Veterans in the United States deserve acknowledgment and gratitude for their service. Military members and veterans make sacrifices to defend our freedoms and protect our country without asking for anything in return.

A veteran’s service continues after they complete their military careers. Many veterans face challenges as they reintegrate into civilian life. Mental health conditions and substance use disorder (SUD) are common challenges among the nation’s veterans.

Veterans deserve effective, compassionate treatment to help them overcome mental health disorders and addiction. This article will explore how veterans can find supportive dual-diagnosis treatment in Texas.

If you or a veteran you love struggle with mental health challenges or substance abuse, you are not alone. Find effective, supportive treatment programs at Alamo Behavioral Health.

At Alamo Behavioral Health, we offer comprehensive treatment programs tailored to meet veterans’ unique needs. Contact our specialists to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is a Dual Diagnosis?

Someone living with a diagnosed mental health condition and substance use disorder (SUD) has a dual diagnosis. People with a dual diagnosis meet the diagnostic criteria for a mental health condition and drug or alcohol abuse.

People receive a mental health diagnosis from a medical doctor or mental health professional. These practitioners perform mental health and substance use evaluations that examine:

• A person’s past and current substance use
• Mental health symptoms and history of mental illness
• A complete medical history
• Family history of SUD and mental health conditions
• A physical exam
• Lab testing

These assessments allow practitioners to diagnose SUD and mental health disorders properly. They also determine which level of care is appropriate.

Veterans face unique challenges during military service and civilian life that increase their risk of developing mental health conditions and substance use disorder (SUD).

Veterans with a dual diagnosis may experience symptoms of:

• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety or panic disorder
• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Personality disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

These and other mental health conditions can cause symptoms that contribute to substance abuse and addiction. They can also complicate SUD treatment.

People with a dual diagnosis require specialized treatment services to address addiction and mental health issues. Dual-diagnosis treatment programs for veterans provide tailored care for military veterans living with a dual diagnosis.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

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What to Expect From Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual-diagnosis treatment programs provide treatment for mental health conditions and substance use disorder (SUD) at the same time. Here is an overview of what to expect from dual-diagnosis treatment centers in Texas.

Levels of care

Each veteran has unique needs during long-term recovery from mental health conditions and SUD. There are several levels of care to meet people’s different needs. They include:

• Medical detox programs
• Inpatient or residential treatment options
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Outpatient rehab programs
• Aftercare support programs

Many people begin treatment in an inpatient program before transitioning into outpatient treatment care.

Assessments and screenings

Assessments and screenings are critical in a dual diagnosis program. Medical and mental health professionals assess each person before and during treatment. This ensures the best and most personalized levels of care possible for each veteran.

Medical detox

Many people require a medical detox program to quit using drugs and alcohol safely. Detox treatment plans may include:

• Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
• Mental health care
• Emotional support
• Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
• Holistic therapies to calm the mind and body, like nutrition support, exercise, and mindfulness

Detox programs keep people safe and on track throughout the detox process.

SUD treatment

Substance use disorder treatment plans consist of evidence-based and holistic therapies. These therapies address the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of substance abuse. They include:

• Behavioral therapies
• Relapse prevention education
• Individual, group, and family counseling
• Medication management
• Holistic therapies
• Coping skills
• Aftercare planning

During treatment, people learn about addiction and recovery. They work to identify the roots of their substance use and take steps to address it.

Mental health care

Dual-diagnosis treatment programs provide comprehensive mental health care. Mental health specialists work with veterans to address common challenges, such as trauma, chronic stress, and anger. Veterans engage in targeted therapies, counseling, and holistic therapies that can help them manage mental health symptoms for the long term.

Aftercare support

Veterans require ongoing support to manage mental health conditions and SUD after completing treatment. Dual-diagnosis treatment programs can connect veterans with sources of support, including:

• 12-step groups
• Veterans support groups
• Sober living communities
• Sober veteran networks
• Community mental health resources
• Medical care

Veterans who complete treatment and have support can learn to manage mental health symptoms and overcome SUD. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about our veteran’s treatment and support programs.

Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Veterans in Texas

If you or a veteran in your life struggles with mental health conditions and substance abuse, you are not alone. Find the treatment and support you need at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our dual diagnosis programs for Texas veterans or to schedule an intake assessment.