Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment for Veterans
Serving in the United States Armed Forces often involves experiences that are unimaginable to those outside the military. Service members face prolonged separations from loved ones, exposure to violence and injury, and the profound loss of comrades. These challenges can lead to mental health struggles such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which, when left untreated, may contribute to the development of substance use disorders.
While many facilities offer mental health and substance use treatment, few specialize in addressing the unique needs of veterans. Fortunately, this is changing—and we are proud to be part of that change. The Aviary Recovery Center offers Tactical Recovery, a program specifically designed for veterans.
Real Help for Those Who Serve
Many veterans hesitate to seek mental health or substance use treatment because they fear that providers may not fully understand their experiences. This concern can create a barrier to care, as veterans may doubt the effectiveness of therapy offered by someone unfamiliar with military life.
To address this, Tactical Recovery was thoughtfully designed in collaboration with the national nonprofit PsychArmor. Summit Behavioral Healthcare, the parent company of The Aviary Recovery Center, created this program to ensure veterans receive culturally competent, trauma-informed care.
The Tactical Recovery program emphasizes evidence-based practices, coupled with compassion and understanding. Practitioners listen closely to each veteran, developing personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique experiences and needs. These plans incorporate proven strategies to help veterans recover from mental health and substance use disorders.
Dual-Diagnosis Treatment for Veterans
In addition to doubts about whether providers will understand their experiences, veterans may avoid seeking help for other reasons. For example, some veterans believe they should be able to overcome their challenges through sheer willpower. This dangerous misconception can prevent individuals from accessing effective treatment.
Mental health and substance use disorders are not signs of weakness but are brain disorders that require professional care. Just as teamwork is essential in military environments, addressing these challenges often requires the support of trained professionals and evidence-based interventions.
Feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment may also deter veterans from seeking help. They may worry that asking for assistance reflects poorly on their strength or resilience. However, it is crucial to understand that seeking help is not a failure but a step toward healing. At Tactical Recovery, veterans are met with support and care—not judgment or shame.
Addressing mental health and substance use issues promptly is vital. Early intervention can prevent these challenges from escalating and pave the way for recovery.
Tactical Recovery at The Aviary: Ready to Serve
At The Aviary Recovery Center, we deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by those who serve our country. Through Tactical Recovery, we strive to give back by providing high-quality, veteran-focused treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.
If you are a veteran grappling with depression, anxiety, anger, or other mental health challenges, we are here to help. If you have turned to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism, we can guide you toward sobriety and lasting recovery.
Tactical Recovery offers a clear and proven path to better mental health and substance use treatment. Reach out today—because you deserve the care and support you need to thrive.
Helping Veterans Overcome Substance Use Challenges at Safe Harbor
Veterans often face unique hardships that increase their vulnerability to substance use disorders. Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, is dedicated to helping Veterans and their families navigate these challenges and find lasting recovery.
A Growing Concern: Substance Use Disorders in Veterans
Despite efforts by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and other organizations to curb substance misuse, the problem continues to grow. Multiple factors contribute to substance use issues among Veterans, including:
- Military-specific challenges: Combat exposure, deployments, and the transition back to civilian life.
- Medical conditions: Physical injuries or chronic pain.
- Mental health concerns: Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Work-related stress: Difficulties in employment or career transitions.
- Relationship struggles: Strains in family or interpersonal connections.
- Suicidal ideation: Increased risk of suicide and self-harm.
Alarming Statistics on Substance Use and Mental Health in Veterans
The intersection of substance use and mental health issues is especially dangerous for Veterans. Consider these statistics:
- Substance use and suicide: Around a third of military suicides involve alcohol or drugs, and about 20% of deaths from high-risk behaviors are due to overdose.
- Suicide rates: Veterans account for roughly 20% of all suicides in the U.S., with a rate 1.5 times higher than that of non-Veterans.
- Substance use prevalence: Approximately 11% of Veterans meet the criteria for a substance use disorder.
- Common substances: Alcohol and nicotine are the most frequently misused substances among Veterans, with men more likely than women to experience problematic drug use. Prescription drug misuse is also on the rise.
Certain groups are at higher risk: younger and unmarried Veterans are particularly vulnerable to addiction, reflecting broader trends in the general population.
Barriers to Treatment for Veterans
Several obstacles can prevent Veterans from accessing the care they need:
- Geographic challenges: About 41% of VA-enrolled Veterans live in rural areas, limiting their access to in-person or specialized mental health services. Telehealth and remote care options can help bridge this gap.
- Cultural barriers: The military culture of hypermasculinity and self-reliance may discourage Veterans from seeking help, as they may perceive asking for assistance as a sign of weakness.
- Stigma: Negative perceptions around addiction treatment can deter Veterans. Renaming “addiction clinics” as “mental health clinics” has been suggested to reduce this stigma.
The Impact of Substance Misuse
Substance misuse can worsen existing mental health issues and lead to additional health complications.
- Alcohol and PTSD: Among recent Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars diagnosed with substance use disorders, 63% also meet the criteria for PTSD.
- Opioid misuse: Veterans with co-occurring mental health conditions are more likely to be prescribed opioids, increasing their risk of overdoses, accidents, and violence-related injuries.
- Other diagnoses: Veterans with substance use and mental health disorders face higher risks of seizures, liver disease, HIV, schizophrenia, and other serious conditions.
Tactical Recovery: Specialized Care for Veterans
Safe Harbor Recovery Center’s Tactical Recovery program is designed to meet the specific needs of Veterans and their families. As a PsychArmor-certified facility, we integrate lived experiences into our care by employing Veterans and individuals in long-term recovery. Service dogs are also welcome in our facilities.
Key components of the Tactical Recovery program include:
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): When appropriate, MAT helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Counseling services: Mental health and addiction counseling tailored to each Veteran’s unique experiences.
- 12-Step programming: A structured approach to recovery rooted in peer support and personal accountability.
Partnering with Veterans on Their Recovery Journey
At Safe Harbor Recovery Center, we are honored to serve those who have served our country. We work closely with Veterans and their support systems to provide compassionate, evidence-based care.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use or mental health challenges, know that help is available. Our Tactical Recovery program offers the tools and support Veterans need to heal, recover, and thrive. Reach out today to begin your journey toward a healthier future.
