Veterans suffer from substance use disorder at an alarming rate. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 veterans who have a substance use disorder have struggled with illicit drugs, while 4 in 5 have struggled with alcohol use. In addition, 1 in 4 struggle with a serious mental illness. These numbers are sobering, especially if your loved one is struggling with substance use disorder.
1st Step’s substance abuse and mental health treatment program for veterans is offered to provide exceptional support and ensure a full recovery, no matter what you or your loved one is struggling with. More so, you may be able to use your VA benefits to cover the costs of your care.
How Your VA Insurance Can Help Pay For Treatment
1st Step has partnered with the VA Community Care Network to help veterans with OptumServe insurance who are struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues pay for treatment. If you have VA insurance through the VA Community Care Network, there’s a likely chance you can use it to help pay for treatment. In addition, for men and women who served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces with a severe disorder, VA disability benefits may also help cover the cost of your care. That may include providing coverage for any co-occurring mental health disorder you have alongside substance abuse.
What Type of Rehab for Veterans Is Right for You?
Treatment for veterans should always be individualized to meet your specific needs. As a veteran, you may be suffering from a wide range of conditions that make it very difficult for you to manage your day-to-day life. You may even be facing physical illness from substance use. If you struggle with some of the addiction and mental health problems veterans commonly face, you should call 1st Step at (855) 425-4846 to see if your treatment is covered under your insurance.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
It is very common for veterans to struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as a substance use disorder. When both conditions occur at the same time, which is called co-occurring disorders, individuals typically need to seek professional addiction treatment for veterans to address both conditions at one time.
Pain Medication Addiction
Most veterans deal with chronic or debilitating pain after returning home from combat or deployment and are treated with prescription drugs like pain pills and other forms of pain relief medication. Oxycoton and similar drugs often come with the risk of addiction as the drugs become habitual to the user. While not the veteran’s fault, substance abuse can take over and turn into a hard-to-beat addiction leading to other serious substances. Lastly, these drugs can put you at a high risk for overdose so it’s important to address sooner than later.
Emotional Trauma and Substance Use
There are times when a person may suffer significant emotional trauma due to their experiences, this could come from psychological turmoil they’ve faced or military sexual trauma. Turning to substances is often the outcome to ease those thoughts and difficult experiences.
Alcohol & Illicit Drug Addiction
Although pain medication may be more common among veterans, that doesn’t mean drugs and alcohol aren’t also used to numb the pain of PTSD and other military-related issues. Alcohol abuse is just as easy to fall into and has just as many negative effects on one’s life and family. When paired with other substances, alcohol and drugs can be a deadly combination.
Bipolar Disorder
A common mental health issue among veterans that is often forgotten is bipolar disorder. The traumatic events veterans face can lead to serious mental health disorders, which can be lessened or even cured with treatment. Veterans with bipolar disorder can experience a range of symptoms, including noticeable swings in energy, mood, and behavior including manic or hypomanic episodes. If bipolar disorder is something you or a loved one is struggling with, treatment might be the right option.
Emotional Trauma and Substance Use
There are times when a person may suffer significant emotional trauma due to their experiences, this could come from psychological turmoil they’ve faced or military sexual trauma. Turning to substances or medication is often the outcome to ease those thoughts and difficult experiences and can lead to mental health disorders and addiction.
Top-Rated Substance Abuse Program for Veterans
1st Step Behavioral Health has helped veterans struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues for over 20 years with a 99% approval rating from alumni. We treat each patient as if they are family and make sure they are given the individualized support needed to address their needs.
Making the decision to get help is not easy but drug rehab for veterans can be very effective at helping to break dependence and work through the difficulties of mental health disorders. Treatment may be multi-faceted to include medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and holistic therapy. In the right setting, you may be able to learn how to manage your addiction and build a healthy future for yourself.
In some situations, you may be able to receive treatment for mental health disorders and substance use for free or with a small copay. This is dependent on your disability, income, and military record.
Get the Treatment You Need
Treatment from mental health and substance abuse can provide you with a new start to your future. You deserve the highest level of care possible. You may not be sure what your future holds, but if you reach out to 1st Step’s addiction treatment center and speak to an admissions counselor, you will learn more about the treatment options available to you. That includes helping you pay for treatment using your VA Community Care Network Insurance plan through OptumServe.
Don’t wait any longer to seek the help you deserve. Give us a call at (855) 425-4846 or contact us today.
