Treatment for Military Members and Veterans

When a military service member returns home from his or her deployment, he or she could run the risk of developing physical and mental health issues as a result of the experience. Some veterans and active-duty military personnel find themselves living with symptoms of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

These disorders can be dangerous and, in some cases, fatal. A study published by the American Journal of Public Health found that suicide rates across all U.S. military services rose between 2005 and 2007, particularly for members of the Army and National Guard.

JourneyPure Emerald Coast, an intensive outpatient clinic treating addiction and attendant mental health disorders, is proud to treat patients on TRICARE plans. Keep reading to find out if JourneyPure Emerald Coast’s military-specific addiction and mental health treatments are right for you or your loved one.

Mental health disorders and substance abuse in the military population

Because of their wartime experiences, some veterans and active-duty military personnel find themselves living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health issues. These disorders can increase one’s vulnerability to alcoholism and substance abuse. In fact, diagnoses of alcoholism and substance use disorder occur among those who have experienced trauma or serious stress more than among those who have not.

Of course, binge drinking is an ingrained part of military culture and can carry into civilian life. A recent study of almost 600 veterans back from Iraq and Afghanistan found that a whopping 39 percent screened positive for probable alcohol abuse.

And while the opioid epidemic has taken hold to a lesser degree in the military population than it has in the U.S. overall, veterans have nevertheless felt the rise of opioids, since so many veterans are or were treated with powerful pain medications for physical injuries while on duty.

JourneyPure Emerald Coast is focused on providing military active-duty, veterans, and their family members with effective addiction and mental health treatment.

Studies suggest that people with mental health disorders are far more likely to abuse substances in order to cope. There are approximately 9 million Americans who abuse alcohol or drugs that have an undiagnosed mental health disorder. However, less than 10 percent of these people receive the dual diagnosis treatment that they need.

It is not uncommon for patients suffering from a substance use disorder to also experience the symptoms of a mental health disorder like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar. This is known as “co-occurring disorders” and can best be addressed through dual-diagnosis treatment.

JourneyPure’s dual-diagnosis treatment addresses both the addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders simultaneously.

Treatment for Loved Ones

Not only can alcoholism and substance use disorder wreak havoc on the user’s life, it can take a toll on his or her family. Feelings of isolation and resentment on the part of the addict are accompanied by feelings of hopelessness among the addict’s loved ones.

Also, family members of veterans and active-duty military often experience their own mental health issues, such as anxiety regarding the addiction or mental health issue. JourneyPure Emerald Coast addresses this dynamic with a family-centric approach for clients with family issues.