Veteran Drug Rehab in Nevada

Veterans are at high risk for developing a drug or alcohol addiction due to several factors. Nevada veterans may find themselves becoming reliant on a substance to help cope with the physical and mental aftermath of their service.

The good news is, there are countless treatment options when it comes to alcohol and drug addiction. In fact, many forms of treatment may also be partially or fully covered through resources like TRICARE or VA health benefits.

Learn more about the rates of substance abuse in veterans and treatment programs available in Nevada.

Drug and alcohol abuse is quite common among previous service members. But how deep does the problem run?

Veterans face a variety of risk factors that other demographics don’t face that can make them much more likely to develop a substance addiction.

Roughly 11% of veterans receiving first-time care in the Veterans Health Administration system meet the criteria to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder.

Many veterans who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction also suffer from mental health disorders. In fact, an estimated 37-50% of Afghanistan and Iran war veterans have a mental disorder.

Suicide is also a prominent issue among previous service members, with 30% of suicide attempts among army members involving drug or alcohol use.

Among veterans who struggle with addiction, 1 in 4 use illicit drugs, 4 in 5 use alcohol, and 1 in 13 use both.

However, the issue of substance abuse in veterans isn’t just national, individual states and communities face the same obstacle.

Nevada is unfortunately no stranger to the threat of drug and alcohol abuse. Let’s take a closer look at the specifics of substance abuse in veterans in the state.

There are approximately 207,767 veterans living in Nevada, or about 9.1% of the state’s population.

Other statistics pertaining to Nevada veterans:

• 5.4% of veterans are unemployed
• 7.6% live in poverty
• 924 are homeless
• 22% of Nevada’s suicide deaths were veterans between 2010-2014

Why is alcohol and drug abuse such a common issue among veterans? Due to the realities of service, veterans face many risk factors that other Americans do not.

Several of the risk factors include mental health disorders like PTSD, sleep disturbances, injuries, chronic pain, abuse, and trauma. The lack of resources for veterans can also lead to issues like homelessness and reintegration obstacles, which are also substance abuse risk factors.

Those who are struggling with one or even a few of the challenges mentioned above are more likely to turn to substances like alcohol or opioids to cope.

There are various treatment options that can help you or your loved one start your journey toward addiction recovery.

The most widely offered treatment options are inpatient and outpatient programs. Inpatient programs, also known as residential treatment, provide treatment in a setting outside of the individual’s home. This kind of care typically provides 24-hour supervision.

On the other hand, outpatient treatment can either be provided in the patient’s home or at a facility for a portion of each day. Intensive outpatient treatment and partial hospitalization programs are subsets of this kind of treatment.

Medication-assisted treatment is another common treatment approach that uses specified medications to help slowly wean the individual off the substance they are addicted to.

Detoxification, or detox, is another method used to help individuals through withdrawal by managing the symptoms of no longer using the addictive substance.

While all of these general treatment options are available to veterans, it’s important to note many facilities also offer specialized programs for veterans. These programs are designed to address the specific needs of this demographic.

Mental health and substance abuse have a significant correlation, especially in veterans. Mental health disorders that occur alongside addiction are commonly known as dual diagnoses or co-occurring disorders.

Dual Diagnoses and co-occurring disorders commonly seen in veterans include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• PTSD
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Panic disorders
• Eating disorders

Thankfully, many reputable treatment facilities offer dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder treatment. This kind of care provides simultaneous treatment for addiction and mental/behavioral health.

Because mental health issues are often the root of substance abuse issues, this method of treatment is designed to deal with addiction from the start.

Some common treatment approaches used in dual diagnosis care include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

Finding the right rehab facility can be overwhelming. The good news is there are several resources that can help you narrow your search.

The best way to find qualified and reliable addiction recovery programs in Nevada is to look at state resources and government-backed tools.

Some great resources to find Nevada rehab centers:

• SAMHSA Treatment Locator — This confidential and anonymous resource is a convenient way to find substance abuse care anywhere in the country.
• VA Southern Nevada Health Care — This Nevada-specific VA page is a great place to find health care resources for veterans such as addiction treatment.

These tools can be a great starting point when it comes to finding the proper facility for your needs whether you’re in Reno or Las Vegas. Keep reading to learn about specific qualities you should look for when selecting a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center.

If you stick to a few standard qualities when looking for a veterans drug and alcohol rehab program, you’ll be on the right track to finding a reputable and reliable facility.

Some qualities to look for when selecting a facility:

• Accreditations such as through thee Joint Commission or Commission on Accreditation of
• Rehabilitation Facilities
• Certifications such as LegitScript certification
• Professional memberships or state-backed facilities
• Centers with a low staff-to-client ratio
• A high volume of positive reviews
• Evidence-based treatment methods

While many associate addiction treatment with the cost, there are many resources that may make addiction recovery much more accessible and affordable.

TRICARE is one of several resources available for veterans. This healthcare program is offered to uniformed service members and their families and can help you cover the costs of healthcare services.

VA health benefits is another resource service members may be able to use to cover the price of addiction care. Provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this program provides different packages to each individual based on certain eligibility.

Private insurance plans are also a helpful tool in covering the costs of substance abuse recovery. Private insurance companies will often have specific information about how much they will cover when it comes to addiction recovery

Although there are many useful resources available to veterans for accessing addiction recovery and support, this demographic still faces several barriers to care.

First and foremost, many service members are ashamed or embarrassed to seek out help when it comes to substance abuse and recovery. On the other hand, some may not even be aware they’re struggling with addiction due to a lack of awareness.

Some additional barriers include homelessness, financial struggles, and long wait times in the veteran healthcare system.

If you’re unsure where to find resources for veterans in Nevada, here are a few great places to start.

Nevada veteran resources include:

• Nevada Department of Veterans Services — This state department page provides information about veteran resources, news, and events.
• Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation Job Opportunities — This department is designed to help veterans and their spouses find employment opportunities in Nevada.
• Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada — This nonprofit law firm provides legal representation to individuals, like veterans, who cannot afford an attorney.
• The Nevada Veterans Foundation — This nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life of veterans.

Substance abuse can be a difficult obstacle to overcome. Luckily, Nevada veterans have several great resources at their disposal to find the right alcohol and drug rehab center for their needs.

If you or someone you know is struggling to start the journey toward recovery, give our helpline a call today to learn about treatment options near you.