Learning how addiction affects veterans is important to know if a friend or family member has served in the military. Many people do not have the mental capacity to handle the stress and traumas that are common with military service. Rates of PTSD and depression are much higher in veterans, as is the likelihood that they will use drugs or alcohol to cope with their feelings. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, two out of ten veterans with PTSD have a substance use disorder.

At BRC Healthcare, we welcome veterans who are struggling with addiction caused by post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, borderline personality disorder, or other mental health illnesses. When veterans first arrive for treatment, we run a full assessment to determine the severity of the addiction and any underlying disorder that is fueling it. We then build a tailored treatment program that will include behavioral and holistic therapies and medical support. To learn more about our veteran’s addiction treatment center in Austin, TX, call 888.559.2036 today to speak with one of our compassionate team members.

How Addiction Affects Veterans

Learning how substance abuse affects veterans will reveal that serving in the armed forces can greatly increase the risk of addiction. The traumas they face during their time in the military can cause a host of mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health illnesses. These conditions are very common in veterans after completing their tour of duty. If they don’t talk with a therapist about their feelings, it can worsen their mental health and lead to a co-occurring condition of PTSD or depression and substance abuse.

A co-occurring or dual diagnosis treatment program focuses on the physical side of addiction, using medication to ease withdrawals, cravings, and other disruptive symptoms. To address the mental side of addiction, therapists use a variety of therapies that include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, meditation and mindfulness, creative expression, and other holistic therapies. This combination is very effective in treating all aspects of their condition and helps veterans lead healthy and sober lives.

At BRC Healthcare, we are well aware of how substance abuse affects veterans and offer inpatient and outpatient treatment programs to support their recovery journey. Veterans will work with an experienced behavioral therapist in group and private therapy sessions in a safe and encouraging environment to build healthy life skills to manage their symptoms and triggers.

The Benefits of Enrolling in an Addiction Treatment Program for Veterans

Veterans whose overall health is in peril due to addiction can find relief through an accredited addiction treatment program. These programs can stop the abuse before it causes permanent physical and psychological damage. Just some of the benefits of enrolling in an addiction treatment program for veterans include:

• A better understanding of how addiction works and what it takes to recover and maintain sobriety no matter how stressful life can get.
• Therapists work with residents in private therapy sessions to uncover the root cause of substance abuse using a variety of behavioral therapeutic techniques. They teach veterans how their feelings dictate their behaviors and how to break the connection between their traumatic memories and the behaviors it creates.
• During group therapy, veterans will bond with their peers who are going through similar struggles. Therapists supervise group discussions, role-playing activities, creative self-expression, and other types of beneficial therapies while making note of any troubling behavior that needs attention.
• Another important aspect of addiction recovery is family therapy. This program helps restore broken trust and relationships with parents, siblings, spouses, and children. This program is essential for creating a stable and supportive home environment.

Looking into how addiction affects veterans shows higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance use disorders. Fortunately, there are several programs available in Texas that offer compassionate addiction recovery services that promote lifelong sobriety and other healthy life skills.

Enroll in a Veterans Addiction Treatment Center in Austin, TX, Today at BRC Healthcare

At BRC Healthcare, we support veterans who are struggling with addiction to alcohol, heroin, or other dangerous substances due to an underlying mental health condition. We are a full-service treatment center that offers the following programs and services:

• Separate men’s and women’s 90-day rehab programs
• Dual diagnosis treatment programs
• Trauma treatment programs
• Relapse prevention
• Spiritual coaching
• Family counseling

Take that essential first step by contacting us at 888.559.2036 today to discover all of the benefits of enrolling in our addiction recovery programs for veterans.