It is not uncommon for those who are serving or have served in the military to struggle with substance abuse. United States military members are likely to face challenges and hardships that other American citizens are not subjected to. This can lead to feeling isolated or lonely from the rest of society. It is also more common for veterans to struggle with PTSD or other mental health conditions like depression. Each of these can lead to someone deciding to abuse substances to cope with negative thoughts or emotions.
When someone struggles with addiction, it can feel scary and overwhelming, but help is available. At Evoke Wellness Ohio, we understand the causes of substance abuse in veterans and why it is more common among this group. We offer many addiction treatments and therapy programs to help all our patients, regardless of background, get the support they need. If you or a military member you know is struggling with substance abuse, our veterans addiction treatment program can help.
Understanding the Causes of Substance Abuse in Veterans
While serving in the military, veterans may be exposed to traumatic experiences, such as combat, that are difficult to process. Witnessing warfare can lead to difficult thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Once an individual’s service time is over, they can experience significant challenges returning home to civilian life. Veterans can experience various hardships and circumstances that can cause them to abuse substances.
Below are some of the common causes of substance abuse in veterans:
- Struggling to cope with traumatic experiences or experiencing PTSD
- An undiagnosed mental health condition, like depression
- Difficulty reintegrating into society
- Feeling emotionally distant from friends and family
- Financial troubles
- Trouble with family life
- Returning to an unhealthy environment
- Experiencing grief and loss
Every veteran’s struggles with addiction and experiences in the military are unique. However, these various challenges and circumstances can lead to an individual using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate as a coping mechanism for negative thoughts and emotions. If you or someone you know are struggling with substance abuse, do not wait to seek professional help.
Why Veterans Struggle with Substance Abuse
At Evoke Wellness Ohio, our staff has an understanding of the various reasons why veterans struggle with substance abuse. Because veterans face uniquely difficult situations that the average citizen may not be able to relate to, some may feel more comfortable in a veterans addiction treatment program. There are many benefits for veteran patients to participate in our program.
The benefits of our veterans addiction treatment program are:
- A safe and healthy environment
- Structure and routine
- Access to various evidence-based treatments and therapy programs
- Experienced staff who can provide support and understanding
- Lifeskills training and education opportunities
Understanding the causes of substance abuse in veterans can help you provide proper support to the veterans in your life. Those who served may be battling PTSD, healing from injuries, or experiencing other hardships. If they turn to substances as a coping mechanism, they must receive professional treatment. Evoke Wellness Ohio will not only help veterans become sober but will help them begin healing and improve their physical and mental well-being.
Veterans Addiction Treatment Program at Evoke Wellness Ohio
At Evoke Wellness Ohio, we aim to help everyone in our care uncover the root causes of their addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Some of the additional programs and services veteran patients can participate in are:
- Drug and alcohol detox
- Medication-assisted treatment programs
- Residential treatment program
- Intensive inpatient treatment program
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
- Rehab aftercare program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Dialectical therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Individual therapy program
- 12-step addiction treatment program
To learn more about our treatment or to get started on your recovery, contact our team today at 866.430.9267.
