If you’re a veteran struggling with an alcohol use disorder, you’re not alone. Many veterans turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with emotional and physical problems related to their military service. The U.S. Veteran’s Administration reports that one in 10 veterans seeking care from the V.A. is diagnosed with a substance use disorder.
Finding an alcohol rehab for veterans is important because not all treatment centers understand the needs and challenges of those who have served in the military.
What Are Signs of Alcoholism in Veterans?
The symptoms of alcoholism are the same for veterans as for the general population, but veterans may be better at hiding their problems. Military training teaches service men and women to “tough it out” and keep going even when they are in pain.
This training is useful and even life-saving in the extreme conditions military personnel often face, but it is counterproductive when it comes to taking care of health issues.
You or your loved one may need the help of a veteran’s alcohol rehab program if they are showing behavioral or physical symptoms of an alcohol use disorder.
Behavioral Symptoms
Behavioral symptoms can be a change in the way a person socializes or may refer to changes in their day-to-day behaviors. Behavioral signs of addiction in veterans include:
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Decreasing interest in hobbies, work, or social activities they once enjoyed
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Using alcohol in unsafe situations, such as while driving
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Isolating from friends and family members, especially those who don’t drink
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Failing to meet daily responsibilities like going to work or school
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Not wanting to attend social gatherings where alcohol is not allowed
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Drinking more than intended
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Not being able to cut down even though they want to
Continuing to drink despite suffering negative consequences is one of the most common behavioral symptoms of alcohol misuse. People who are addicted to alcohol often continue to drink even if it has cost them jobs and relationships and caused legal and health consequences.
Physical Symptoms
The symptoms of alcohol use disorder vary from person to person, but as the condition progresses, most people experience many of the same issues. Physical symptoms include:
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Poor hygiene
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Yellow eyes and skin
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Smell of alcohol on the breath
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Broken capillaries of the nose and face
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Weight loss
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Cravings for alcohol
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Flu-like symptoms when not drinking
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Needing more alcohol to get the desired effects
If most of your time is spent in a cycle of using alcohol, recovering from use, and stocking more alcohol so you can begin drinking again, you need the support of alcohol rehab for veterans.
Causes of Alcohol Abuse in Veterans
Veterans face many unique challenges that could cause them to turn to alcohol as a way to self-medicate. Some data show that while illicit drug use is lower among military members than in the general population, the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs is higher.
Stress may be the biggest cause of alcohol abuse in veterans. The constant stress of the job and being separated from loved ones make military personnel more vulnerable to alcohol abuse.
Other reasons include
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Post-traumatic stress disorder
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Drug and substance abuse history
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Mental health concerns
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Chronic pain
If you are a veteran experiencing emotional or physical pain, help is available. Rehab for veterans addresses the unique challenges that can impact all aspects of your health.
Impact of Alcoholism on Veterans
The impact of alcoholism can be devastating and long-lasting. Some of the major concerns are:
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Increases self-harm or suicide risk
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Home and family challenges
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Homelessness
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Drug abuse
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Depression and mental health disorders
Finding a veteran alcohol treatment center as soon as possible can prevent long-term health and social problems.
Do You Need Alcohol Rehab for Veterans?
How can you know when you’ve crossed the line? How do you know if you need alcohol rehab for veterans?
Binge drinking is defined as 5 or more drinks in one sitting for men; 4 for women. However, for some people that number could be much lower and still be problematic. That’s because alcoholism is defined more by the effect it has on your life than by the number of drinks you consume.
How is alcohol affecting your life? Are you missing days of work? Has your health suffered? Are your relationships thriving? Do you feel like the best version of yourself?
If you are experiencing negative repercussions from your drinking and you still continue to consume, you could have a problem — no matter how much you are drinking.
Alcohol Detox
If you are drinking to excess, quitting might not be so simple. Clearing your body of alcohol can cause it to go into shock, creating a variety of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If not medically managed, alcohol detox can cause heart attacks, coma, and even death. At the very least, the discomfort caused by the process could cause you to pick up a drink before you’ve even started getting sober. When it’s time to quit drinking, the 24/7 care of a professional detox can be invaluable.
What Happens in Alcohol Rehab for Veterans
Once alcohol is removed from your system, you can begin to work on the underlying reasons for your drinking in residential addiction treatment or IOP. For some, that may be long-buried trauma such as the emotional scars of combat. Others may struggle with co-occurring disorders like PTSD, depression, or anxiety. When you arrive at residential addiction treatment, your care team will thoroughly discuss your unique situation with you, including your fears, needs, and goals. From there, they will develop a customized treatment plan consisting of a variety of treatment modalities especially chosen to help you heal. At Acqua Recovery, we even offer special programming for veterans.
You’ll also enjoy down time and experiential activities like fly fishing, yoga, equine therapy, hiking, and more. In residential addiction treatment, you can reconnect with the joy of life and renew your hope for the future.
Paying for Rehab for Veterans
At Acqua Recovery, we are committed to helping veterans get access to the help that they need. That’s why we are in network with TRICARE, TriWest, TRICARE East, Humana Military, and many other insurance providers. Call our team to verify your benefits and we’ll work with you to figure out a plan to make addiction treatment affordable.
How Acqua Recovery Can Help Alcoholic Veterans
Acqua Recovery helps veterans who are affected by alcohol addiction by offering evidence-based therapies in a compassionate, non-judgmental environment. Some of the options available at Acqua Recovery include:
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Evidence-based therapies
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Trauma-informed care
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Experiential activities
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Alumni program
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Family support
Acqua Recovery alcohol rehab for veterans provides comprehensive, individualized treatment plans designed for each person’s individual needs.
FAQ
Why Are Veterans a High Risk for Alcoholism?
Veterans are at higher risk for developing alcoholism because of the stress they endure, especially during combat. Trauma and chronic pain are also contributing factors.
Will Insurance Cover Alcohol Rehab for Veterans?
Yes, insurance will pay at least a portion of your costs for veteran rehab. Contact our admissions office for insurance verification.
Why Choose Inpatient Rehab over VA Rehab?
Acqua Recovery offers comprehensive individualized treatment programs that don’t rely on medication. We help clients improve their coping skills and deal with the underlying issues that may be contributing to their addictions.
Is Alcohol Abuse Secondary to PTSD?
Alcohol and substance abuse can be caused by PTSD. When PTSD or other mental health concerns go untreated, it is common for people to self-medicate their symptoms with other substances. Our drug rehab for veterans includes assessment and treatment for PTSD.
