For those who have served the country and witnessed combat, the journey home can be riddled with challenges, and for some veterans, this includes struggles with alcohol abuse and dependence. 10.5% of male veterans and 4.8% of female veterans are estimated to have an alcohol use disorder. For those affected, the first step toward recovery is detox.
San Antonio, a city known for its strong military presence, is an ideal place for veterans to begin their recovery journey in a safe, supervised setting. Alamo Behavioral Health is a proud provider of alcohol detox and treatment services for veterans in the San Antonio area. We recognize that veteran’s struggles are unique and must be treated in a sensitive, targeted way, and that’s what our programs are designed to do.
Understanding the Need for Specialized Veteran’s Alcohol Detox Programs
Veterans often face an array of challenges upon their return to civilian life. Transitioning from the structured environment of the military to a civilian lifestyle can trigger various mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Coupled with these challenges, some veterans turn to alcohol as a means of coping with their experiences or as a way to numb emotional pain or the scars left behind.
At Alamo Behavioral Health, our alcohol detox program in San Antonio has established specialized programs to aid veterans in overcoming alcoholism and restoring their lives.
What to Expect at an Alcohol Detox for Veterans in San Antonio
Alcohol detox programs offer a safe and supervised environment to detox in. Medications may be used to treat physician symptoms and therapies targeted for the needs of Veterans may be used to aid with the emotional and mental challenges.
The detox process involves:
Assessment and Intake
Veterans undergo a thorough assessment upon entry into a detox program. This assessment helps the team understand the veteran’s history, mental health status, alcohol use disorder (AUD) severity, and other underlying issues. The information forms the basis for tailoring a treatment plan that best fits the individual’s goals and needs.
Medically-Assisted Detox
Under the care of medical professionals, veterans undergo a supervised detoxification process that aims to safely remove alcohol from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. Throughout this phase, the team ensures the veteran’s safety and comfort by monitoring their symptoms and vitals and prescribing medications to alleviate their symptoms.
Alcohol withdrawal is usually treated with a benzodiazepine taper, with the dose being gradually reduced over a period of days or weeks. This can reduce the likelihood of complications such as seizures or delirium tremens (DTs).
Therapy
Both during detox and after, there is a focus on therapy and recovery. Veterans engage in various therapies designed to address the root causes of their drinking problem, equip them with coping mechanisms, and provide tools to manage triggers effectively. Therapy also addresses co-occurring mental health issues and trauma. Having psychosocial support during detox can be comforting and encouraging, motivating veterans to continue pushing forward.
Ongoing Support and Aftercare
Recovery doesn’t end with the completion of a detox program. Alcohol detox programs in San Antonio recognize the importance of ongoing support. Before leaving treatment, veterans are connected with community resources, support groups, and aftercare programs to ensure continued success in their recovery journey.
How an Alcohol Detox Program Can Help Veterans on the Road to Recovery
At Alamo Behavioral Health, our alcohol detox program is crafted with the specific needs of veterans in mind, offering comprehensive support, understanding, and tailored treatment methods.
A Holistic Approach to Recovery for Veterans
Our detox program takes a holistic approach to recovery, acknowledging that alcohol dependence often co-occurs with other mental health challenges or trauma, both of which are prevalent among veterans. Effective detox involves a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals, addiction specialists, and counselors. Together, they work to address the complex needs of veterans with evidence-based mental health care, therapy, and medically assisted detox.
Individually-Tailored Treatment Plans
Recognizing that each veteran’s journey to recovery is unique, our San Antonio alcohol detox program offers personalized treatment plans. Treatment plans consider the veteran’s history, experiences, and specific needs. From detox to rehab and ongoing support, every aspect of care is customized to ensure the best chance of successful recovery.
Specialized Therapies for Veterans
Our program incorporates evidence-based therapies proven effective in addressing alcoholism and commonly occurring associated mental health issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, trauma-informed care, and family counseling are just some of the specialized therapies offered to aid veterans in their recovery journey.
Learn More About Our Alcohol Detox Program for Veterans in San Antonio
Detox is the first and most essential step toward recovery. Detoxing at home can be dangerous, and in severe cases, it can be deadly. Fortunately, there is no need to detox alone when you can get the help you deserve at a veteran’s treatment center. If you or a loved one are struggling or would like to learn more about our detox programs, please contact us today.
