Our nation’s veterans make many sacrifices to keep the citizens of our country safe and protect our way of life. When military members return home from service, they require support and care that reflect their unyielding commitment to ensuring our freedom.

Many veterans live with the invisible wounds of mental health challenges and substance abuse after completing their service. However, with the right treatment, veterans can put an end to their addiction and take back control over their lives. This article will explore the importance of specialized treatment for veterans living with substance abuse and how to choose the best veterans rehab center in Texas.

Reach out to the team of specialists at Alamo Behavioral Health now to learn more about our veteran’s rehab programs or to schedule an intake assessment.

Understanding Substance Use in Veterans

Understanding the underlying aspects of substance abuse and addiction is essential to providing comprehensive, effective treatment. Veterans often face unique challenges during and after their service that increase their risk for drug and alcohol abuse.

Pain

Veterans may have more pain due to injuries they sustained during their service and may be more likely to use prescription opioids than the general population. Using opioid drugs puts people at risk for substance misuse and addiction, regardless of other risk factors for these conditions. Effective treatment must be able to address pain and co-occurring opioid addiction in veterans.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

According to the CDC, over 450,000 veterans have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) between 2000 and 2021. People with a TBI are more likely to develop depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions, which significantly increases their risk for substance use and addiction. It’s essential that veterans have access to trauma-informed care.

Homelessness

Data gathered from recent research shows that veterans make up about 9% of the United States homeless population. Substance abuse is more common among people experiencing homelessness. Some people with substance abuse become unhoused, and homelessness increases the risk someone will engage in substance abuse or develop addiction. For unhoused veterans, it is vital that they obtain housing while being treated for addiction, whether at a sober living home or residential treatment facility.

Stress

Veterans face chronic stress from higher rates of unemployment, homelessness, mental health challenges, and daily stress during service. People with chronic stress and PTSD are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope than those who do not.

Early and easy access to alcohol

Young military members may have easier access to alcohol when deployed to countries where the legal drinking age is lower than in the United States. They may begin drinking heavily at a younger age when deployed and continue after returning home.

These and other factors may raise the risk for drug and alcohol addiction and help to explain the link between veterans and higher rates of substance use. Understanding these issues can help providers give veterans the tailored treatment and support they need to be successful in recovery.

How to Choose the Best Veterans Rehab Center in Texas

There are many drug and alcohol rehab facilities in Texas, and choosing a veterans rehab may seem like an overwhelming decision. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when choosing the best veterans rehab center in Texas.

Evidence-based treatments

Addiction is a complex condition that affects your body, mind, and relationships. Your treatment plan should include time-tested, safe, effective therapies based on evidence and best practices. These include:

• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Relapse prevention education
• Coping skills practice
• Medications to manage mental health and withdrawal symptoms
• Mental health treatment

Holistic practices can be part of a treatment plan but should only be used alongside effective evidence-based treatments.

Serene environment

A drug and alcohol rehab center should provide a calming atmosphere. A Texas rehab center does not need to have luxurious amenities, but the facility should be quiet, clean, and well-maintained.

Accreditation

Look for licensing and accreditation. Accredited veterans rehab centers in Texas provide safe, effective, evidence-based therapies. All staff are licensed to provide addiction treatment services, and the center is regularly evaluated to ensure consistent safety and quality measures are in place.

Multiple levels of care

It’s important to have access to multiple levels of addiction treatment to ensure an effective continuum of care. Look for a veterans rehab facility that offers detox, residential, and outpatient programs.

Visit a rehab center before committing to treatment. Ask questions–learn about the center’s treatment approach and what a typical day will be like. The more you know before beginning treatment, the more confident and invested you’ll feel in the process.

Do I Need Addiction Treatment?

Before starting a veterans treatment program in Texas, you’ll have a formal substance abuse evaluation to determine which level of care will best meet your needs.

But before that, you’ll need to recognize the signs of a substance use disorder (SUD). Here are some common signs of substance abuse and addiction:

• You crave drugs or alcohol when you’re not using them
• You experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking or using drugs
• You develop tolerance to drugs or alcohol, meaning you need to use more to get the desired effects
• You spend a lot of time, energy, and resources getting, using, and recovering from using drugs or alcohol
• You are isolated or only spend time with others who are using drugs and alcohol
• You neglect your relationships, hobbies, and responsibilities because of your substance use
• You have tried to stop drinking or using drugs but have found it feels impossible

If you or someone you love exhibits signs of a substance use disorder, you may require comprehensive treatment and continuing support to stop using drugs and alcohol and live a sober lifestyle.

Find the Best Veterans Rehab Center in Texas

Veterans require specialized treatment to address the complex physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of their substance use. At Alamo Behavioral Health, our comprehensive programs are tailored to support the unique needs of veterans, providing them with a compassionate and evidence-based approach to recovery. Reach out to the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists now to learn about our effective substance use disorder treatment programs in Texas or to schedule an intake assessment.