Veteran Drug Rehab in Oklahoma

There are many veterans living with a substance use disorder. This is in part because veterans may self-medicate due to the sometimes traumatic, high-stress, high-risk lifestyle of the military.

Veterans who are seeking help for a drug or alcohol addiction in Oklahoma have many options. Many addiction treatment centers in the state accept military insurance like TRICARE and VA health benefits, which widens the variety of treatment options available to veterans.

Treatment for addiction can come in different forms, such as inpatient and outpatient, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid abuse, counseling, and medical detox.

Find out more about veterans rehab programs in Oklahoma, financial and support resources for veterans, risk factors for addiction in veterans, and where to find treatment.

Active service members and veterans of the military are often placed in situations that are traumatic and stressful. These situations can leave veterans with both physical and psychological wounds.

Veterans who have been deployed and have seen action are more at risk for developing an addiction to drugs and alcohol due to self-medicating and coping with substances.

Veteran substance abuse rates include:

• Over 10% of veterans will be diagnosed with a substance use disorder.
• Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance, with 65% of veterans claiming it is the reason they are entering a treatment program.
• One in four veterans struggle with illicit drugs.
• 7% of veterans have reported struggling with both alcohol and illicit drugs.
• Heroin was the reason more than 10% of veterans checked into substance abuse treatment.
• 6% of veterans have sought help for using cocaine.
• Marijuana use increased more than 50% in veterans over a seven-year time period.
• 13% of veterans who received opioids for pain management have developed an opioid use disorder.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported that there were 291,315 veterans living in Oklahoma, with veterans making up approximately 10% of the adult population.

The current unemployment rate for veterans in Oklahoma is 4.1%. When veterans do not have financial security, it can become a stressor that leads to drug and alcohol addiction.

Another stressor that leads to substance abuse is having housing problems. In Oklahoma, there are 34,943 veterans that live in homes with one or more major problems of quality, crowding, or cost.

Homelessness is a major issue among veterans, and in Oklahoma, 325 veterans are currently living without a home.

There are a number of reasons that veterans might develop an alcohol and drug addiction. For instance, seeing combat is a major factor in developing a substance use disorder.

Retired military members who had a difficult deployment are also at a higher risk of using alcohol and drugs to manage stress.

Other risk factors that may contribute to alcohol and drug abuse include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Chronic pain
• Mental and physical injuries received in war
• Co-occurring mental disorders
• Having a difficult time reintegrating into civilian life
• Housing instability and homelessness
• Employment instability
• Disability ratings

When you or your loved one are ready to seek help for a substance use disorder, there are many treatment programs you can choose from. After your medically supervised detox, the first choice you should consider is whether you will need long-term or short-term treatment.

Treatment may begin with detoxing, and can be inpatient residential treatment or intensive outpatient programs.

Other veterans treatment services and addiction treatment programs include:

• Medically supervised detox
• Inpatient treatment programs
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Outpatient treatment programs
• Transitional/halfway houses
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Methadone treatment
• Family counseling
• Domestic violence counseling
• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Twelve step support groups
• Sober living programs
• Aftercare

Veterans seeking more specialized programs can find treatment with veteran rehab programs. These are usually run and managed by other veterans, and offer support groups with other former service members.

Many times veterans who are dealing with substance use disorders are also dealing with underlying mental health issues, causing co-occurring disorders.

Dual diagnosis programs are available for those ready to treat the root of their addiction, making it less likely to reoccur in the future.

Behavioral and mental health disorders that commonly co-occur with substance abuse include:

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

There are a wide variety of treatment options for those looking for help with a dual diagnosis.

Co-occurring disorders are often treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based counseling and treatment.

There are other options for therapy, including prescription medication for anxiety and depression.

Alcohol and drug addiction treatment can be found in VA health care systems in most major cities, such as Oklahoma City. Most major hospital systems will also have alcohol and drug rehab services.

Other resources available for locating drug and alcohol rehab programs include:

• SAMHSA — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides an online searchable database of resources and treatment centers by state.
• US Department of Veterans Affairs — This is a database of VA health care centers and specialized treatment programs for veterans.

If you or a loved one are a veteran seeking alcohol and drug abuse treatment, you should first make sure that any rehab facility you choose is of high quality and reputable.

Veterans may feel more comfortable in programs designed for veterans by other former military service members. These programs often consist of trauma-based treatment methods.

Other qualities to look for in a rehab program include:

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

The cost of drug and alcohol rehab centers can often be a barrier for those who are looking to get help for their addiction. However, there are many financial options for people who need help.

Veterans have access to both private and military insurances like TRICARE, and VA health benefits. These often cover the entire cost of recovery for veterans.

TRICARE is a type of insurance that is only available for active military service members and veterans. TRICARE works the same way Medicaid and Medicare do for civilians.

The amount of coverage you will receive for your substance abuse recovery treatment will depend on how much you have been approved for.

A veteran’s treatment program may also be completely covered by VA health benefits. This will depend, however, on how much a veteran is approved for. The amount you are approved for can vary depending on a number of factors.

Veterans may find that inpatient and outpatient treatment programs are often covered by VA health benefits.

If you or a loved one decide to get treatment from a private or luxury treatment facility, you may find that they do not accept TRICARE or VA health benefits. Private insurance is usually accepted.

Payment assistance through sliding fee scales and financing are often available for those who need to self-pay.

Unfortunately, even though there are many resources available for veterans with substance use disorders, many veterans feel unable to accept and use these resources.

Some of the barriers veterans may face when seeking help include:

• Stigma
• Lack of financial resources or funding
• Not having the support of loved ones
• Long waitlists for treatment
• Not having access to proper mental health care

The good news is there are special programs for veterans who are facing these barriers, so they can receive the help they need.

Veterans living in Oklahoma have options when they are in need of assistance. Resources that are provided can cover housing needs, employment, education, mental and physical health services, financial, and more.

The following resources are available to veterans in Oklahoma:

• Community Service Council — This organization provides immediate housing assistance for veterans who meet eligibility requirements and are living in Tulsa, OK.
• Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs — This sector of the VA provides many different resources for veterans, including employment help, housing help, mental health services, primary health services, women’s programs for veterans, and more.
• Tulsa Veterans Center — Located in Tulsa, OK, this veteran’s center offers mainly counseling services for active military service members, veterans, and their families. They also provide community outreach opportunities.

If you or a loved one are ready to seek treatment for a substance use disorder in Oklahoma, know you are not alone. There are many resources and services available to you when you decide to take the first step.

Call our helpline today when you are ready to begin your recovery journey, and our addiction treatment specialists will work with you to find a treatment program in your area.