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Partner with The Last Resort for Effective Addiction Care
Discover new hope at The Last Resort, Austin’s premier men’s addiction treatment facility. We offer specialized addiction care tailored for veterans and provide a supportive environment where healing and recovery thrive.
Our unique approach combines compassionate support with evidence-based therapies to help veterans reclaim their lives from substance abuse and dual diagnosis issues. Join us at The Last Resort, where effective addiction treatment meets unwavering commitment to our heroes’ well-being.
Veterans face unique challenges when dealing with addiction, often stemming from their
military service experiences and the transition back to civilian life:[1, 2]
Many veterans have experienced traumatic events during their service, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Substance use can be a way to cope with these unresolved traumas.
Veterans often suffer from chronic pain due to injuries sustained in service. This can lead to the overuse or misuse of prescription pain medications, which may escalate into addiction.
Beyond PTSD, veterans may also struggle with depression, anxiety, or other co-occurring disorders. Substance use may be a way to self-medicate these symptoms.
Returning to civilian life can be isolating for veterans, especially if they feel disconnected from family, friends, or community. Substance use may offer a way to numb feelings of loneliness or alienation.
Veterans may face challenges in accessing timely and appropriate healthcare, including addiction treatment services. Issues such as stigma or bureaucratic hurdles can hinder their ability to seek help.
The military culture often emphasizes strength, self-reliance, and camaraderie. Admitting to or seeking help for addiction can be perceived as a sign of weakness or failure, making veterans reluctant to seek treatment.
Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that considers the unique needs of veterans. From specialized programs that integrate mental health care to trauma-informed therapy and peer support, it all plays a vital role in recovery.
Identifying signs of addiction in veterans can be vital for accessing the appropriate care:[3]
Veterans may start using alcohol or drugs more frequently or in larger quantities than before.
Exhibiting physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance, such as irritability, anxiety, or tremors.
Sudden mood swings, agitation, or hostility can indicate underlying issues related to substance use.
Strained relationships with family members, friends, or colleagues, often due to changes in behavior or priorities influenced by addiction.
Difficulty managing finances or borrowing money to support substance use habits.
Decline in physical health, such as unexplained weight loss, frequent illnesses, or neglecting personal hygiene.
Involvement in legal issues related to substance use, such as DUI arrests or other legal consequences.
Veterans may deny or minimize their substance use when confronted, or they may try to hide their behaviors.
It’s important to approach these signs with sensitivity and empathy, understanding the complex factors that contribute to addiction in veterans, such as trauma, PTSD, and difficulties readjusting to civilian life.
Encouraging veterans to seek professional help and support from specialized addiction treatment programs tailored to their needs can make a significant difference in their recovery journey.
More than one in ten veterans have received a diagnosis of a substance use disorder, a rate slightly higher than that observed in the general population.[4] Veterans also face several challenges that come along with substance use as well, including pain management, heightened suicide risk, trauma from military service, and the risk of homelessness.
Furthermore, more than two out of every ten veterans diagnosed with PTSD also struggle with a substance use disorder, with one in three who seek addiction treatment also suffering from PTSD.[5] These dual diagnosis challenges highlight the critical need for integrated and comprehensive approaches to address both conditions effectively among veteran populations.
At The Last Resort, we pride ourselves on creating an environment that resonates with veterans, built on shared values and structured support systems. Our approach provides veterans with a sense of security and predictability, helping veterans feel safer and more comfortable.
Moreover, we offer specialized programs tailored specifically for veterans, including equine therapy and structured 12-step programs that provide a familiar framework for the recovery process. Additionally, our Healing Heart program addresses the unique challenges faced by veterans and military personnel, offering targeted support and therapeutic interventions.
The Last Resort is a place where veterans find understanding, structured support, and innovative treatment. By respecting veterans’ values, providing unique programs, and offering specialized support, we make sure that you can start your recovery in a safe and supportive environment at our veterans’ addiction treatment center.
Healing from addiction and dual diagnosis challenges requires comprehensive care and a holistic approach to substance use treatment and addiction recovery. Thankfully, The Last Resort specializes in providing men with evidence-based therapies and a supportive community for our military veterans.
It takes courage and bravery to ask for help, and reaching out is the first step towards a brighter future. Engaging in treatment is an investment in yourself and your future. At The Last Resort, we have resources standing by to assist you and your family with addiction and dual diagnosis/mental health problems. Reach out today.
After completing a drug rehab program, you will typically transition to aftercare or ongoing support services. These may include outpatient therapy, support groups, and relapse prevention programs. The goal is to help you maintain sobriety and continue your recovery journey in a supportive environment.
To prepare for entering drug rehab as a veteran, consider gathering important documents such as your military discharge papers, health insurance information, and any medical records related to substance use or mental health issues.
It’s also helpful to communicate openly with loved ones about your decision and arrange any necessary logistics for your time at a recovery center, along with thinking about your specific needs for treatment.
If you know a fellow veteran who is considering treatment, offer non-judgmental support and encouragement. Listen actively to their concerns and provide information about available resources and treatment options.
Help them navigate the process by assisting with research, making phone calls, or accompanying them to appointments if they wish. Let them know they’re not alone and that seeking help is a courageous step towards healing.
[1] Teeters, J., Lancaster, C., Brown, D., & Back, S. (2017). Substance Use Disorders in Military veterans: Prevalence and Treatment Challenges. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, Volume 8(1), 69–77. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5587184/ on July 2, 2024
[2] Abuse, N. I. on D. (2019, October 11). Military Life and Substance Use. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/military-life-substance-use on July 2, 2024
[3] rfletcher. (2017, May 25). Recognizing Substance Use Disorders. Military OneSource. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/health-wellness/substance-abuse-addiction/understanding-and-identifying-substance-use-disorders/ on July 2, 2024
[4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Substance use and military life drugfacts. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-military-life on July 2, 2024
[5] Acierno, R. (2023). Substance Abuse in Veterans – PTSD: National Center for PTSD. Va.gov. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/substance_abuse_vet.asp on July 2, 2024
