Opioid Addiction Treatment for Veterans: Locations Near Me

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths have quintupled since 1999. In 2020, roughly 75% of all drug overdose deaths involved an opioid. Unfortunately, veterans have been particularly susceptible to opioid addiction over the last decade.

Between 1999 and 2010, the mortality rates among U.S. military veterans increased by 54%, largely due to opioid overdoses. Due to the life-threatening danger of opioids, especially synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, it’s crucial that veterans struggling with opioid addiction seek professional treatment.

A continuum of care using evidence-based treatment can help veterans recover from opioid addiction. Treatment programming for opioid use disorder (OUD) typically involves a customized, multidisciplinary approach. For veterans, treatment is often most effective when programming considers the unique experience of serving in the military.

Opioid Addiction Among Veteran Population

Although the opioid epidemic has touched nearly everyone, research shows that the epidemic has disproportionately affected veterans. Veterans are twice as likely to die from an accidental opioid overdose as the general population.

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Veterans being more likely to suffer from chronic pain than non-veterans may be the cause for higher opioid prescription rates in this population. Factors such as mental conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stigma against mental health treatment may result in self-medication as well.

Adjusting to life after the military can also be stressful. Other stressors like injury, trauma or underemployment can compound suffering, which may lead someone to cope using substances. Fortunately, a personalized treatment plan for veterans struggling with OUD can help.

Intake Assessments and Medical Detoxification

To begin professional treatment for opioid dependency, veterans may first undergo an initial physical and mental health assessment to help clinicians customize a treatment plan. These assessments may include:

While everyone’s particular situation is unique, the vast majority of individuals struggling with opioid dependency will require medical detoxification. Although a difficult first step, the medically-monitored process helps clients overcome the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal in a safe and comfortable environment.

Typically, physical withdrawal symptoms may last between five and ten days, depending on how severe the addiction is and the person’s health. However, the process may last shorter or longer than this timeframe. During detox, the individual is monitored by a team of medical professionals and clinicians who help ensure safety and comfort.

Physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal can include:

There are several methods to mitigate these symptoms. Detox may include:

Once the physical symptoms of withdrawal subside, the individual will typically transition into less-intensive care to continue their treatment.

Psychotherapies and Psychoeducation to Personalize Veteran Care

While treatment can differ based on individual needs, medical detox is typically followed by either residential care or a partial hospitalization program. Regardless of the level of care, personalized care plans for veterans struggling with opioid use disorder usually involve a multidisciplinary approach. Possible treatment options are:

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a majority of veterans diagnosed with a substance use disorder also struggle with co-occurring PTSD. For a dual diagnosis of opioid use disorder and PTSD, clinicians may incorporate trauma-focused counseling into their treatment plans.

Due to combat experiences, grief and loss, injuries and other traumatic events, veterans struggle with PTSD more than the general public. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often utilized to address connections between these traumatic events, destructive thinking patterns and addictive behavior.

Veterans may also participate in prolonged exposure therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) sessions. These evidence-based therapy approaches help loosen the connection between traumatic events and associated emotional triggers.

Some therapies have been proven effective in veteran treatment plans, including COPE (Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders using Prolonged Exposure). Seeking Safety, an evidence-based therapy that addresses PTSD, is another option for treatment.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder

Along with talk therapies and educational classes, one of the significant cornerstones of effective treatment plans for opioid use disorder is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT utilizes medications to help control opioid cravings, mitigate triggers and prevent relapse.

Medications typically prescribed as part of a treatment plan include:

MAT is typically part of the initial treatment plan to alleviate the discomfort of detox. While the dosage and medication may change during treatment, MAT has proven highly effective in preventing relapse and promoting long-term recovery in those with an opioid use disorder.

For veterans, the multidisciplinary approach of psychotherapies, educational classes and medication-assisted treatments can help address the physical, mental and emotional aspects of opioid addiction. Successful treatment plans for veterans also typically include family involvement, which creates a support structure for aftercare.

Visit the following websites to learn about The Recovery Village’s network of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. Call today for admissions. Each center is ready to help people learn how to cope with their addiction and uncover the root causes for their substance use disorder.