Supporting Veterans With Customized Addiction Treatment Solutions
What is A Veteran’s Program
A veteran’s program offers alcohol and substance use disorder treatment solutions for former military personnel. By identifying underlying causes and triggers and learning more about how the veteran’s experience can influence addiction, we can begin to dismantle harmful behavior patterns.
Dedicated therapy sessions, medication-assisted treatment, peer support, and recovery education all work together to help rebuild new, healthy thought and behavior patterns in alignment with your values and life goals.
Our team of clinical experts and therapy providers will work with you, both 1:1 and in groups, to systematically restore natural, healthy functioning and pursue sobriety. Most veteran program participants are with us anywhere from 30-90 days and enjoy evidence-based treatment, therapy, support groups, recreational activities, education, and more.
Everything we do at Engage Wellness Missouri is designed to meet you where you are and help you get where you most want to be, in life and in recovery
How (and Why) Veteran Programs Work
After returning home from active duty service or deployment, there are often still many battles to fight on the inside, making it challenging to transition into typical routines. Alcohol and substances are often a tool of self-medication that numbs the inner turmoil, but with devastating consequences.
Studies show that 2.4 million veterans suffer from alcohol or substance use disorder, and 3.9 million struggle with mental health concerns.[2] More than 1 million of those veterans meet the criteria for co-occurring disorders, where both substance use and mental health issues are present.
The most reported substance among veterans is marijuana, with 3.5% of veterans reporting marijuana use, and more than 10% of veterans attending treatment are seeking help for heroin addiction, and 6% for cocaine addiction.[3]
A treatment program designed specifically for veterans addresses their needs on a holistic, 360 degree level. Industry recommendations for treating veterans with substance use disorder involve a personalized blend of cognitive-behavioral therapy and coping skill development, community reinforcement, contingency management, motivation therapy, and twelve-step programs.[4]
Together, these interventions support veterans as they eliminate harmful patterns, build social equity, and create healthy habits to live a safe and sober life.
Efficacy of Veteran Program
Studies show that veteran treatment programs save lives. On average, 66% of mortality rates for veterans are reduced with these evidence-based interventions.[5] Additionally, clients also experience fewer SUD withdrawal symptoms 1 year later.
Saving lives is only part of the equation. Veteran treatment programs make the lives of veterans and their families better today and in the future. Lifestyle treatment outcomes that contribute to long term recovery for veterans include:[6]
What to Expect from Structured Veteran Programs
Veterans Programs at Engage Wellness Missouri
Treatment specifically designed for veterans is appropriate at every level of care offered here at Engage Wellness Missouri. After an initial evaluation, our providers will determine the best level of care to meet your needs from the following options:
