Veterans and Alcohol Addiction: Treatment

Through the Salute to Recovery program within these facilities, we cater to Veteran populations battling addiction and mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, loss, grief, and anxiety can get specialized care while in rehab. Those facilities offering specialized programming tailored specifically to their experiences can utilize various evidence-based therapeutic modalities to encourage healing.

Alcohol Misuse Among Veterans

Topping the list of misused substances by military personnel is alcohol, with alcohol addiction being the most prevalent form of substance use disorders (SUDs) among military personnel.¹ This may be due to the military’s zero-tolerance policy on drugs and mandatory random drug testing that might deter drug use.¹ Also adding to high rates of use is the easy availability of alcohol and drinking opportunities for personnel, whether on base or on deployment.² 

Veterans work in environments that expose them to intense, often traumatizing situations, which may lead to heavy alcohol use as a coping mechanism. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), compared to civilians, military service members have been shown to drink alcohol at higher rates.³ 

Additionally, military personnel with more exposure to combat tend to have higher rates of heavy (26.8%) and binge (54.8%) drinking than other military personnel (17% and 45%, respectively).¹

Unique Programming for Veterans Struggling with Alcoholism

If you are a Veteran and you choose to seek treatment for alcoholism, it is important to know that your program can vary based on facility. However, common examples of what your programming may look like include the following:

Discussing Veteran Alcohol Treatment

When you call a treatment center, a trained specialist may be able to walk you through what the process looks like and discuss what is needed in order for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cover treatment. You may need to call your local VA office to schedule a consultation for them to determine if they have the resources for your specific needs. Based on availability, you may be able utilize benefits with the VA to receive care for alcohol treatment if you don’t have insurance or another means to pay for treatment (private pay).

Once you complete the consult, it will take a few days before hearing back from the VA as to whether they’ll approve treatment for you within the chosen facility or at the VA. If  you choose an inpatient rehab program, you may partake in several different treatment approaches such as:

• Medical stabilization and detoxification with medical monitoring.
• Multidisciplinary assessment and testing.
• Intensive relapse prevention.
• Individual therapy.
• Family therapy.
• Group work.
• Life skills.
• Wellness program. 

During your time with in treatment, you may experience these types of approaches and therapies through 12-step programs, PTSD education, anger management, and/or addressing grief and loss counseling. 

Therapy Approaches for Veterans

Treatment for Veterans is evidence-based and focuses on approaches that can help create strategies for positive decision-making and lifestyle changes. Some of these evidence-based therapies includes:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT allows individuals to work on identifying and shifting negative cognitive (thinking) patterns and behaviors in order to better cope with situations that can lead to substance use.⁴ A couple of different therapies that fall under the umbrella of CBT include:
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): The goal of ACT is to help individuals develop a realistic view of themselves that is not based on overall statements regarding their abilities or effectiveness.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This type of therapy helps individuals learn new skills, and whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in building a life worth living.⁵ When successful, patient will learn to imagine, express, pursue, and sustain goals that are independent of behaviors that are out of their control (e.g., substance abuse).⁵
• Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR therapy focuses on changing the way that the memory is stored in the brain in order to reduce or eliminate problematic symptoms.⁶
• Four Agreements Group Guide: Based on Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements, this group explores the tenants of truth and how to handle assumptions, deal with harm, and do the best you can.
• The Neuroscience of Addiction: By teaching the science of addiction, individuals can better why they’re addicted and how to overcome it.
• Family Systems Theory: This type of therapy looks at the family as an emotional unit and maintains that patterns of interactions between members may call forth, preserve, and perpetuate both problematic and non-problematic behaviors.⁷
• Pain Management Group: Often, Veterans are physically injured in the line of duty and the pain stay with them for years to come. Our pain management group works to address and deal with these physical pains.

Completing Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Depending on your length of stay, once you’ve finished your rehabilitation program, you can work with the staff to develop an aftercare plan with you. They can assist you in finding ongoing assistance and continued support in your everyday lives in order to maintain long-term sobriety. Aftercare efforts vary but include sober-living arrangements, continued sessions with a therapist, and ongoing participation in peer support groups such as 12-step programs, Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, Al-Anon, and Nar-Anon.

Ready to Seek Treatment?

If you’re a Veteran who’s ready to seek alcohol rehab, don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Learn more about where you can find Veteran-specific treatment by using our online rehab locator tool right now.