After returning from a war, a veteran may find it difficult to adjust to the civilian life setting; it might be because of a change in environment, past trauma, or even chronic pains from injuries. Some even find it challenging to manage the physical wounds and emotional damage that they have experienced during the war. In such conditions, there are high chances of a veteran indulging in alcohol and substance abuse to overcome their pains and damage. To overcome such problems, the number of veteran-specific addiction treatment programs is increasing at a rapid rate to tackle this concern.
Understanding The Problem
As compared to the general public, the chances of a veteran wallowing in alcohol and substance abuse are much higher. There are several factors behind this problem that directly or indirectly impact the use of alcohol in a veteran’s life.
War Traumas
Wars are not just physical battles between the two countries; they significantly impact the mental health of people who are fighting. With critical physical injuries, these people simultaneously face fear, loss, and violence just in front of their eyes. After wars, these people find it very difficult to overcome such traumas, and some even experience problems like nightmares, stress, insomnia, memory flashbacks, and depression. To overcome such mental health issues, it is seen that the majority of veterans choose addictive substances as their coping mechanism, which ultimately leads to alcohol or drug addiction.
Physical Pains
Military services involve intense physical training, 24/7 physical and mental attentiveness, and wars. During intense training sessions and wars, army people were exposed to severe fights, accidents, and bodily injuries. These acute injuries are pretty painful, and veterans find it challenging to manage pain. These chronic pains are so extreme that veterans choose the option of opioid pain medication, which is addictive. Veterans find it a practical and relaxing option and become dependent on such drugs. Some even indulge in alcohol and substance abuse to avoid physical discomfort.
Adjusting Back to Normal Life Setting
Discipline is the prime component of military service. And the structure of life is different there. Veterans often feel the absence of purpose and camaraderie after returning to standard life settings. They find it challenging to make a new network and step up the pace of a different world. This often leads to isolation and loneliness, which ultimately encourages a veteran to go for the option of alcohol as their coping mechanism.
Accessibility and Capacity to Consume Alcohol
Veterans have a high tolerance for alcohol, which makes them more dependent on it. Wartime consumption and military occasions make them tolerant of alcohol. After returning to homes and in a different phase of life and environment, veterans find it very difficult to manage their consumption, which often leads to stress in a family. Some veterans fall victim to drug addiction during the time of their deployment, which increases the chances of use even after returning to their homes.
Veteran-Specific Programs: A Holistic Approach
Veterans who indulge in alcohol addiction and drug abuse need a different environment to overcome. Traditional treatment programs are not very effective, as veterans need specialized environments and attention. Veteran assistance programs are designed to fulfill the specific needs of people who have served.
Here are some key features of veteran-specific programs:
Trauma Specialists
Special programs for veterans include psychiatrists and professionals who are experienced enough to understand the role of past traumas in addiction. These specialists use cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy to understand the traumas of an individual and healthily treat them.
Military-like Environment
Veteran assistance programs understand the importance of military culture in veterans’ lives. Therefore, the staff members in these special programs are trained to understand military vocabulary and customs, which creates a favorable environment for veterans. In such an environment, they feel comfortable and safe enough to express themselves freely.
Also, these addiction treatment programs understand the challenges veterans face when they return to a standard life setting. To address such problems, these programs are designed so veterans feel less alone in their recovery journey.
A Sense of Belonging
In veteran programs, veterans meet other people who have served and share experiences with each other, which helps them learn from each other. Also, they feel connected when they meet people facing similar issues. Some veteran-specific programs also allow old members to mentor newly enrolled veterans. This stimulates a sense of purpose and motivation in the respective parties and benefits them.
Reintegration in Civilian Life
Apart from controlling the veterans’ addictive habits, another important aim of these programs is to reintegrate them into normal life settings. Adjusting back to everyday life requires some skills and training. These programs include vocational training, educational sessions, group discussions to support veterans, and workshops to learn basic civilian life skills. Some programs also offer help in finding new jobs and employment opportunities.
Family Support
Apart from various behavior therapies and group discussions, veteran programs also include special sessions in which they invite the family members of veterans and guide them regarding several challenges veterans face during recovery and the type of unique support they need. These programs also include sessions in which veterans and family members discuss issues, which helps in resolving relationship conflicts.
Benefits Of Veteran Specific Programs
Programs specially designed for veterans are a holistic option, as they not only manage addiction but also address the root cause behind it. Here are some of the benefits of veteran-specific programs:
Addressing the Root Cause
Addiction treatment centers for veterans focus on the underlying reason behind the addiction, which is trauma and chronic pain. Addressing these issues leads to comprehensive treatment and reduces the chances of relapse.
Peer Support
Peer support plays an essential role in addiction recovery. Veteran-specific programs help veterans stay committed to recovery, as they feel connected when they see other veterans with similar challenges.
Mental Health
As we have discussed, addiction treatment centers for veterans offer a military-like environment where veterans feel comfortable expressing themselves. This prevents them from getting isolated and ultimately helps them in getting rid of depression and trauma.
Battle Against Addiction Can Be Won With Help
Addiction in veterans is not only a threat to them but also to their families. Addiction is a worldwide problem affecting many, but it affects veterans differently. The extent of their addiction varies with their traumas and emotional damage from wars. Veteran-specific addiction treatment programs are designed to cater to veterans’ particular needs and help them recover effectively and holistically. Remember, addiction may be challenging, but it is a battle that one can win with perseverance, patience, and the right help.
