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Substance abuse affects many military veterans but it often goes untreated due to stigma and fear of repercussions. Although illicit drug use is lower among U.S. military personnel than among civilians, heavy alcohol, tobacco use, and prescription drug abuse are a lot more prevalent and on the rise. We’ll explain why substance abuse is increasing among veterans, the role mental health plays in addiction, and the different ways to find a rehab for veterans whether it’s through the Veterans Affairs (VA) drug and alcohol treatment programs or through private providers, like Rally Point, that specialize in veteran drug addiction. As a TRICARE provider, we’re proud to serve those who have served us.
Substance Abuse & Military Veterans
Military veterans face unique physical, emotional, and mental health issues from civilians which can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD). Combat and sexual trauma are two common causes of PTSD among veterans and the VA reports that over 11 percent of veterans who have seen combat experience PTSD.¹
According to the VA²:
- More than 2 of 10 veterans with PTSD also have SUD
- War veterans with PTSD and alcohol problems tend to be binge drinkers; binges may be in response to bad memories of combat trauma
- Almost 1 out of every 3 veterans seeking treatment for SUD also has PTSD
- The number of veterans who smoke (nicotine) is almost double for those with PTSD (about 6 of 10) versus those without a PTSD diagnosis (3 of 10)
- In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, about 1 in 10 returning soldiers seen in VA have a problem with alcohol or other drugs
Since these two issues often overlap, drug rehabs for veterans need to offer personalized programs to address these needs.
Prescription Drugs and Alcohol Use In The Military
In spite of the low level of illicit drug use (which is likely due to the military’s zero-tolerance policy), abuse of prescription drugs and alcohol use is higher among service members than among civilians – and it’s increasing. In 2008, 11 percent of service members reported misusing prescription drugs, up from 2 percent in 2002 and 4 percent in 2005.³ Most of the prescription drugs misused by service members are opioid pain medications.
The greater availability of these medications and increases in prescriptions are a couple of reasons for the growing misuse by service members. Also, combat-related injuries and the strains from carrying heavy equipment during multiple deployments likely play a role in this trend.
When it comes to alcohol, almost half of active duty service members (47 percent) reported binge drinking in 2008 – an increase from 35 percent in 1998. In 2008, 20 percent of military personnel reported binge drinking every week in the past month and the rate was higher (27 percent) among those with high combat exposure.
A 2012 report prepared by the Institute of Medicine (IOM Report) for the Department of Defense recommended ways to address the issue of substance use in the military:
- Increasing the use of evidence-based prevention and treatment interventions
- Expanding access to care
- Broadening insurance coverage to include effective outpatient treatments
- Better equipping healthcare providers to recognize and screen for substance use problems so they can refer patients to appropriate, evidence-based treatment when needed
- Measures limiting access to alcohol on bases
The IOM Report also notes that addressing substance use in the military will require increasing confidentiality and shifting a cultural climate in which mental health and substance use issues are stigmatized and evoke fear in people suffering from them.
Treatment Options In Palm Beach, Florida
There are a variety of military drug and alcohol rehab programs in Palm Beach to suit your specific needs. Below are some common treatments:
- Detoxification: The management of withdrawal symptoms, or detoxification, may be appropriate for those experiencing acute phases of substance use withdrawal. This level of care requires the personnel and facilities of a hospital or a Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Facility (SUDRF).
- Residential Treatment: For people who have a significant impairment that interferes with normal functioning and they’re unable to function in the community with only outpatient services. Individuals in this level of care don’t require the services of a hospital full-time, however, residential treatment centers are able to provide a highly structured therapeutic environment with 24-hour services.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): This level of care is appropriate when a person has significant impairment from substance abuse that interferes with normal functioning. Individuals often transition to PHP after detoxification or residential treatment or if they’re unable to maintain a healthy lifestyle in a lower level of outpatient care. Services may be provided during the day, evening, night, or weekend and individuals usually reside in a recovery residence for added support.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): For individuals with a substance abuse disorder who need stabilization, symptom reduction, or prevention of relapse. Individuals can transition to IOP after completing a higher level of care, like PHP, or if regular outpatient care is not appropriate. Services may be provided during the day, evening, night, or weekend and individuals may reside in a recovery residence for added support or live at home.
- Outpatient (OP): Outpatient treatment includes individual, family, or group psychotherapy. Individuals can transition to OP after completing a higher level of care like PHP or IOP.
Finding the right treatment is an important step in your recovery. When looking for drug rehabs for veterans, it’s essential that the treatment provider not only treats co-occurring disorders (like PTSD, SUD, depression, anxiety, etc.) but they also use effective treatment practices like cognitive behavioral therapy and the staff is trained in trauma-informed care.
Treatment Costs
It’s hard to put an exact number on treatment costs because it can vary depending on the treatment you’re getting, where you go, and whether insurance will cover it fully, partially, or none. Fortunately, insurances have come a long way in increasing their coverage for substance abuse and addiction treatments. Furthermore, many alcohol and drug rehabs have financing options and sometimes even military discounts. Don’t let treatment costs keep you back from seeking help from a veterans drug rehab in Palm Beach, Florida.
Tricare Coverage
Tricare covers a lot of the treatment options we discussed earlier (with prior authorization) but like other insurances, its coverage does contain limits on the type and duration of alcohol and drug rehab services that will be fully funded. These limits may involve what forms of treatment you may receive and the amount of time that you may remain in treatment. Tricare may cover all expenses related to treatment for substance abuse or addiction but it’s also possible that you may be responsible for paying for part of your care.
To confirm what services Tricare will cover at Rally Point, please feel free to contact us at any time. When you call, one of our dedicated staff members will collect information from you to help determine the type, scope, and duration of addiction treatment services that Tricare will cover for you or your family member.
Below is a list of TRICARE insurance plans we accept:
- TRICARE Prime
- TRICARE Prime Remote
- TRICARE Prime Overseas
- TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas
- TRICARE Select
- TRICARE Select Overseas
- TRICARE For Life
- TRICARE Reserve Select
- TRICARE Retired Reserve
- TRICARE Young Adult
- US Family Health Plan
How Long Does Treatment Last?
Depending on the pre-assessment, required level of care, length of the stay, amenities provided, and location, we can determine which low-cost rehab options or high-end program are best for you and your family. When it comes to the recovery program costs, it’s important you ask appropriate questions and expect to receive clear answers. Let us help you make the right decision.
How To Find Treatment?
There are several ways to find treatment options. You can:
- Ask a family doctor or other medical professional for a recommendation
- Contact Tricare for in-network providers and out-of-network options
- Browse the VA’s online directories for PTSD and SUD programs
- Check out online resources such as the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers’ directory or the accredited providers listed on CARF International and The Joint Commission websites
Please note that a treatment provider that is recommended or listed on these websites isn’t necessarily a guarantee of quality. Always research the treatment provider, look up reviews, and if possible, schedule an in-person meeting. Also, be careful with Internet-based commercial directories, generic websites, ads offering free treatment placement, websites that offer unsolicited referrals, or unverifiable treatment center rankings.
Rally Point – Serving Those Who Have Served Us
We’re an alcohol and drug rehab located in beautiful Palm Beach, Florida. Not only are we a state licensed and Joint Commission accredited facility, our dedicated staff is also trained in trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, co-occurring disorders treatment, and more. With veterans on our staff, we’re able to provide a supportive, non-judgmental community for our veteran clients. Contact us on our 24/7 confidential hotline at (888) 797-2559 or take our online assessment to get started on your personalized treatment plan.
Rally Point Palm Beach Rehab
1130 Elizabeth Avenue
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
(888) 797-2559
info@rallypointpb.com