Finding the right rehabilitation program is essential for becoming and remaining sober. Attending a program created specifically for veterans can help make the difference between getting sober and staying sober. In addition, veterans rehabilitation programs can help clients work through the issues causing their substance abuse while forming bonds with others who are going through the same situation.
What is a Veterans Rehabilitation Center?
A veterans rehabilitation center is a specialized treatment center designed to treat veterans’ drug and alcohol addiction. These rehabilitation centers can specifically address the issues that affect veterans that contribute to them having issues with substance abuse. Veterans rehabilitation programs treat not only substance use but also the underlying causes of substance abuse, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health concerns. These centers also give veterans a better chance to benefit from group therapies, where they can identify with one another regarding experiences few can truly understand.
What Do Veterans Rehab Centers Treat?
Veterans rehab centers can treat many different substance abuse issues, including addiction to alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medication. In addition, veterans treatment programs also address issues that may have caused or contributed to an individual’s substance use, known as co-occurring disorders. This dual treatment approach helps veterans become and remain sober even after leaving treatment.
What to Expect at a Veterans Rehabilitation Program
A few different things can be expected at a veteran’s rehabilitation center. First, the client will go through the intake process. After intake, the client will undergo a medically supervised detoxification program. Once detox is complete, clients attend a variety of different therapies designed to help them better understand their addiction and its causes. Both inpatient and outpatient programs are available. After the treatment program is complete, many rehabilitation centers provide their clients with aftercare services to help them maintain sobriety.
Intake
The intake process involves clients answering several questionnaires and completing various evaluations for the program. These assessments help the treatment facility better understand the client, their substance abuse problem, and any other medical issues they may have. For example, during the intake process, clients can expect to answer questions about any of the following:
- Demographic information
- Family History
- Mental Health History
- Education History
- Job History
- Substance Abuse History
Completing these evaluations to the best of their ability allows the facility to develop a personal treatment plan for the client, helping them achieve long-lasting sobriety.
Detoxification
Detoxification, also known as detox, is the beginning of most treatment programs. The detox process involves giving the body time to rid itself of any toxins that may be present due to the abuse of drugs or alcohol. Detoxification is typically completed in a medically supervised setting. This allows healthcare professionals to step in when necessary. Clients will experience withdrawal symptoms during detox, some of which can be uncomfortable, depending on the substance being abused and the severity of their addiction. The healthcare professionals who oversee the detox process can lessen some withdrawal symptoms through medication administration.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment
When choosing a rehabilitation program, clients will have to decide if they wish to attend inpatient or outpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment requires clients to live on the treatment center campus for the duration of their treatment. Outpatient treatment allows clients to continue living at home and attending work or school during their treatment program. Outpatient programs are ideal for those with less severe substance abuse issues, unavoidable responsibilities like work or children, and a strong at-home support system.
Do I Need Inpatient Treatment?
Inpatient treatment is typically recommended for those looking for substance abuse treatment. This type of treatment provides clients with the highest level of care and around-the-clock support from staff members. Attending inpatient treatment is particularly important for those with severe substance abuse issues and those with a long history of substance abuse. Clients with co-occurring disorders are also advised to attend an inpatient rehabilitation program.
How Long Do Veterans Rehabilitation Programs Last?
Rehabilitation programs vary in length depending on the needs of the client. While longer stays are typically recommended for most clients, stays that are shorter in length can also be very beneficial to those attending a treatment program. The schedule of the client often impacts the decision when it comes to program length.
- 30-Day Programs: 30-day rehabilitation programs are commonly the shortest program option for clients dealing with substance abuse issues. Stays of this length are practical for those with busier schedules, and they give the client time to really get into the program and experience time as a sober individual. Clients who have support systems at home and no co-occurring disorders may attend programs of this length.
- 60-Day Programs: 60-day programs give clients a longer period of time to delve into the deeper issues that may be influencing their substance abuse issues. These programs give patients the opportunity to get to know others in the program better than stays of shorter length.
- 90-Day Programs: 90-day programs are more involved than shorter programs. Three-month programs allow clients to build personal relationships with others who have gone through similar trials in life, which have resulted in instances of substance abuse. Clients who have co-occurring disorders and severe cases of substance abuse are recommended for these kinds of programs.
Rehabilitation Therapies
There are a variety of therapy options for veterans who are attending a rehab program. Most treatment programs require clients to attend individual as well as group therapies. Individual therapy gives clients a chance to discuss things they may not feel comfortable talking about in front of a group. Group therapies help clients relate to one another and form a support system with others who can understand them.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and Dialectical behavioral therapy are two common therapy programs found in most treatment centers. These therapies help clients identify thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to their substance abuse and determine how to change those thoughts and behaviors.
Aftercare
Aftercare programs take place when a client completes their rehabilitation program. Aftercare helps patients throughout the process of returning to their day-to-day lives outside of treatment by providing them with much-needed support along the way. Aftercare programs may include continued counseling and 12-step programs, which clients can continue attending once they are back home.
Traveling for Treatment
Deciding whether or not to travel for treatment can be a difficult decision. Many clients wish to attend a veterans drug rehab near me, remaining close to home. Others may elect to travel for treatment. Staying close to home can help clients feel comfortable when entering into a treatment program, as they know their surroundings. Those who decide to travel may find that being in a new area gives them a sense of a new beginning, where they can enter into sobriety.
Paying for Treatment
Both Medicaid and Medicare health insurance plans are government-funded and help veterans cover the cost of rehabilitation programs. Each program has different eligibility requirements. These programs and other health insurance programs will likely cover at least part of the cost of a treatment center stay.
Covering Rehab Without Insurance
Aside from insurance, most rehabilitation programs are willing to work with clients to cover the cost of their treatment. Payment plans are often an option for those attending rehab. Reaching out to family and friends to help cover the cost of treatment is also an option.
Attending Drug Rehab for Veterans
Admitting you need help as a veteran can be difficult, but you don’t have to struggle through addiction alone. Rehabilitation programs for veterans help clients overcome their issues with addiction in order to live their lives to the fullest as healthy and sober individuals.
