The number of US military veterans who struggle with addiction is staggering. Those who have seen combat may suffer from multiple mental health disorders. Mental health disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, and more can stem from trauma. Trauma induced mental health disorders can lead to substance abuse in many cases and create a dangerous addiction. Luckily, addiction treatment for veterans in Utah is available at Recovery Ways.
Veterans and Co-Occurring Disorders
Veterans who suffer from substance abuse and PTSD or other mental health disorders are diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. The term co-occurring describes someone as a mental health and addiction problem that fuel one another. The severity between the two can vary and also change over time. In fact, compared to those who suffer from a single disorder, individuals with co-occurring disorders experience much more difficult challenges and require extensive treatment to correct the issue.
Addiction Treatment for Veterans at Recovery Ways
Recovery Ways works closely with the Veteran population who have mental health and addiction issues. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, an average of 20 veterans commit suicide every day. Recovery Ways offers a dual diagnosis program that includes detox, residential, partial or day treatment, Intensive Outpatient, and aftercare services. Their unique on-site occupational therapy program provides sensory integration and neurofeedback. This helps those individuals who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is often found amongst Veterans and first responders.
Although most cases of PTSD stem from past combat, Veterans can also develop PTSD from sexual abuse. Roughly 23% of veteran women admit to being the victim of sexual assault during their time in the military. Common signs of PTSD include:
- Memory problems
- Traumatic flashbacks
- Aggression
- Trouble Sleeping
- Self-destructive behavior
This year for Veterans Day, Recovery Ways will be donating care packages created by staff and current patients to the local Veterans Affairs hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, to honor our country. They will also cater a gratitude lunch to the behavioral health clinicians who serve this population at both Hill Air Force Base and the National Guard in Salt Lake.
Get Help at Recovery Ways Today
If you know a veteran who is struggling with addiction, mental health, or both, reach out to Recovery Ways today. Their addiction treatment programs are here to help veterans overcome their addiction and begin living a happy and healthy life once again.