Veterans with mental health issues or a history of interpersonal trauma are at increased risk for addiction andVeteran Addiction Treatment Program alcoholism. While the general public is aware that veterans are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), most people who talk about PTSD in veterans have never experienced military combat. Being unable to deal with combat-related trauma causes many veterans to explode when they experience an emotion similar to how they felt during combat. And family members pay the price.

At Viewpoint, we hold our veterans in the highest regard, and we strive to offer the mental health services Arizona veterans need. Offering psychological care is the least we can do to repay the men and women who fought for our country. If you think a veteran in your family might be using drugs or alcohol to cope with military-related trauma, contact Viewpoint Dual Recovery in Prescott, AZ, at 855.746.3633.

Repressing Combat Trauma Does Not Eliminate it

After serving in the military, many individuals may have experienced things that trigger mental health concerns. For instance, PTSD commonly appears in those who served in a war. Unless the veteran addresses the impacts of their service, they could face a lifetime of suffering from PTSD and complications, such as substance abuse.

Rehab for veterans takes a dual diagnosis treatment approach to healing. This method includes therapies that help clients to stop substance abuse and to overcome PTSD or any other mental health concerns. To ensure the success of the program, clients may require months of long-term outpatient care. However, a thorough recovery program may lessen relapse chances for clients.

PTSD Treatment for Veterans

PTSD is a serious condition that can cause those affected to experience symptoms that may include any of the following:

  • Flashbacks of the event
  • Nightmares
  • Insomnia
  • Severe anxiety
  • Distrust of others

These symptoms may not disappear on their own. For those affected, finding a rehab for veterans program that also includes post-traumatic stress disorder treatment is preferable. Psychological counseling and other therapies can help clients to break out of the cycle of reliving their traumatic experiences and move on to a life without PTSD. For instance, behavior therapy can help clients to change their thoughts and behaviors to healthier ones. Holistic therapy helps treat the client’s body and mind as a whole. Medications may ease automatic thinking or chemical imbalances that prevent progress in recovery.

Substance Abuse Treatment Program for Veterans

Substance abuse is a complication that those with PTSD may develop. The symptoms of PTSD can make getting through the day without chemical assistance difficult. Some people will use drugs or alcohol to numb their thoughts to prevent flashbacks or fight the effects of insomnia. Whatever substance used, addiction can set in, requiring care when the client gets treatment for PTSD.

A substance abuse treatment program for veterans that accompanies PTSD recovery has a dual purpose. First, the program helps the clients to overcome PTSD through various therapies. Secondly, it addresses addictions, why they happened, and how the clients can overcome them.

Without treating PTSD, the veteran may leave a substance abuse treatment program and relapse because they still experience the mental struggle with PTSD. 

For Mental Health Services in Prescott, AZ, Contact Viewpoint

Veterans in need of substance abuse recovery and PTSD treatment have a resource near Prescott, AZ, at Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center. We offer dual diagnosis treatment for mental health concerns and substance abuse that come as complications. With our team of qualified, professional staff, we want veterans to feel cared for as they seek recovery. Call us at 855.746.3633 or let us know a good time to contact you by filling out our online contact form. Through our programs that put mental health recovery at the forefront, we offer each client a chance for a new vision, hope, and life.