Veteran PTSD Programs: Addressing Substance Abuse in Utah
STEPS RECOVERY CENTERS Free ConsultationFind A FacilitySteps Recovery Centers has many programs that help people with substance use disorders like alcoholism, addiction, PTSD, and trauma. We use the most effective methods to help people struggling with taking control of their lives to heal completely. Our goal is to help people who have lost hope return to a place where they can find peace. Our treatment services include a range of clinical services and intensive outpatient treatment options, including the following:
- Alcohol Rehab
- Medical detox
- Drug Rehab
- Mat
- Relapse prevention
- Residential treatment
We have more than one location in the state of Utah. Each site is designed to help individuals get the treatment they need and start living the life they’ve always wanted. These locations are St George and Payson.
St. George and Payson Veterans Homes for Addiction Recovery
St. George Inpatient
We understand that a person’s environment can significantly impact their recovery journey. Our goal is for our clients to heal in the best possible environment. We make extra effort to keep our facilities clean and attractive.
Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment where our clients can feel safe. We conduct individual therapy to ensure they completely recover.
St. George Outpatient
Our outpatient rehabilitation facilities are addiction recovery centers open to everyone. They are designed to provide a safe environment for recovery. Treatment professionals have the experience to assist and support the struggle of substance use disorder. These professionals have proven experience with drug and alcohol addiction.
Payson Detox
When treating a patient with opioid addiction, medically-assisted recovery programs are the safest solution. Patients require access to affordable, medically assisted treatment as soon as possible.
Medication-assisted treatment uses FDA-approved pharmaceuticals, behavioral therapies, and counseling for a comprehensive approach. FDA-approved drugs include Suboxone and Vivitrol. These drugs help to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings.
Payson Inpatient
For a more holistic approach to treatment, we use the 12-step process. For the recovery process to begin, we must first attempt to know each patient’s unique circumstances. We provide residential drug and alcohol rehab in Payson, UT. Some of our services include a residential therapy program and seasonal team-building activities like kayaking and volleyball.
Because of our unique founding narrative, we have a different perspective on the trials and tribulations of residential addiction rehabilitation. It allows us to be effective in the treatments we provide and more empathetic.
Orem Outpatient
Our outpatient in Orem can provide addiction treatment to everyone, but we have specialized programs for veterans. Here, we provide evidence-based therapies to help those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse.
Our behavioral health therapists are available to military veterans every weekday and are ready to get you or your loved one started with our rehab programs.
Murray Outpatient
Our Murray treatment facility has a substance abuse treatment program capable of aiding virtually any kind of drug addiction. Our treatment options range from cognitive behavioral therapy to drug addiction treatment to dual diagnosis treatment for patients suffering from mental illness.
Our on-staff therapists are always ready to help military veterans in need of addiction therapy.
Understanding Veterans’ Mental Health
Veterans’ mental health is a critical aspect of their overall well-being, and it’s essential to understand their unique challenges. Military service can expose individuals to traumatic events, stress, and other experiences that can affect their mental health. Common mental health conditions among veterans include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder. These conditions can significantly impact a veteran’s daily life, relationships, and overall quality of life.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers various mental health services to support veterans, including counseling, therapy, and support groups. Veterans can access these services at VA medical centers, vet centers, or through telehealth services. Veterans need to seek help if they’re struggling with their mental health, as early treatment can lead to better outcomes. By addressing mental health conditions promptly, veterans can improve their quality of life and regain a sense of normalcy.
How Bad is Substance Abuse in Veterans?
When treating a patient with opioid addiction, medically-assisted recovery programs are the safest solution. Patients require access to affordable medically-assisted treatment as soon as possible.
Medication-assisted treatment uses FDA-approved pharmaceuticals, behavioral therapies, and counseling for a comprehensive approach. FDA-approved drugs include Suboxone and Vivitrol. These drugs help to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings.
The Impact of Trauma on Veterans
Trauma can have a profound impact on veterans’ mental health, and it’s essential to understand the effects of trauma on their well-being. Traumatic events, such as combat, military sexual trauma, or traumatic brain injury, can lead to the development of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These conditions can affect a veteran’s ability to function in daily life, maintain relationships, and overall quality of life.
The VA offers specialized treatment tracks for veterans who have experienced trauma, including cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE). These therapies have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD and improving mental health outcomes. Additionally, the VA offers support groups and counseling services to help veterans process their traumatic experiences and develop coping strategies. By providing these specialized treatment options, the VA aims to help veterans heal and lead fulfilling lives.
Reducing Stigma and Promoting Recovery
Veterans can also play a role in reducing stigma by speaking openly about their mental health experiences and encouraging others to seek help. By promoting a culture of openness and support, we can help reduce stigma and promote recovery among veterans. Additionally, the VA offers resources and support for veterans who are struggling with mental health conditions, including online therapy and counseling services, support groups, and educational resources. By accessing these mental health services, veterans can take the first step towards recovery and improve their overall well-being.
Changes in Personality Due to Mental Health Conditions
When veterans use alcohol and drugs to deal with their feelings, their personalities can potentially change dramatically. This mostly happens if the person has had a brain injury, has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or has experienced pain from an injury. Family members might take these changes personally, causing tension and conflict within the family system, highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health care.
Being Unable to Connect After Military Sexual Trauma
Veterans with PTSD frequently experience emotional distance. They may have difficulty reconciling romantically with their spouse or partner. When one spouse emotionally withdraws, builds a wall, and hides behind drugs, the other begins to feel rejected. When veterans go through such phases, their family members should seek advice to resolve the situation. Active duty service members also face similar challenges, and addressing these issues early can prevent long-term emotional distance.
Coping Mechanisms
Although a veteran may have been the first to suffer substance abuse, the problem tends to spread. Others in the family often pick up this bad habit to assist them in dealing with their feelings.
Teenagers in the family may start using alcohol and drugs for the first time. Similarly, if the veteran’s spouse doesn’t want to deal with an unhappy or abusive partner, they may start drinking or doing drugs with their friends. Sometimes, the veteran’s children or spouse will drink or use drugs with them to try to reconnect with the family.
Financial Trouble Due to Substance Abuse
Veterans with drug and alcohol problems may be unable to keep a steady job. This causes frustration making the veteran and other family members anxious or depressed.
If veterans’ drug problems are not treated, they may hurt themselves or become violent. They may start thinking about committing suicide or engaging in domestic violence.
The veteran’s family should seek substance abuse treatment for their loved one from our facility. We will help them learn how to deal with their new lives healthily.
Statistics On Substance Abuse On Veterans
- About 7.1% of American veterans met the criteria for a diagnosis of substance abuse between 2004 and 2006. The rate was about 25% for veterans between 18 and 25.
- From 2002 to 2008, the number of service members on active duty who misused prescription drugs went from 2% to 11%. Opioid painkillers like OxyContin (oxycodone) and Vicodin (hydrocodone) account for the most prescription drug abuse in the military.
- In 2008, almost half of service members on active duty said they had binge-drunk alcohol, and about 20% said they had done so in the last month. Service members who had been in more battles were more likely to report binge drinking.
- About 18.5% of soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq have PTSD or depression. About 20% of veterans who have PTSD also have a problem with drugs or alcohol. Nearly 10% of soldiers from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars say they have issues with drugs and alcohol.
- About 82%-93% of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans who were diagnosed with substance abuse also had a mental health disorder at the same time.
Programs For Veterans With Substance Abuse
- Medical Detox: Our admissions staff will decide if detox is needed based on what they find out. The process usually takes between 5 and 10 days.
- Residential Treatment: It’s a place where the veteran’s well-being, health, and recovery are the only things that matter.
- Day Treatment: Day treatment programs, also called Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), are outpatient programs that meet daily. They include individual, group, and family therapy.
- Intensive Outpatient Program: IOP, or intensive outpatient programs, help veterans move from a higher level of care to a lower level.
- Family Support: Mental health and drug abuse affect the whole family. Including a client’s family in their treatment plan makes it much less likely that they will relapse.
- Alumni Aftercare: Clients and veterans are welcome to come to aftercare whether they are going through a hard time or want to keep in touch with friends and get help.
Find Support for Substance Abuse with Intensive Outpatient Treatment at Steps Recovery Centers
Veterans often need treatment for mental health and substance use disorders such as alcoholism, addiction, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and depression. Treatment centers can help veterans get their life on track while building a foundation for recovery. Our treatment facility has proven experience assisting veterans to overcome their addiction to drugs or alcohol. We also aim to provide comprehensive mental health care to address other conditions impacting veterans’ quality of life.
Visiting helps them recover completely. We use a dual-diagnosis treatment program focusing on substance use disorders and mental health.
Contact us today to get started.
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