Veterans and those who are in the military deal with an extreme amount of trauma and experiences that they can’t even put into words, which can lead to substance abuse in veterans. Between PTSD, and the stress of going to war, being away from family, and everything else that comes with serving this country, substances are more accessible to numb the pain.

They also may deal with a lot of chronic pain that they cannot get a lot of relief from. Sleeping may be problematic, and their ability to return to civilian life may be too much to handle, making it difficult for them to sustain a job, relationship, or any other facet of a normal life. However, substance abuse can lead to other problems with more severe consequences like cancer and even death from an OD.

It’s essential that they are provided the resources to help them cope with their mental strain. Here are some resources for veterans who may be struggling with substance abuse and mental or physical health issues.

MentalHealth.gov 

MentalHealth.gov is a website that is dedicated to mental health and connecting individuals with resources. They have information on different, common mental health disorders from eating disorders to personality disorders. This is a great resources for veterans because they talk about anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, all common mental health disorders experienced by veterans.

They also have a section dedicated to those in the service. Not only are there resources for veterans, but also their families. Under this tab, they have resources like Military OneSource, which is provided by the Department of Defense and is a free service where families can speak about mental health problems. They also have the DCoE Outreach Center which stands for the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury which provides veterans information about psychological health and PTSD or traumatic brain injuries.

Not only do they give veterans and their families resources on where to go to receive help, but also information on how to pay for it. They have information about health insurance and even provide opportunities to participate in clinical trials.

SAMHSA

SAMHSA stands for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and is also another wellness website that provides resources on substance abuse. They have resources for anyone, including veterans and their families, to find treatment for alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, serious mental health, behavioral crisis care, and mental health and substance abuse disorder.

They also have a national helpline that you can call at 1-800-662-4357. This line is open 24/7 365 days a year. This service is free of charge, and if you have no insurance, then they will send you to the state office which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. They do not provide counseling, but connect individuals with the support they need in their own city. They also have resources like booklets and pamphlets about substance abuse, and how to find proper help.

VA.gov

The Veterans Association is also another great resources for veterans who may be experiencing substance abuse struggles. They understand that veterans who are struggling with tobacco, alcohol, street drugs and prescription medicines are not alone. The VA has many resources to help these individuals.

Some of these resources are medications. These medications include those that can help with the detoxification and withdrawal process that makes quitting substance use so incredibly difficult. They also can provide drug substitution therapies that help to reduce cravings, as well as nicotine replacement to help taper tobacco use.

In addition to medication therapy, they offer counseling and other therapy options like short-term outpatient, marriage and family, self-help groups, and residential care, as well as many other options. To aid with the roots of substance abuse, the VA also offers treatment to PTSD,  depression and other related mental health issues.

Accessing these services can be feasible for those seeking them out. In order to use these services, veterans need to apply for VA healthcare. After signing up, they talk with a VA primary care provider about substance use and the provider can help with the screening for substance use problems and related issues. Without a VA primary care, they have other options where they help veterans find programs near them either online, using the hotline, or through a local VA medical center. 

For those who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn, please contact the local VA medical center to speak with OEF/OIF/OND coordinators. The VA also has options for those without VA healthcare, including those who served in combat zones, are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.

Veteran Drug and Alcohol Rehab – American Addiction Center

Another resource for those struggling with substance abuse is the Veteran Drug and Alcohol Rehab. They acknowledge that those veterans returning from deployment and duty may be dealing with an array of challenges when trying to readjust to civilian life. One of the largest adjustments is dealing and coping with the traumas they may have experienced like injury, death of another, or sexual assault.

When the arrive back to civilian life, they may have to deal with chronic pain, PTSD, mental health issues, homelessness, and addiction. This resource has offices all over the country including in Dallas, Orange County, and Las Vegas. You can call them either for yourself or for a family member that needs the help at 888-409-4098. There is also a five minute assessment that veterans can take to help gauge whether or not they have a concerning issue.

The American Addiction Center has the Salute to Recovery Programs at Desert Hope and Recovery First were specifically created for veterans. Salute to Recovery is especially for military veterans who have been diagnosed with substance abuse and another co-occuring mental health diagnosis. The AAC accepts insurance providers in network, including TRICARE which covers active duty members, veterans, activated guard, and reserve members.

Diverse Health Services

For those veterans who struggle with a debilitating injury and may need help with their day-to-day functions, Diverse Health Services offers a number of services for veterans and their families. We hope to take the burden off of you and your loved ones so you can focus on your recovery from deployment, mental health, substance abuse, and anything else that may be bothering you.