Drug addiction is one of the most complicated and baffling diseases that there is. Knowing how to treat drug addiction, however, is pretty simple. We’ve come a long way in terms of medical care for drug and alcohol abuse, and today there is plenty of comprehensive, effective treatment available for those struggling — just like there is for cancer or any other chronic disease. Here’s how drug rehab for veterans works.
Understanding Addiction in Veterans
Veterans are more likely to struggle with drugs or alcohol than the average citizen. When it comes down to it, that’s because they are more likely to have experienced traumatic or stressful events. Unresolved trauma and mental health problems like depression, anxiety, or PTSD often trigger and perpetuate addiction. They are the fuel for the fire and it can consume your life if you don’t address it.
Drug Detox
Drug rehab starts with detox — the process of removing foreign substances from your system. As we often say in recovery, “Nothing happens until you’re clean and sober.” You can’t hope to find and resolve the issues that are causing your drug abuse while you’re still high. Getting clean is a first step, and the rest of drug rehab is about learning how to stay that way.
Drug detox and withdrawal is very uncomfortable and dangerous, if not managed correctly. Over months or years of use, your body becomes accustomed to foreign substances and removing them is a shock. Attempting detox under medical care is always the best option. Your vitals will be monitored 24/7 and you can even be prescribed medication to make the experience more comfortable.
Drug Addiction Treatment Plan
Once you’re clean and sober, the treatment team at your drug rehab will work with you to put together an appropriate treatment plan. These caring professionals will listen to your story and your goals, and recommend the types of therapies best suited to help you get better — and stay that way.
Every day will include a mix of treatment types: from group therapy, to one-on-one counseling, to innovative treatments like EMDR that have been shown to be especially effective for veterans. There’s also plenty of time for rest and recuperation, or for forming friendships with other people who are going through the same process as you. Downtime is just as important to the recovery process as serious therapy. In short, every minute of your day will be helping you along the road to recovery.
Drug Addiction Treatment Aftercare
From the first day of your addiction treatment, your team will be thinking about and planning your aftercare — what happens after rehab. Drug addiction recovery is only good as long as it lasts, and your team will set you up with a plan and tools to help you stay clean and sober once you leave residential addiction treatment.
Your aftercare plan will be developed with your lifestyle and goals in mind, but could include continuing counseling, intensive outpatient addiction treatment, sober living, 12 Step fellowships, and more. When you leave, you’ll have everything you need to continue on the road of recovery.
Paying for Addiction Treatment
Are you ready to get started? Addiction treatment may be more affordable than you think. Call us today and we’ll verify your insurance benefits for you, so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not. Verifying your insurance is a no-commitment process that allows you to get the information you need to make a healthy choice. Or, if you have more questions about drug rehab for veterans, let us know.
