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Active Military & Veterans

Military Service may teach many skills, but trauma and recovery are not one of them. With high levels of pressure experienced by military personnel, substance abuse is an understandable side-effect. Our staff includes veterans to offer unique therapy to those suffering from substance abuse and trauma such as PTSD.

PTSD is a condition that develops after exposure to a highly traumatic or life-threatening event. Veterans experience long-term psychological symptoms, including anxiety and paranoia, flashbacks, nightmares, and even hallucinations which can be debilitating. Triggers can take many forms, making it difficult to resume a normal life, and this results in numerous avoidance techniques, with many resorting to drugs or alcohol to numb the effects. These escalate into substance use disorders, effectively compounding the problem, and can be seen in the use of substances such as:

  • Alcohol Addiction
  • Opioids and Opiates
  • Prescription Meds
  • Illicit Substances

1.5 million Veterans aged 17 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year.

500 000 U.S. troops who served over the past 13 years have been diagnosed with PTSD

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is the most abused substance in the United States, and the most abused by veterans. Legal and socially-accepted, its derivatives are regularly overconsumed and abused. Its use quickly spirals out of control, leading to binge drinking, alcoholism, and self harm both short-term and long-term.

OPIOIDS AND OPIATES

Prescribed painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl with a high potential for fatal overdose. Addiction might start on the field when administered to manage the emergency needs of those injured during combat. Opioid abuse in the military is far more likely than in the general population, and requires intense rehabilitation. Those who return home with a substance use disorder are not always directed to the assistance they need.

ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS AND SEDATIVES

Anxiety disorders and dysfunctional sleep patterns are common among veterans. Many will require prescription medications such as Ativan, Valium, and Xanax for assistance. Other drugs such as Ambien or Lunesta may be prescribed for insomnia. Classified as benzodiazepines, these medications have a sedative effect that induces relaxation and relieves anxiety. They are contraindicated in the treatment of PTSD, and have a high risk of addiction.

ILLICIT SUBSTANCES

Illicit drugs are illegal substances such as cocaine, marijuana, meth, ecstasy, and hallucinogens. Being illicit, they are illegal to use, possess, or sell. They are dangerously addictive, and their use regularly consumes the person, their life, and their freedom. Learning the warning signs and how to seek help are the first steps on the road to recovery.

OVERCOMING THE STIGMA

The military service culture puts stock in strength, self-reliance, and teamwork. This leads to people believing that they will be seen as weak or a failure if they admit to struggling with substance abuse or addiction.

While numerous veterans may need assistance, many never seek help due to these stigmas. Even the simple belief that they may encounter prejudice is enough to stop many from asking for help.

At Psyclarity Health, our goal is to help overcome the stigma so that our veterans and military personnel can get the help they deserve.

MILITARY TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR ADDICTION AND PTSD

With a vested interest in addressing the problem of drug abuse in the military, our team has partnered with, and works alongside, military and veteran associations. We provide the first point of addiction treatment to members of their organizations. Transport is also provided for those who need transportation. Substance abuse treatment for military personnel requires a specialized approach that is best understood by those who have lived through similar situations.

To this end, we have a policy of hiring veterans wherever possible. Treatment programs need to be tailored to treat the psychological conditions that cause the addiction, which is invariably a symptom of a deeper issue. Our Acute Treatment Services provide patient-centric protocols specifically for PTSD and trauma co-occurring with substance use disorders, using treatment therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocess, and teaching valuable Life Skills to help cope after treatment.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORT

Social withdrawal is another coping method common among those with PTSD, which has the added complication of breaking down the support network of family, friends, and loved ones who may have assisted. Group therapy helps patients to develop better communication skills to reach out to those around them. Group therapy is essential for veterans and military members so they can be surrounded by supportive people who understand what they have been through. Family therapy programs teach family members how to support their loved ones recovering from addiction. These sessions can also assist in helping patients understand the impact of their disorder on those around them and help them mend relationships that their addiction may have damaged.

This Includes:

  • Learning to Listen Sympathetically
  • Understanding PTSD and Related Substance Abuse
  • Learning How to Support Treatment Protocols

SPECIALIZED DRUG REHAB FOR ACTIVE MILITARY & VETERANS

Veterans can access alcohol and drug rehab through the Veterans Affairs (VA), or a VA Community Care partner. These facilities are separate from the VA but provide treatment to patients who are eligible for the Community Care Program. Psyclarity Health provides a full continuum of care from initial detox to residential programs to full or partial hospitalization, leading to intensive outpatient programs and supportive group therapy for ongoing treatment. These confidential programs have been created specifically for military members and veterans.

Our facility’s Clinical Stabilization Services includes veterans staff, and our liaison team understands the unique needs of military personnel. They can provide appropriate assistance to those needing guidance coordinating VA services, securing services, and accessing additional resources.