Whether you are a veteran, are a family member of a veteran, or are just a civilian who has a loved one who has served in the military, you probably know that addiction is a problem that affects a lot of people. However, there are some treatments that are available for people who are dealing with addiction. These treatments include Alcoholism Treatment, Opioid Treatment, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Alcohol
Among the many services the VA offers to Veterans, alcohol addiction treatment is among them. This is no surprise considering the fact that alcohol misuse is rampant among military personnel. However, not all Veterans can get help for their addiction.
One of the most common issues resulting in addiction is trauma. During service, injuries and traumatic events can have a profound impact on a person's health. As a result, many veterans turn to drugs and alcohol to ease the symptoms of mental health disorders. In addition, the military's rigid structure can keep mental illness at bay.
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is another common contributing factor to veterans' addiction. Symptoms include depression, nightmares, and flashbacks. While drinking may numb the pain, it can actually exacerbate symptoms of PTSD.
Opioids
Currently, the VA provides SUD services in both inpatient and outpatient settings. These services include individual therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and group therapy.
A study of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) found that 68,000 Veterans were diagnosed with opioid addiction in 2015, representing about 13 percent of all Veterans prescribed opioids. This number rose from 55% in 2010, indicating that Veterans are increasingly at risk of substance abuse.
The study also looked at the relationship between opioid prescription and PTSD, or posttraumatic stress disorder. It found that veterans with PTSD were significantly more likely to receive prescription opioids than those without PTSD.
DBT
Thousands of Veterans have substance abuse issues. These issues may be triggered by combat, joblessness or homelessness. There are many options for treatment. In many cases, veterans will need to attend inpatient or outpatient programs.
One of the most effective treatments is an evidence-based approach. This involves an individualized treatment plan that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), and Wellness Education.
CBT helps Veterans develop more balanced thoughts and behaviors. It also helps them identify negative triggers and replace unhealthy habits with healthier ones.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) focuses on a series of conversations between a Veteran and a provider. MI helps the Veteran recognize and recognize their own personal motivations for change.
CBT
Whether they are returning from their military service or they are new to the United States, Veterans often face the challenge of substance abuse. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers treatment options, but the wait can be long and bureaucratic.
The VA's services for substance abuse are based on scientifically proven treatment options. Treatment programs include individual therapy, group therapy, medications, and tobacco addiction. In addition, the Department of Defense has developed addiction prevention strategies since the 1970s.
The most common substance of abuse for Veterans is alcohol. Alcohol provides a temporary release from mental illness symptoms, but it can also lead to chemical dependence, including pill addiction.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a therapy that incorporates rhythmical stimulation to stimulate the brain's information processing system. The goal of this type of therapy is to help patients process painful memories. The technique also helps reduce avoidance behavior. This type of therapy is not commonly used for treating psychotic disorders, but it has been used in chronic pain treatment.
Tesarz and associates (2013; EMBASE) conducted a systematic review of EMDR and chronic pain. They screened MEDLINE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to identify observational studies. They examined whether EMDR reduced pain intensity in non-specific chronic back pain patients who had psychological trauma. The researchers also assessed anxiety and disability.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect everyday life, relationships, and work. It is estimated that two out of every ten veterans who have PTSD also suffer from substance use disorder (SUD). Fortunately, PTSD and SUD can be treated together with an integrated care plan.
PTSD and addiction are complex issues. It is important that treatment providers are on the same page when helping dual diagnosis patients. Often, the symptoms of PTSD and addiction are similar, but their causes are different. In other words, a person may be predisposed to PTSD because of his or her temperament or biological makeup.
