Veteran Drug Rehab in Missouri

Veterans around the nation are facing substance use disorders. Military service-related stress and trauma can worsen mental health conditions and increase the likelihood of drug and alcohol addiction.

Thankfully, Missouri-based veterans seeking drug or alcohol treatment have a wide range of rehabilitation options. Some recovery centers are supported by TRICARE or VA health insurance benefits.

Treatment options include outpatient and residential treatment programs, detox, dual diagnosis treatment, and various evidence-based therapies. If you’re a veteran looking for substance abuse treatment, you have options.

The difficulties of serving in the military make veterans more susceptible to alcohol and drug addiction. Some of the problems veterans deal with, like homelessness and mental health issues, increase the risk of drug abuse.

The following facts can help you understand the scope of substance abuse among veterans:

• Alcohol is the most-abused drug among veterans, with 80% of veterans struggling with alcohol use.
• 2.9% or close to 600,000 veterans had opioid abuse problems in 2019.
• More than 9% of veterans have chronic pain issues, which puts them at a higher risk of opioid abuse, compared to 6.4% among civilians.
• Male veterans, especially those under 25 years of age, are more likely to have a substance use disorder.
• About 25% of veterans have a serious mental illness.
• More than 3.5 million veterans have both substance use disorder and a mental illness.

Missouri is home to close to 480,000 veterans, out of which 6.3% are female. The unemployment rate in the state is 5.7%, which means about 27,000 veterans have no formal employment.

About 10% of veterans have a drug abuse issue, indicating that there are now close to 48,000 veterans in Missouri struggling with substance misuse. There are 35 VA facilities in the state, and 30% of veterans use VA health care.

However, 7% of veterans are uninsured, which may hinder getting medical help.

Unfortunately, military service exposes personnel to risk factors that make them more susceptible to drug or alcohol abuse. Combat experience and trauma are significant triggers for alcohol and drug misuse.

Other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD that are prevalent among veterans may also increase the risk of substance abuse. Injuries sustained during service could also lead to drug abuse if a veteran becomes addicted to prescribed pain medications.

Difficulties reintegrating into civilian life and stigma surrounding mental health issues among veterans also contribute to high rates of substance abuse.

Addiction treatment services come in various forms. To begin, you can enroll in either an inpatient or an outpatient treatment program, which may be short-term or long-term.

Sober living homes, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs are also options you can choose from.

Most facilities offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone or buprenorphine and detoxification to help you get off the substance as you begin therapy.

Some evidence-based therapy options available in veterans rehab programs include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Family therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Group and individual therapy

You can also look out for special programs tailored to the unique rehab needs of veterans. These programs usually have staff qualified to offer trauma-informed care and specialized counseling for veterans.

You might find rehab programs for teens, young adults, pregnant women, and gender-specific treatment as well.

Aside from physical battle scars, veterans frequently battle mental health issues. Drug and alcohol misuse is often a form of self-medication when veterans can’t or don’t get the necessary attention and support for these issues.

Most drug and alcohol rehab facilities include dual diagnosis treatment to assist with co-occurring disorders, which are mental health conditions that can contribute to alcohol and drug addiction.

Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are three co-occurring illnesses that veterans frequently experience. Bipolar disorder and other personality disorders are also common mental health problems among people who abuse drugs.

A dual diagnosis rehab program usually involves discovering how the mental health issue and substance abuse affect each other. After a diagnosis, treatment of the co-occurring disorders begins, often through various therapy programs.

If you’re looking for drug addiction treatment in Missouri, various options are available for veterans. Major hospitals within the state usually have rehabilitation programs you can check out.

Alternatively, you can look through the VA database for medical facilities near you if you require programs specialized for veterans.

Usually, you can find programs close by — whether you’re in Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia, Poplar, or other major cities in the state.

Other resources to help you find substance abuse treatment facilities include:

• SAMHSA — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a database of approved substance abuse treatment programs and facilities alongside those that offer mental health support.
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — has a substance abuse program locator for veterans seeking treatment.

Finding a rehab center for the treatment of drug use and alcohol abuse might be challenging. You want to ensure the facility is reputable and will provide you or a loved one with quality rehabilitation services.

A few hallmarks of any effective rehab facility include the following:

• Accreditations, such as from the Joint Commission or CARF
• Certifications
• Favorable client reviews and testimonials
• A wide range of evidence-based treatment programs
• Adequate staffing
• Success rate
• A variety of insurance and payment options
• Relapse prevention and aftercare services

Look out for facilities that offer specialized veteran care if you require a more tailored approach.

Treatment for substance abuse can be expensive, putting many off the journey to recovery. However, veterans seeking assistance shouldn’t let these expenses stand in their way, as various options are available.

TRICARE insurance, VA health benefits, and private insurance are some options that may cover your treatment.

TRICARE is a military insurance plan similar to Medicare and Medicaid, but it is specific for service members on active duty, veterans, and their dependents. Depending on your plan, you can get various levels of coverage for treatments.

In addition to medical checkups and other health benefits, veterans may also be covered for substance abuse treatment.

Inpatient and outpatient care are often included, along with any medications, checkups, and other expenses incurred during rehab.

Some facilities, especially luxury ones, are not covered by TRICARE or VA health benefits.

If you have private health insurance, would like a self-pay option, or prefer an out-of-network facility, this option is for you.

Finding treatment can be challenging, and recovering from drug and alcohol addiction as a veteran can seem like a daunting prospect.

Despite the availability of rehab facilities around Missouri, plenty of veterans still experience obstacles to recovery.

Some of these barriers to recovery include:

• The stigma around addiction, especially around military personnel
• Waitlists
• Financial challenges if one is not covered by insurance
• The lack of support from friends and family
• Lack of accessible resources regarding substance abuse disorder and rehabilitation

However, there are a number of resources available to help veterans overcome these obstacles and access much-needed care to help them recover.

Resources for veterans in Missouri include organizations that may help with locating treatment, help with mental health care, assist with employment, and more.

Resources for vets in the state of Missouri include:

• The Missouri Department of Mental Health — details mental and behavioral health services available in the state, such as suicide prevention services and a treatment facility locator.
• The Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) Benefits and Resource Portal — this portal serves as a guide to assist veterans in discovering free available resources for a wide variety of services.
• Missouri Veteran Services Offices — check your local VSO office for information about veterans benefits, including service-connected compensation, education and training, vocational rehabilitation, and more.
• Employment Connection — this non-profit organization provides resources, training, and support to veterans and individuals with limited opportunities in the St. Louis community.
• Mo Heroes Connect — provides career guidance, job training programs, and emergency financial assistance of up to $1,500 for eligible veterans.
• Missouri Governor’s Committee to End Homelessness (GCEH) — this resource offers information on fair housing, homeless shelters, affordable housing, and other related data.
• Veterans Community Project — provides housing for the homeless and walk-in services for veterans, including mental and physical health referrals, financial counseling, and more.

You have plenty of options if you or a loved one are veterans looking for addiction treatment in Missouri. You can get residential and outpatient drug rehab centers, a variety of therapy options, and insurance coverage to help you recover.

There are medical centers ready to assist you whenever you are ready. Call our hotline today, and we’ll help you find the best treatment center near you to match your needs.