Military veterans have a much higher chance of developing a substance use disorder or addiction than civilians due to the often damaging nature of deployments. In an attempt to cope with the negative and often intense mental aftermath of these experiences, many individuals begin self-medicating. Turning to drugs, alcohol or both might temporarily alleviate symptoms of pain, mental health disorders and trauma, but when the effects wear off, you’re right back where you started.
Knowing that addiction treatment centers exist is the first step, and then finding a program that specializes in the unique nature of veteran addictions is the second step. In this article, we’re going to dive into addiction detoxification treatment for veterans struggling with a substance use disorder.
What is a detox program?
Detoxification is also known as withdrawal management. A detoxification (detox) program is a medically supervised process that supports a person through the elimination of substances and other toxins from their body. Withdrawal management can be inpatient or outpatient.
Inpatient detox means that a person will stay in a medically monitored facility 24/7 during the detox process. A residential detox is often the best option for anyone who has severe withdrawal symptoms that may be life-threatening and who may have been using a substance regularly, if not daily, in great quantities for a long period of time.
Outpatient detox is ideal for anyone whose substance use is great enough to incur withdrawal symptoms that are difficult to deal with on their own but do not require 24/7 care. Outpatient detox is still medically supervised and requires counseling as part of a full behavioral healthcare treatment plan.
This structured form of treatment is one of the first steps of addiction recovery, as it enables the individual to receive professional support and assistance for managing the accompanying withdrawal symptoms.
The phases of a detox program commonly include an initial assessment, ongoing care and supervision, gradual tapering from the drug (for those with a high risk of severe withdrawal), and the possibility of medication management.
Addiction doesn’t discriminate, and men and women from various backgrounds and in all careers can develop a substance use disorder. Veterans, however, are at a much higher risk for developing an addiction than the average civilian because of the inherent risks, danger and traumatic nature of their job.
Veterans and substance use
A positive drug test for a service member can result in them facing dishonorable discharge and even criminal prosecution. This zero-tolerance policy, which can demand sobriety throughout active duty, can leave certain individuals more susceptible to substance use once they’re out of the military and without this structure.
Additionally, exposure to toxins, hostile environments, extreme temperatures and trauma are just a few of the harsh encounters that deployed military personnel frequently experience. Once these individuals have left the military, though, many of them develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and struggle to adjust to civilian life.
The transition to the civilian role can be especially difficult, but a large number of military personnel still hold a stigma against seeking professional help. Unable to manage their symptoms without the proper treatment, many individuals turn to alcohol and illicit drug use in order to manage deteriorating mental health and/or physical pain.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, reach out to us today.
Find a veteran program near you
Freedom Detox is a premier inpatient detoxification center for men and women ready to begin recovering from drug or alcohol use disorders. Whether you’ve just begun to develop a disorder or have been struggling with an addiction for a while, it’s never too late to reclaim your health.
We are proud to be part of the Veterans Affairs Community Care Network (VA-CCN).
The VA-CCN consists of facilities that are approved to accept veteran benefits, giving veterans timely and more convenient access to behavioral healthcare. Using industry-standard practices and guidelines, the Community Care Network administers prompt treatment and payment.
Send us a message or give our team a call today at (800) 475-2312 to speak with one of our qualified advisors and learn more about how we can support you in your recovery.
