Veteran Drug Rehab in Georgia

U.S. military veterans may be at a higher risk of substance abuse concerns than other demographics due to the dangers of combat, the challenges of training, and the struggles adapting to a civilian life.

An addiction treatment center in Georgia with diverse treatment programs can provide veterans with the help needed to manage a substance use disorder.

Addiction treatment for veterans may include multiple types of accredited healthcare, including behavioral health adjustment. Rehab centers may accept insurance like TRICARE, VA benefits, and private insurance.

Find out more about veterans rehab centers in Georgia, resources for veterans seeking substance abuse treatment, and insurance information.

Whether you or a loved one need detoxification, dual diagnosis care, intensive outpatient programs, or outpatient treatment in Georgia, help should be available.

Drug abuse rates among veterans show a heavy need for drug and alcohol rehab in the veteran population, particularly among veterans with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Rates of alcohol and drug abuse in veterans include:

• 20% of veterans with PTSD also have a substance use disorder .
• One out of every three veterans seeking substance abuse treatment has PTSD.
• Nicotine abuse in veterans doubles in those with PTSD.
• War veterans with PTSD are more likely to binge drink than those without PTSD.
• 10% of veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have a substance use disorder.

These statistics highlight the importance of evidence-based substance abuse treatment. These health services can help veterans by guiding them toward a sober lifestyle.

According to the Georgia Department of Veterans, there are over 765,000 veterans in Georgia. With 10% of veterans facing an addiction, that means 76,500 Georgia military professionals need treatment.

Further, the U.S. Census Bureau states that 7.6% of Georgia veterans are unemployed and 1,443 are homeless. These individuals may be at a higher risk of drug abuse.

Sober living support and addiction recovery treatment services can help veterans in Georgia regain sobriety. Care includes residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and aftercare.

Unfortunately, many addiction cases may go unreported, meaning many more Georgia veterans need care than receive it. Various risk factors make this abuse more likely in veterans.

Veterans may experience many risk factors that worsen their potential for addiction and substance abuse. These factors are unique to veterans and their lifestyle.

Thankfully, special programs in rehab facilities may help with mental health treatment and care for young adults. They can also address risk factors that worsen drug abuse.

Risk factors that veterans may face that worsen drug abuse include:

• High levels of chronic pain after serious injuries in war
• Co-occurring disorders that may make substance abuse more challenging
• Difficulties feeling connected or in-touch with others in civilian life
• Higher-than-average unemployment rates or a veteran stigma
• Disabilities caused by war or general service
• Multiple physical and emotional problems triggered by war
• Domestic violence and other abusive behaviors
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional challenges

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes elevated levels of anxiety and depression in veterans versus non-veterans. Around 11% of veterans have stress while 9.9% have anxiety.

Veterans in Atlanta, Augusta, Decatur, Dublin, and other major Georgia cities can receive multiple dependency care options for alcohol, opioid, cocaine, marijuana, and nicotine addiction.

These programs may include outpatient care in a medical center, specialized programs in hospitals, or individual residential treatment in an evidence-based recovery center.

Alcohol and drug addiction programs veterans in Georgia may utilize:

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Medical detoxification
• Outpatient programs
• Intensive outpatient  programs (IOP)
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• Residential programs with 24/7 monitoring
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Methadone replacement for opioid management
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Individual, group, and family counseling
• Veteran-specific care that focuses on your unique needs
• Eye movement therapy
• Peer support teams
• Case management options
• Relapse training programs
• Professional and adventure therapy
• Other addiction issues (sex, gambling, internet, etc.)
• Mindfulness training
• Yoga and other alternative care methods

When choosing short-term or long-term treatment in drug rehab centers, make sure a facility is accredited by groups like the Joint Commission, CARF, or SAMHSA to ensure treatment quality.

Veterans may return from peace or war duty with multiple co-occurring disorders. Georgia veterans with these conditions may struggle to quit using alcohol and drugs.

Managing these mental health and behavioral issues requires dual diagnosis treatment that assesses every level of a person’s addiction and makes it easier to manage.

Mental health and behavioral health disorders that co-occur with addiction include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD after active service
• Eating problems, including binge or inadequate eating
• Anxieties triggered by military memories
• Panic disorders caused by many triggers
• Depression and suicidal ideation caused by war service
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Compulsive behavioral disorders (such as OCD)
• Focus disorders, such as ADHD
• Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other mental health concerns.

Treating these concerns may include group therapy, 24/7 helpline support, behavioral adjustments with CBT or DBT, and general psychiatric care.

Veterans may also receive medications for anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders, as well as withdrawal medications that minimize their pain during treatment.

Finding an addiction treatment center in Georgia requires a little research. The following programs can help veterans like you find targeted substance abuse treatment.

Resources for veterans attempting to find rehab programs in Georgia include:

• SAMHSA  — SAMHSA provides a comprehensive treatment center finder that you can use to specific care in Georgia and its surrounding states.
• NAMI Georgia  — This resource searches through various care centers throughout Georgia to identify substance abuse and mental health care options for veterans.
• Substance Use Disorder Program Finder  — The Georgia VA runs this treatment program finder to help veterans in the state find a treatment facility near them.

Using these sites can streamline your addiction care search and make it easier to find a program that fits your needs.

The best veteran rehab programs in Georgia include several different amenities, features, and advantages that make them beneficial for you.

Signs of a quality rehab program include:

• Accreditation from trusted groups, like CARF of the Joint Commission
• Programs designed for veterans
• High success rates with patients
• Evidence-based treatment that focuses on your needs
• Holistic care that provides full-body protection
• Certifications from Georgia licensing boards
• Appropriate patient-to-therapist ratios
• Positive reviews and testimonials from previous visitors

Veterans who need addiction treatment may use various insurance options to pay for treatment.

Note that some facilities offer sliding-fee scale options for people depending on their income. For veterans without a job or insurance, these rehab centers may work well.

TRICARE is an insurance option for active or retired military members. It covers veterans and their dependents and may help pay for residential treatment programs.

Talk with your policy provider to learn more about your coverage. Though rare, some limitations may apply depending on your policy limits.

The Veterans Affairs or VA office will typically pay for most addiction treatment for covered veterans. They provide assistance for veterans who may not have TRICARE or other insurance policies.

These policies may cover treatment in VA centers or other facilities across the nation. Talk with your treatment specialist to learn more about your coverage.

While most addiction treatment programs accept TRICARE and VA health benefits, some may not. These may include luxury centers focused largely on amenities.

They typically accept private insurance like Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Humana, and Anthem. Talk to your service provider to learn more about your policy coverage.

Addiction treatment shouldn’t be a challenge for veterans. Unfortunately, many barriers can make recovery more difficult for military personnel.

Understanding these barriers can help you prepare for them and find ways to manage each before attending treatment.

Barriers veterans may face when working with recovery programs include:

• Struggles with their personal finances
• Lack of support from family and friends
• Negative stigma about addiction therapy
• Poor veteran support in their community
• Inadequate mental health options
• Waitlists for centers they want to attend

Breaking through these barriers can help you recover from addiction by identifying a treatment program that makes sense for you. Reach out to local veteran support groups to learn more.

Georgia veterans have access to multiple resources that can improve their mental health. Understanding these options can help you manage your addiction more successfully.

Resources for Georgia veterans seeking addiction treatment may include:

• Safe & Affordable Housing — This program helps veterans or other homeless residents in Georgia find safe and affordable living options that take them off the street.
• Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development — Georgia’s mental health department can help you find treatment and provide other assistance options.
• Substance Abuse Prevention — Georgia’s official substance abuse prevention program can provide information about drug addiction and treatment in your area.
• Job Training — Use this tool to find job training throughout Georgia, including programs specific to veterans or military personnel.
• Georgia Department of Veterans Service — Get help from this veteran-based program, including counseling and personal assistance through challenging periods in your life.
• Women Veterans Support — Female military veterans may use this program to get specialized support, including sex abuse treatment and more.

Reach out to these resources to learn more about how they can help you. For example, finding affordable housing can make finding work much easier.

Each of these options can provide Georgia veterans with the hope that they need to complete their treatment and stay sober after their program is over.

No matter what addiction you experience in Georgia, substance abuse treatment can help. Veterans can get personalized care from counselors who truly understand addiction.

Call us to learn more about the substance abuse treatment options available to veterans in Georgia. Our team can explain plan types, VA health benefits, and payment options.