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An Introduction to Veterans and Addiction
Don’t think PTSD only impacts veterans that saw combat. Survivor remorse is an example of a mental condition which impacts a growing number of America’s heroes; men and women that wanted to fight side by side with their brothers in arms, but were unable to because their numbers weren’t called, and now, they may feel regret for loss friends, or missed opportunities to “prove their worthiness,” as a victim of this condition might say.
We know they’re all heroes; but without help, they don’t see themselves that way.
As a country, we still have a lot to learn about the impact of the military and conflicts on our soldiers. The better we understand this and other issues, the better chance we can all end the devastating cycle of unfortunate deaths and suicides after serving, as well as addictions that if left untreated, can haunt these individuals for years.
No wonder veteran suicides once were nearly 20 percent of all U.S. suicides in a year.
Many times the general public does not fully grasp the situations that military personnel are put in. It is seen on television and read in the news, but the complete picture is not there. When veterans come back from a war or step out of active duty, they are often misunderstood or dismissed, leaving them feeling neglected and unappreciated despite the courageous deeds they have done for their country.
Unfortunately, a combination of undergoing traumatic events overseas along with the feelings of inadequacy and neglect when returning can leave many feeling hopeless. Many veterans turn toward drugs and alcohol to cope for these simple reasons. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, about 1 in every 10 returning veterans suffer from a drug or alcohol problem. Also, almost 1 out of every 3 veterans who suffer from PTSD seek out treatment for a substance use disorder.
This does not account for the veterans who already had mental health disorders–co-occurring disorders are oftentimes seen in treatment centers for those who have been in the military.
Veteran substance abuse and addiction is a crucial problem that must be addressed, as well as normalized.
This article will guide veterans and loved ones of veterans to more information about and valuable resources on drug and alcohol addiction among this population, as well as how we can all work toward destigmatizing addiction amongst veterans. Lastly, find out how Arista Recovery can help veterans during this challenging time of their lives.
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Veteran Addiction:What Signs To Watch For?
It’s hard for veterans to ask for help; sometimes to accept it.
Too often, they’re so accustomed to helping others, not themselves. Or, they feel shame, embarrassment by accepting them with issues that previous generations of military peers did not embrace.
We understand living is not enough. At Arista Recovery, we want our veterans to enjoy life, not miss the many moments of pleasure because of an inner trauma which they hide or are completely consumed by. Even the strongest of us need help sometimes, and that applies to veterans too.
Here is a list of symptoms of PTSD to look for.
- Constant reminders of past moments, from flashbacks to nightmares
- Reactions to reminders of the past lead to physical changes such as heavy breathing, nausea, sweating, etc,
- Often and easily irritable
- Detached from others, numb to present situations
- Hypervigilant
- Suicidal
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At this time we are unable to accept Medicaid & Medicare plans.
Comprehensive Treatment Options For Veterans
Fortunately, there are various research-based, viable treatment options for veterans!
No matter when a veteran needs treatment, whether it be immediately after returning to civilian life or several years later, addiction treatment centers have wide-open doors for veterans.
Most treatment programs are able to work with veterans, although there are some definite centers that cater more specifically toward veteran addicts. Those with drug and/or alcohol use disorders and those with co-occurring disorders are encouraged to seek out treatment at a reputable center as soon as possible to begin their recovery journey.
When veterans enter a treatment facility, they are most likely going to begin the detoxing process, which can last a few days or even a few weeks depending on the situation.
After detoxing, veterans may be admitted to a comprehensive inpatient program or begin an outpatient program. Addiction treatment programs are created to meet individual needs and are tailored to work with unique circumstances.
Staff at treatment centers work intimately with veterans in the capacity of individual and group therapy, holistic therapy methods, medication-assisted therapy, pain management groups, family therapy, and groups to get them prepared for a healthy and successful civilian life and life without substance use.
Their goals are to work on the root cause(s) of the addiction, teach effective coping strategies to replace substances, facilitate reconnecting with friends, family, and life responsibilities, and to allow veteran addicts to see success in their lives that they might not otherwise see outside of treatment.
A truly comprehensive treatment program for veterans includes what has been described above as well as one that individually and realistically creates a plan for success within the walls of treatment, to aftercare, and beyond.
What Substances Are Popular forVeterans to Abuse?
Veterans are exposed to a plethora of substances, either during their service or after. Alcohol is, by far, the most prevalent substance. Veterans turn to alcohol to numb pain, socialize with others or relieve stress through heavy or binge drinking.
Prescription painkillers are another substance that veterans turn to — from prescription oxycodone and hydrocodone to codeine. In the late 1990s, opioid painkillers became popular. At the time, they were wrongly considered non-habit forming. Then, over time, the cases piled up. By the time the federal government banned opioids, legions of individuals were hooked, and turned to other substances
By the mid-2010s, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and tramadol led to an increase in opioid overdose deaths.
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Why Are Veterans Programs Important?
Our specialized program for veterans understands the unique challenges soldiers face when they return home. We give them access to treatment programs that are tailored to their needs, while providing emotional support from people who understand what they’re going through.
When you’re a veteran who is suffering from addiction, Arista Recovery can provide much-needed detox services. We also offer different levels of care, depending on needs and desires. Our talented team, which includes several veterans, understands what their clients are going through and will work hard to give them the best possible chance of success. We will also assist you transition back to work or home, the next step to recovery and sobriety.
Veterans who are suffering from addiction can get help by contacting Arista Recovery 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our staff is available to answer any questions you have; we can even connect you with one of our counselors or graduates of our treatment program — men and women that served our country. It’s our way of ensuring our clients know the team around them at Arista Recovery will understand what they are going through before they start working on a treatment plan. We’re committed to helping veterans who are suffering from substance abuse, as well as other mental health concerns, our way of ensuring they get their lives back on track. After all, addiction is a serious problem that can affect not only veterans, but their families if not dealt with. Arista Recovery is here to help you with your addiction and will give you the guidance necessary to make a positive change in your life.
Addiction isn’t something that should be taken lightly. It can affect anyone, even someone in the military. Our goal is to make sure that those men and women are able to receive treatment without problems or delays.
Veterans suffering from addiction deserve the best chance at recovery, which is why our team members continue to serve community members in the Kansas City area and Beyond. Addiction can affect anyone, especially those who are in the military because they are constantly surrounded by adrenaline and the need to stay on high alert.
Our treatment programs at Arista Recovery provide veterans with everything they need to recover from their addiction, including detox services and veteran treatment centers, if deemed necessary.
If our program sounds like something that might be able to help you, our staff would be happy to answer any questions about their program so that they can get you on a path towards recovery.
OUR APPROACH
Our Unique Therapies
Explore our innovative approach to addiction treatment in Kansas at Arista Recovery. From evidence-based therapies to holistic and experiential methods, we offer an immersive experience that works to treat the root causes of substance abuse our our full continuum treatment programs.
Why Choose ARISTA ?
Going to Arista Recovery was the best decision I’ve ever made. The counselors helped me grow in my recovery journey, from someone who was shy and uncomfortable sharing my feelings to a leader in meetings who now understands the reasons for my struggles and how to move past them.
Kristen W.
Arista’s newest location is a true pillar of the Paola community. The workers care deeply about their patients and are providing so many people with new beginnings. It's amazing to see the progress in people’s recovery journeys.
Lois B.
A few people in my AA group went to Arista Recovery and they only had nice things to say about it. When I went through a short relapse I followed their advice and went there to get my head straight, and I’m so glad I did. Getting help at Arista is what stopped my mistake from defining my life again.
Kathryn A.
My journey towards sobriety has definitely been a complex one full of ups and downs, but Arista Recovery helped me change the pattern and now it’s mostly ups! I’m at my personal sobriety record and I honestly can’t see myself taking a drink anytime soon. It’s hard work but I am so grateful I have the chance to do it with the tools that were given to me by Arista Recovery.
Jeff P.
Arista Recovery definitely has one of the best outpatient programs in the Midwest. If you’re in Overland Park, or honestly just around the area, it’s worth the travel time to get help here! Arista changed my life and I’m sure they can help you do the same.
Barbara E.
I know how hard it can be to find a good treatment center, as my daughter has been to quite a few while dealing with her alcoholism. But the biggest change I’ve seen by far has been thanks to Arista Recovery! After her treatment here, she seems so full of life again and I’m so glad that I have my little girl back.
Lee J.
Arista Recovery is an incredibly special treatment center that has a real passion for helping everyone who walks through their doors. They use a holistic approach to help you find balance in your life and relationships and give you the strength to overcome any obstacle.
Erma R.
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What is the Best Way toCope With PTSD?
Each person, each situation involving PTSD is different. But it is possible for a period of time to learn how to recognize triggers that lead to forgettable behaviors. Before you or a loved one can successfully deal with PTSD when surrounded by triggers you must recognize the issues.
We identified these strategies to help you lessen the impact of PTSD’s triggers. Medical attention from experts like Arista Recovery is still the best and most optimum, long-term solution.
- Art therapy
- Diary writing
- Meditation
- Pets
- Physical activity
- Social support in one-on-one or group setting
- Yoga
More than two out of every ten veterans seeking substance abuse treatment also have PTSD. Addiction programs for veterans are designed to treat both disorders at the same time, in a way that will reduce their symptoms and increase their chance of recovery. At Arista Recovery, veterans receive individualized care based on an assessment process and counselling that helps them deal with drug and alcohol cravings.
Addiction treatment for veterans can also include medications and medication-assisted therapies that help them to stop drug or alcohol use.
Addiction can be a trigger for PTSD symptoms, but it also serves as the substance of abuse. Addiction and depression are closely linked to one another when mental illness is involved. Whether or not your veteran has issues with anxiety disorders like OCD or bipolar disorder, addiction will affect their ability to function in everyday life and recovery from PTSD may take much longer than you expect due to these circumstances that have been worsened by substance use.
Arista Recovery uses evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which helps veterans identify the triggers behind negative thoughts and feelings so they know how to avoid them if possible or replace those thoughts with more positive ones through coping skills training including relaxation techniques . The goal of CBT is teaching patients new behaviors that reduce stress and anxiety, enabling them to cope better with life.
At Arista Recovery , we treat veterans holistically by helping them get in touch with their feelings so they can process the issues that have led to addiction or PTSD before treating symptoms of either disorder. Addiction is a biological condition which has neurological roots and it’s important for treatment providers such as ourselves at Arista Addiction not only help our clients deal with cravings but address other mental health concerns like depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders including OCD . We want to build a strong foundation on which recovery stands so it will last long term without relapse. One way we do this is through evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET) which help our clients become more self-aware and develop better coping skills. Addiction is a chronic condition but it can be managed successfully with the right treatment plan so veterans who suffer from both PTSD and addiction are able to heal, rebuild their lives and learn to live without drugs or alcohol.
For more information on veteran substance abuse programs in Kansas City, please contact us today at Arista Recovery.
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VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH
A Go-To Guide for Veterans with Addiction
Not every veteran will succumb to a substance addiction after returning home from active duty. But the rate is high and the causation is real. While many factors contribute to someone’s risk of addiction, being overseas fighting for a country is an obvious one. No veteran chooses to get injured or traumatized. No veteran chooses to become addicted to a substance while trying to cope with life.
However, veterans can choose to seek out treatment with a treatment center and start their journey toward recovery.
If you are a veteran or a loved one of a veteran, the ball is in your court. Make the choice today to start the recovery process, which is one simple phone call or message to the wonderful staff at Arista Recovery. It is a judgment-free center that will provide you with comprehensive addiction treatment you will not get anywhere else. Trust in us to kickstart your recovery and set you on the path to a happy and healthy life without substances while coping with the underlying causes.
You are brave and heroic–now do something good for yourself!
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