Opioid Rehab for Veterans & Active-Duty
Opioid addiction is a major public health concern in the United States, affecting thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds, including veterans. Due to the various challenges and demands of military service, veterans are at an increased risk of developing substance use disorders such as opioid addiction. To cope with unique challenges like exposure to trauma and combat, veterans may turn to drugs to self-medicate, contributing to addiction. Fortunately, our opioid rehab for veterans and active-duty personnel offers evidence-based treatment to help individuals of this demographic overcome drug abuse and improve their overall well-being. Keep reading below to learn more about our opioid treatment programs and how we can help you or a loved one recover.
Opioid Use Among Veterans
There’s a complex relationship between veterans and opioid addiction. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), around 65% of veterans suffer from chronic pain, making them twice as likely to die from an accidental prescription opioid overdose as non-veterans.1 What’s more, active-duty personnel and veterans are more likely to experience chronic pain caused by combat-related injuries, and they are more likely to be prescribed and eventually abuse narcotics.
Many veterans also suffer from such mental health disorders as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, making them more likely to turn to drugs like opioids as a form of self-medication. The VA has taken steps to address the high rate of military and veterans' opioid use disorder in the U.S., including implementing opioid safety plans and increasing access to alternative treatments for pain management. Even so, there is still much to be done to ensure that these individuals receive the care and support needed to overcome opioid abuse and regain their health and overall quality of life.
Signs of Opioid Addiction
Opioids are addictive because they bind to mu-Opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system, which are responsible for pain relief and pleasure. These receptors are found throughout the body, including the brain, spinal cord, and digestive tract.
When opioids attach themselves to opioid receptors, they trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. This flood of dopamine creates an intense sensation of euphoria, relaxation, and a feeling of well-being, which can be highly addictive.
Over time, the brain becomes tolerant to the side effects of opioids, meaning that higher doses are required for the user to experience the same effects. Additionally, opioids can cause physical dependence, which is when the body adapts to the presence of a substance and exhibits withdrawal symptoms when the use of the drug is cut down or stopped.
If you suspect that a loved one is addicted to narcotics, look out for these signs of opioid abuse:
- Behavioral changes: People who are addicted to opioids may exhibit changes in their behavior, such as secrecy, mood swings, erratic behavior, and isolation from loved ones.
- Continued use despite any negative repercussions: People addicted to opioids may continue to use these drugs despite any negative consequences, such as losing their job, damaging their relationships, or experiencing legal problems.
- Cravings: Opioid abuse can lead to strong drug cravings, which can interfere with daily life and make quitting difficult.
- Physical symptoms: Opioid abuse can cause a variety of physical symptoms, such as constipation, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
- Social withdrawal: People who are addicted to opioids may begin to withdraw from social activities and loved ones and spend more time alone.
- Tolerance: Over time, people who misuse opioids may develop a tolerance to them, meaning they need to take more of the drug to achieve the same euphoric effect or high.
- Withdrawal symptoms: When people addicted to opioids suddenly stop using these drugs or cut back on their use, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and flu-like symptoms.
The combination of tolerance, dependence, and the powerful euphoric effects of opioids make them highly addictive drugs. Long-term use can lead to a cycle of drug-taking behavior that can be difficult to break without support. Fortunately, Banyan’s opioid rehab centers for veterans offer physical and psychological care to help retired service members achieve long-term sobriety.
Our Opioid Addiction Rehab for Veterans
As a family of addiction treatment facilities, Banyan Treatment Centers has implemented rehab programs for veterans and active-duty personnel all over the country. Depending on the location you choose to go to for treatment, programs such as our opioid treatment program may be offered on a residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or outpatient level of care.
Residential rehab for opioid use is best suited for individuals with severe drug use disorders who require medically assisted detox, stabilization, and 24-hour supervision and support. Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a step down from inpatient care, offering some level of medical support while allowing patients to return home after sessions and perform daily routines outside of rehab.
Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) and outpatient treatment are both levels of care that allow patients more flexibility, allowing them to return home every night after their counseling sessions, work, and/or school. Keep in mind that our outpatient addiction services are best suited for individuals who are medically stable and do not require round-the-clock care.
Depending on the addiction level of care the individual is placed in, clients may receive and participate in services such as:
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Family Counseling
- Group Counseling and Therapy
- Individual Counseling and Therapy
- Medically Supervised Detox
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT)
- Trauma Therapy
In addition to our addiction rehab for veterans and active duty, select Banyan facilities also offer mental health care for disorders such as PTSD and depression, as well as dual diagnosis treatment for individuals struggling with addiction and mental illness. The specialists at our Banyan rehab locations are here to help clients achieve long-lasting sobriety and control over their lives again.
Finding Opioid Rehab Near Me
It’s important to remember that recovering from opioid abuse and addiction takes time and commitment. Fortunately, you or someone you care about can recover with the help of our effective and compassionate opioid rehab for veterans and active duty personnel.
Contact Banyan Treatment Centers today to verify your insurance for rehab and learn more about our Military and Veterans in Recovery program.
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