuse treatment, and ongoing aftercare. Education is key to helping military personnel understand the complicated emotions associated with addiction and how to recognize the signs of relapse before it’s too late.
In addition to education, substance abuse treatment should address the underlying causes of addiction for each individual, which could range from trauma suffered, depression, and PTSD. This may involve a combination of therapy, medication, support groups, and lifestyle changes. Substance abuse treatment should also help veterans cope with any cravings for drugs or alcohol and provide them with relapse prevention strategies.
Ongoing aftercare should be provided both in the military environment and beyond it. This includes support from friends, family, and fellow veterans, as well as involvement in a 12-step program or other group support structure. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as eating healthy, staying active, and getting enough sleep, to continue the progress made during treatment. A good therapist should also provide a combination of long-term follow-up and individual and group counseling sessions.
The VA also provides services specifically for veterans of the US Military who are struggling with addiction. These include employment and housing counseling, vocational rehabilitation, supportive services, and a variety of other benefits. For more information, you can visit the VA website or call their national support line.
Veterans of the US Military face unique challenges when faced with addiction, and for those who are struggling, help is available. From treatment programs to support groups, there are numerous resources available for veterans who are seeking freedom from their addiction. With the right tools and support, those who have served our country can find the healing and recovery they need.