Treatment Options for Veterans
Many veterans experience the ravages of war and combat first-hand. Most anyone put through these types of experiences carries some form of emotional and even psychological scarring. Couple this with the wide range of physical injuries that take place, and it is little wonder drug addiction affects so many veterans in one form or another.
Not unlike anyone else struggling with drug addiction, there are treatment options for veterans to help them overcome. Doing so can mean the difference between struggling with a lifelong addiction and living a drug-free life. Fortunately, the U.S. Veterans Administration makes needed treatment help readily available for veterans wanting to break an addiction habit.
Drug Abuse Causes
Treatment is available to veterans with substance abuse and mental health issues!
Alcohol, street drugs and even prescription medications all offer easily accessible ways for veterans to escape from painful memories and difficult emotions. For veterans who have been injured in combat, prescription medications intended as treatments can quickly become the source of an uncontrollable habit. Whether dealing with difficult emotions or treating a medical condition, alcohol and drug abuse issues create whole other sets of problems, both physical and psychological.
Many veterans suffer from a range of psychological conditions, some of which include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety disorders. These conditions can drive most anyone to alcohol and/or drugs as a means to self-medicate distressing symptoms. Over time, ongoing drug use starts to affect a person’s health, relationships and ability to hold down a job.
Veterans affected by drug abuse and addiction issues struggle with chronic conditions that only become progressively worse with time. Treatment options are many, though each person’s individual needs determine which types of treatment will work best.
The Veterans Administration or VA consists of a network of treatment facilities located in most every area of the country. Veterans affected by pain pill addictions, alcoholism, psychological disorders or drug addiction can find the types of supports and guidance needed to overcome drug abuse problems.
Veterans Administration Services
Veterans seeking help from the Veterans Administration undergo a comprehensive assessment process to determine a person’s specific treatment needs, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs site. The types of services offered by the VA cover a wide range of treatment approaches as well as assistance benefits. Some of the services offered through the VA include:
- Marriage and family counseling
- Outpatient therapy
- Outpatient drug treatment
- Detoxification services
- Support groups
- Medication-assisted therapies for drug addiction problems
- Residential care
- Aftercare drug treatment services
- Vocational training assistance
- Job search assistance
- Housing assistance
VA Drug Treatment Options
For the most part, VA drug treatment options are the same as those offered anywhere else in terms of the types of facilities and treatments used. As drug addictions can take any number of different forms, some veterans may best benefit from receiving multiple treatment approaches, such as therapy and medication while others may only require therapy treatment.
As many veterans develop psychological problems from experiences had while serving in the military, counseling treatment plays a central role in helping veterans overcome both psychological and substance abuse problems.