Veterans Rehab Program at Design for Change Recovery

When veterans return to civilian life after deployment, they often struggle to adapt.  Because of the nature of their duties, they may have been exposed to traumatic experiences.  As a result, many veterans often suffer from PTSD and other mental health disorders.  The combined challenges often lead to the use of drugs and alcohol as a form of self-medication.  Veterans rehab programs will be required by a large percentage of veterans to overcome their addictions.

Design for Change Recovery recognizes the unique needs of veterans who struggle with substance use disorders.  For that reason, we offer a customized treatment program developed specifically for them.  We are committed to helping veterans navigate the challenges of adapting to civilian life without turning to substance use as a coping mechanism. 

Our full continuum of care empowers veterans to regain control of their lives through a personalized plan of evidence-based therapies.  We believe they have earned the right to enjoy a healthy, productive life and we are here to help them reach that goal.

Prevalence of Substance Use Among Veterans

Prescription drug abuse is a major concern among veterans.  Many of them were treated with painkillers due to injuries sustained during their service.  A high percentage of them become dependent or addicted to the drugs.  As a result, more than one in ten veterans struggle with substance use disorders.  

The need for addiction treatment that addresses the unique challenges faced by veterans is demonstrated by these statistics:

  • Alcohol use disorders:  10.5% males – 4.8% females
  • Drug use disorders:  4.8% males – 2.4% females
  • Illicit drug use:  38.0% males – 29.0% females
  • Prescription drug use:  18.0% males – 14.0% females

About 70% of veterans with SUD do not get the treatment they need.  We encourage veterans who need treatment to reach out for help.  Design for Change will work with you, your insurance company, Medicare, or the VA to arrange affordable, high-quality treatment.  

Does Veterans Rehab Provide Dual-Diagnosis Treatment?

Overall, veterans with depression and PTSD are three to four times more likely to develop a substance use disorder.  Studies show that about 60% of veterans with PTSD also struggle with substance dependence or addiction.  One disorder fuels the other and the individual is caught in a vicious cycle.  Our veterans rehab program is designed to target both disorders simultaneously to break the cycle.

Dual-diagnosis treatment addresses co-occurring mental disorders and substance use disorders, also referred to as comorbidity.  Different types of dual diagnosis include addiction along with depression, bipolar disorder, or trauma.  An effective veterans rehab must include therapies that focus on each of these contributing factors.

Our veterans rehab program provides trauma-focused, evidence-based practices such as:

Scientific research has proven that the options listed here promote a whole person healing that makes it possible for individuals to remain sober for the long term.

Successful treatment for veterans with dual diagnosis involves identifying the underlying causes of substance use and developing a treatment strategy that encompasses all of the mental, physical, and emotional factors. 

Can Veterans Rehab Help Prevent Suicides?

Military experiences can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health and may lead a person to use addictive substances as a coping mechanism.  Design for Change provides tailored treatment plans that facilitate emotional healing. Our program equips clients with the skills and tools to effectively manage their mental health challenges without resorting to substance use.  

Suicides among veterans may be reduced significantly through veterans rehab programs.  Approximately 6,146 veteran suicides occurred in 2020, according to the VA Suicide Prevention’s Annual Report.  However, after receiving proper treatment, many veterans have gained the confidence and motivation needed to reclaim their place in society.  Design for Change strives to reduce the number of suicides by helping veterans overcome substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Do Active-Duty Service Members Need Addiction Treatment?

Substance use among active-duty military personnel can cause a wide range of problems. Service members who use drugs or alcohol have difficulty maintaining discipline, readiness, and overall mental and physical health.  

Active deployment is a significant risk factor for substance use in the military.  Also, individuals who have multiple deployments are more likely to develop stress and trauma.  As a result of their ‘invisible wounds’, they may use medication to help them cope with their combat-related issues.  

Although the military conducts random drug testing and offers resources for those with substance use disorders, many service members don’t get the help they need.  They face possible disciplinary action for admitting to drug or alcohol abuse, and often fail to realize that continued substance abuse may have even more severe consequences.  Because of this, many service members return home carrying the burden of a drug or alcohol problem.

Does Insurance Cover Veterans Rehab Programs?

Veterans have various options when it comes to paying for rehab.  The Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits assist with treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.  Furthermore, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires all long-term health insurance plans to provide coverage for addiction treatment.  

At Design for Change, we help veterans get the high-quality addiction treatment they need.  We provide veteran-specific programs and are in-network with various insurance companies to help veterans get affordable care such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Carelon, Cigna, Kaiser, Magellan, Humana, Beacon, and more.

For those who have private insurance along with their VA benefits, we will help you determine which coverage will be the most beneficial. 

Veterans rehab programs covered by insurance include, but are not limited to:

  • Detoxification
  • Counseling
  • Therapy
  • Support Groups
  • Psychiatric Evaluations
  • Medication Management
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
  • Dual-Diagnosis
  • Outpatient or Residential Treatment
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Our treatment advisors will verify insurance and work with the provider to arrange the right level of care for each client’s needs.

Veterans Rehab Program at Design for Change Recovery

Design for Change realizes that returning to civilian life can be wrought with many challenges.  If you are struggling to adapt to everyday life after active duty, and have turned to drugs or alcohol for solace, contact us now.  We will explain the benefits of our unique veterans rehab program and guide you through the admissions process.

Located in scenic Lancaster, CA, the facility instills a sense of comfort and security so clients feel nurtured as they undergo treatment.  Our compassionate staff members are dedicated to meeting the needs of every client so they never feel isolated or alone at such an emotional time.

As a JCAHO-accredited facility, Design for Change consistently meets stringent standards in client care and safety required to receive the accreditation.  Our treatment methods are proven to be effective in addressing any addiction.

Veterans walked a difficult path during deployment.  We want to help them eliminate drug or alcohol problems that threaten to keep them on an even more challenging journey.  If you are struggling with substance use, reach out to us by phone, email, or online to speak with one of our knowledgeable treatment advisors today.

Sources:

mentalhealth.va.gov/ – National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report

nida.nih.gov – Substance Use and Military Life DrugFacts

va.gov/ – Substance Use Treatment for Veterans