Veterans' Addiction Treatment

Addiction Treatment for Veterans at Muse Treatment

After leaving active military duty, veterans face many challenges trying to assimilate back to civilian life. In addition to dealing with the stresses of transitioning to a new career and role at home, many veterans also have to deal with the trauma of combat, which can lead to turning to drugs and alcohol to cope. For veterans struggling with substance abuse, Muse Treatment offers a specialized addiction treatment for veterans that acknowledges and addresses their specific addiction treatment and mental health needs through trauma and PTSD therapy in Los Angeles.

What Do Most Veterans Suffer From?

Due to the high stress of the job and exposure to extremely traumatic events during combat, most veterans suffer from some form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This severe mental health condition is often triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events during military service. Symptoms of PTSD veterans can experience include recurring nightmares, severe anxiety, intrusive memories, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance.

Another condition many veterans suffer from is traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its long-term mental health issues. TBI often results from explosive blasts, combat injuries, or sudden impact experiences. Symptoms that TBI can cause include cognitive impairments, depression, and difficulties with social interactions and employment. These all can lead veterans to develop substance abuse issues when trying to manage their mental health conditions.

Which Drugs Do Service Members Most Abuse?

With military combat and training often producing severe injuries, many service members are prescribed opioid medications for pain management. Unfortunately, this has led to prescription medications being among the most abused drugs among military service members, with many of them becoming dependent after receiving these medications. Painkillers like hydrocodone and oxycodone have a particularly high level of abuse, with many service members reporting misuse of these medications.

Due to their easy access and high acceptance in society, alcohol and marijuana are also among the most common substances abused by service members, with binge drinking being especially prevalent among younger veterans. Many veterans seeking treatment for substance use disorders report alcohol as their primary substance of abuse, while a significant percentage also use marijuana as a coping mechanism for managing chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disruptions due to their military experiences.

How Many Veterans Suffer From Addiction?

The amount of veterans struggling with addiction is a significant public health concern. The rates of PTSD and addiction in veterans are quite high compared to the general population. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports that between 15% and 29% of veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom experience PTSD at some point in their life. In comparison, between 14% and 21% of Gulf War veterans are affected by PTSD at least once in their lives.

Statistics show that different generations of veterans exhibit varying addiction patterns, with post-9/11 veterans showing higher rates of substance abuse compared to veterans from earlier conflicts. For those suffering from addiction, having access to specialized treatment programs targeting veterans’ unique addiction challenges that address both substance abuse and underlying mental health conditions has proven to be the most effective form of treatment.

Why Do Veterans Get Addicted?

Military service members face many challenges, including working in a high-stress environment that can lead to physical injuries and psychological trauma, which are proven triggers for substance abuse. The military culture, combined with stress management challenges and potential mental health issues like PTSD and alcoholism, contribute to substance abuse patterns.

The fact of life for veterans is that they experience chronic pain, military sexual trauma, and higher rates of suicide compared to the general population. The transition back to civilian life increases these challenges, with many veterans facing unemployment, homelessness, and struggles with mental health services. These challenges and increased risk of physical and emotional trauma make comprehensive support and specialized addiction treatment critical for their well-being.

Access Addiction Treatment for Veterans at Muse Treatment

Muse Treatment offers addiction treatment for veterans through a specialized program designed to provide a holistic approach that validates military service, understands the specific stressors of military experience, and offers tailored therapy sessions that honor the individual’s military background. Muse Treatment aims to create a supportive environment that acknowledges the profound sacrifices and challenges veterans have endured. Our specialized veterans addiction treatment program not only aids addiction recovery but also offers a sense of purpose to those who have served in the military. To learn more about the options for addiction treatment veterans can access, please call Muse Treatment at 800-426-1818 today.