Veteran Drug Rehab in Delaware

There are many veterans in America living with substance abuse disorders, due to the high-stress and difficult lifestyle that comes with being in the military. The trauma they have experienced, plus other factors, can lead veterans to self-medicate.

Veterans who are living in Delaware and are seeking treatment for alcohol and drug abuse, there are many options available. Many substance abuse treatment programs are covered by military insurance like TRICARE, VA health benefits, private insurance, and self-pay.

Some treatment options veterans may consider are inpatient and outpatient treatment, medication-assisted treatment, numerous counseling options, support groups, and more.

Keep reading to learn more about the rates of substance abuse in veterans, programs for veterans in Delaware, addiction treatment centers near you, resources for finding help, and more.

Drug and alcohol use is prevalent in veterans and active duty military service members for a number of reasons, some of which include the difficulty of stress-filled deployments. These can leave mental and physical wounds that can lead to substance abuse.

Mental health issues can lead to alcohol and drug addiction, which is why substance abuse is not uncommon in veterans.

Veteran substance abuse rates include:

• 1.1 million veterans of the US military struggle with substance use disorders.
• More than 2 out of 10 veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder also have a substance use disorder.
• Alcohol is the most prevent substance abused – more than 80% of veterans with a substance use disorder claim alcohol is their biggest struggle.
• 1 in 4 veterans with a substance use disorder use illicit drugs.
• 13% of veterans who received opioids for pain management developed and opioid use disorder.
• More than 10% of admissions into drug and alcohol addiction treatment facilities were for heroin.
• Overall opioid overdose rates of veterans increased from 14% to 21%.

According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently 70,958 veterans living in Delaware, making up a little over 9% of the adult population. 11,834 veterans in Delaware live with a service-related disability rating.

There is a 4.3% unemployment rate for veterans in the state of Delaware. Finances are often a source of stress for veterans, which can be a factor in developing a substance use disorder.

Housing stress is also a major factor that can lead to a drug or alcohol addiction. 10,688 veterans live in a home with one or more major problems, including crowding, cost, and structure problems. There are also 78 veterans who are considered homeless in Delaware.

Veterans are more vulnerable to developing a drug or alcohol addiction for many different reasons.

If a veteran, for instance, had to experience a difficult deployment, or had to see action in war, they are more likely to turn to alcohol and drugs to treat themselves.

Risk factors for veterans and substance abuse include:

• Physical and psychological injuries due to seeing combat
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Chronic pain
• Co-occurring mental disorders
• Difficulties reconnecting with friends and family
• Homelessness
• Disability rating
• Low unemployment rates, difficulty finding a stable job

If you or a loved one are looking for a drug and alcohol treatment program in Delaware, you may have noticed there are many types to choose from. There are long-term and short-term inpatient programs, and many different outpatient options as well.

Other programs can include detoxification, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), medication-assisted treatment options such as methadone therapy, support groups, and numerous counseling options.

Treatment services you can expect to find in veteran substance abuse programs include:

• Medical detox
• Inpatient/residential treatment programs
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Intensive outpatient treatment programs
• Dual diagnosis therapy
• Individual, group, and family counseling
• 12-step support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous
• Transitional housing
• Sober living
• Aftercare
• 24-hour hotline

There are also many programs that are specifically designed to help veterans and the unique challenges they face. For veterans who may feel more comfortable with people who understand them, many veteran programs are run by other veterans.

For most veterans who are battling a substance use disorder, there is often a mental health issue that they are also dealing with, this is called a co-occurring disorder.

Dual diagnosis programs are specifically designed to treat the underlying problems that are causing them to seek out drugs and alcohol. Treating the mental health disorder often leads to long-lasting recovery.

Mental health/behavioral health disorders that often co-occur with substance abuse include:

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

The most common treatments for co-occurring disorders are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT). There are also support groups, and many other evidence-based treatment options as well.

More options for dual diagnosis treatment include prescription medication. There are specific medications for depression and anxiety. There are other prescriptions that treat post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other co-occurring mental health issues.

Drug and alcohol rehab programs can be found throughout many VA medical centers in Delaware. Major cities, such as Dover, Georgetown, Milford, New Castle, and Wilmington, are great places to look for substance abuse rehab programs.

Resources for locating drug and alcohol rehab facilities include:

• SAMHSA — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a large, thorough and searchable database of drug and alcohol treatment centers in each state, as well as other resources.
• U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs — This database of substance abuse treatment facilities offers specialized veterans rehab programs directly through the VA health care system.

If you are looking for a substance abuse treatment program in Delaware, it is important to make sure that any program you look into is reputable and of high quality, among other important qualities.

If you are interested in seeking a specialized program for veterans, there are many that are run by other former military personnel and veterans.

Signs of a quality alcohol and drug rehab facility include:

• Accreditations, typically through The Joint Commission or CARF
• Certifications
• Positive client testimonials and reviews
• High success rates
• Evidence-based treatment options
• Specialized programs for veterans
• Low staff-to-client/doctor-to-patient ratios

The cost of alcohol and drug treatment should never stand in the way of a veteran receiving the help they need.

Help is available in many different ways, most of which are partially, or completely, covered by military health insurances, VA health benefits, private health insurance, and more.

TRICARE is available exclusively for active duty military and veterans. TRICARE is a type of health insurance, which works the same way that Medicaid and Medicare do for the civilian population.

Disclaimer: The amount of coverage each veteran receives is dependent upon their case, and numerous other factors decided by TRICARE.

If you or a loved one are eligible for benefits through the VA health system, you may find the cost of your substance abuse treatment is partially, if not completely, covered by your VA health benefits.

The amount of coverage you will receive depends on many factors, including your unique case. If approved, you will find both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs are covered by your benefits.

If you decide to seek treatment at a luxury or private alcohol and drug rehab center, you may be informed they do not accept TRICARE, military insurances, or VA health benefits.

These types of rehab centers usually accept most major health insurances and self-pay. They often provide payment assistance in sliding-fee scales and financing options

Although there are many resources in place, veterans may face many barriers when seeking substance abuse treatment.

Some of the barriers that veterans may face when seeking treatment for drug and alcohol addiction:

• Lack of access to adequate mental health care
• Lack of support from friends and family
• Lack of financial resources or funding
• Long waitlists
• The stigma of seeking help

The good news is, many substance abuse treatment centers have anticipated these hurdles, and have made resources easily accessible to veterans who need them.

The following organizations offer assistance with many resources for veterans, including housing, employment, health and wellness, education counseling, financial assistance, and more.

Delaware veterans can find helpful resources in the following organizations:

• Delaware Offices of Veterans Services The Delaware Offices of Veterans Services offers many resources for veterans, including housing assistance, employment help, financial services, education, mental health services, as well as general wellness help.
• Sussex County Vet Center This vet center offers mental health care of numerous types, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and many more dual diagnosis therapies. They also offer referral services for veterans who need other kinds of care.
• Wilmington Vet Center The Wilmington vet center offers many different resources, including mental healthcare, substance abuse resources, support groups, and outreach community services for veterans. Referral services are also available for other needs veterans may have.

If you or a loved one are ready to start your journey to substance abuse recovery, it is important that you know you are not alone, and there are many resources available for you.

When you are ready to take the first step, use our helpline phone number to call our treatment specialists today. They can help you find a substance abuse treatment center near you.