Veteran Drug Rehab in Alabama

There are many veterans living with substance use disorders and mental health issues due to the high-stress lifestyle they have lived. There are also effects from trauma during deployment and training that can cause military service members and veterans to self-medicate.

Veterans seeking drug and alcohol treatment in Alabama have many options, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, medical detoxification, dual diagnosis care, family counseling, and more.

Veterans who are concerned about the cost of treatment should know that most alcohol and drug treatments are covered by military insurance such as TRICARE or VA health benefits.

Find out more about veterans rehab programs in Alabama, resources within the state for veterans seeking substance abuse treatment, and insurance options.

Joining the military often exposes people to traumatic and stressful situations. These types of experiences can leave lasting mental and physical wounds.

Stressors such as being deployed and seeing combat can lead to an increased risk of drug and alcohol addiction.

The following are statistics on substance use disorders in veterans in the United States:

• The Department for Veterans Affairs reports that about 11% of veterans who go to a VA medical treatment center for the first time have a substance use disorder.
• Veterans with an alcohol use disorder make up more than 80% of those seeking treatment.
• Almost 27% of veterans abuse illicit drugs, such as methamphetamine and opiates.
• 7% of veterans with a substance use disorder use both alcohol and illicit drugs.
• Male veterans are over two times as likely to have a substance use disorder than female veterans.
• 13% of veterans developed an opioid addiction after being prescribed opioids for pain management.
• Over 10% of veterans receiving addiction treatment are there for heroin use.
• Illicit drug use is reported to increase after military members leave the service.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported that there were 377,310 veterans living in Alabama, with female veterans making up 11.3% of the Alabama veteran population.

There are approximately 330 veterans who are homeless in Alabama, and 7.4% of veterans live in poverty. Another concerning fact is that the unemployment rate for veterans in Alabama is 4.3%.

Being unhoused, having a lack of job opportunities, and living in financial distress are also major risks for developing a substance use disorder.

Military service members and veterans are statistically at a higher risk for developing a drug and alcohol addiction for a number of reasons, including seeing combat and being deployed.

Co-occurring disorders such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead veterans to self-medicate, especially with alcohol.

Risk factors that can cause veterans to develop substance use disorders can include:

• Physical injuries that cause lasting and chronic pain
• Psychological and mental illness, such as PTSD
• Disability ratings
• Unemployment
• Homelessness
• Being uninformed of resources available
• Having a hard time reintegrating into civilian life

If you or a loved one are interested in seeking a drug and alcohol rehab center in Alabama, you may be unsure where to start or what you may need.

The good news is there are so many options, and you can find one that fits your needs the best. Treatment programs can be long- and short-term, and usually start with a detox program.

Types of addiction treatment services and programs available in Alabama:

• Medical detox
• Inpatient programs
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Outpatient programs
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone
• Group counseling
• Family counseling
• Individual counseling
• 12 step programs
• Transitional and halfway houses
• Aftercare
• 24 hour helpline

There are also special programs designed for the specific needs of veterans who are seeking help with a substance use disorder. These programs often follow trauma-informed care guidelines, and utilize group therapy and support.

Mental and behavioral health issues often coexist with drug and alcohol addiction. This condition is called a dual diagnosis.

Dual diagnosis programs are specifically designed to help treat the root of the problem, which will also help cure the addiction issue.

Common mental health disorders that often co-occur with substance abuse:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar
• Panic disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Programs that specifically deal with co-occurring disorders will use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help work through the underlying problems.

Other ways veterans can get help for a dual diagnosis include prescription medication, alternative therapy, and many forms of counseling.

When veterans are ready to find help, there are a few different ways they can look. Many rehab programs are located in major cities, such as Birmingham and Tuskegee. Another helpful way to look for drug and alcohol rehab centers is through internet databases.

Resources for locating alcohol and drug rehab centers for veterans in Alabama include:

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – The VA offers drug and alcohol abuse treatment through their specialized veterans health services. They have an online searchable database that can help you find a treatment facility in Alabama.
• SAMHSA – The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers rehab services and other health resources grouped by state in an online searchable database.

There are many different rehab programs to choose from in Alabama. When looking for an addiction rehab facility that best fits your needs, first ensure that the facility is high-quality and reputable.

When looking for a veterans rehab program, keep in mind that most of these programs are run by veterans or understand the unique needs of veterans.

Signs to look for in an effective, quality rehab program:

• Accreditations, such as through the Joint Commission or CARF
• Certifications and highly qualified personnel
• Evidence-based treatment techniques
• High success rates
• Favorable reviews from people who have completed the program
• Specialized programs for veterans
• Low doctor-to-patient ratio

Cost should never be an obstacle for anyone seeking substance abuse treatment. Veterans have access to multiple financial options when it comes to getting help, and some options may completely cover the total cost of treatment.

TRICARE is a military insurance, similar to Medicare and Medicaid, that is available for active service military members and veterans.

A veteran’s coverage will depend on the amount they have been approved for.

The cost of treatment through VA health benefits may be completely covered for veterans who are eligible. Eligibility will depend on numerous factors.

Veterans may find treatment, both inpatient and outpatient, that is covered under their VA health benefits.

Luxury and private addiction treatment centers usually accept only private health insurances and self-pay, though financing can be available.

These facilities usually offer payment assistance and sliding fee scale fees for those who are seeking help with an addiction.

Veterans often face many barriers to addiction recovery in Alabama, even though help may be available to them.

Some of the barriers veterans face include:

• Lack of financial resources or funding
• Lack of access to treatment, such as not having transportation
• Lack of adequate mental health care
• Not having the support of family and friends
• The stigma attached to seeking help for addiction and mental health issues
• Long waitlists

It is helpful for veterans to know that there are programs specifically for them, usually run by people who understand exactly what they are going through. This can make it easier to accept and seek help.

If you or a loved one are a veteran in Alabama, you have many options for resources available to you. Housing, employment, health care, and even legal assistance are provided by several organizations in Alabama.

The following are resources available for veterans in Alabama:

• Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs offers many resources, by county, for veterans in Alabama. It offers housing, employment, health, and legal assistance for eligible veterans.
• Alabama Veterans Resource Guide this guide offers a list and explanations for veterans that covers employment, health care, housing, legal options, and much more.
• Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System has locations in Tuskegee and Montgomery. They offer assistance with housing, healthcare, employment, and legal assistance.
• United Way of Central Alabama offers veterans assistance with housing, employment, signing up for benefits, healthcare, and creating financial stability plans. Other services are also available.

Taking the first step in seeking help for a substance use disorder is a big deal, and it is important for you to know that you are not alone in this journey.

To begin your addiction recovery journey in Alabama, call our hotline phone number to talk to our experts about how to find a rehab or medical center in Alabama today.