Veteran Drug Rehab in Rhode Island

Though it may be often overlooked, the issue of substance abuse in veterans is a widespread issue in the U.S. Rhode Island veterans are no stranger to this issue and may find themselves looking for a path toward recovery.

There are many factors that make this group susceptible to developing an addiction, most of which have to do with the stresses and lasting effects of service.

The good news is Rhode Island has plenty of options for alcohol and drug addiction recovery as well as other resources and health care benefits.

Learn more here about veteran statistics in the state and the treatment programs available for previous service members battling substance abuse.

Drug and alcohol addiction is especially common in veterans. Many previous service members may develop an addiction simply because they’re trying to cope through use of drugs or alcohol.

It can be difficult to transition back to society for many reasons, which can leave veterans in need of a coping mechanism.

Some statistics on veterans and substance abuse include:

• More than one in 10 are diagnosed with substance use disorder.
• One in four are addicted to illicit drugs like opioids.
• Four in five are addicted to alcohol.
• One in 13 are addicted to both drugs and alcohol.
• One in three service members are binge drinkers.
• Suicide rates among veterans are about 1.5 times higher than the general population.

Veterans make up a large portion of the population in Rhode Island. There are about 54,121 veterans in the state or about 6.4% of the population.

There is an unemployment rate of approximately 3.8% among previous service members in the state and 7.3% live in poverty. An estimated 92 are homeless. In 2020 alone, 14 Rhode Island veterans died by suicide.

Such statistics highlight the many challenges veterans face after returning home.

There are countless risk factors previous service members face when it comes to developing an addiction.

For example, mental illnesses like PTSD and anxiety can make it much more likely for veterans to become addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Other risk factors include chronic pain and injury. These issues often warrant a prescription for highly addictive medications.

Trauma and sleep disturbances can also encourage veterans to turn to drugs or alcohol to deal with obstacles. Lastly, poverty, homelessness, and reintegrating into society can be risk factors for substance use disorders.

So what are your options when it comes to treatment for alcohol and drug addiction? Though it may not be widely known, there are a myriad of treatment services available for addiction in Rhode Island.

Some common treatment options include detoxification (detox) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Both services help the individual through withdrawal and to get off the addictive substance. These are both short-term treatment options.

Other treatment programs you may find include inpatient treatment or residential treatment. This service provides 24/7 care for the individual at a designated facility. There are also partial hospitalization programs (PHP).

On the other hand, some people opt for outpatient or intensive outpatient programs (IOP). This kind of treatment only requires the individual to be at a designated center from time to time.

It’s important to note that many rehab centers also offer specialized programs for veterans with addiction. This may be beneficial for those who want care specialized to veterans’ needs.

Mental health and addiction often go hand-in-hand. The simultaneous experience of these issues is commonly referred to as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders.

There are countless mental illnesses veterans may face that make them more prone to drug and alcohol addiction. Although, the most commonly occurring mental health issues include PTSD, panic disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression.

Because these issues occur alongside each other so frequently, many treatment centers offer dual diagnosis programs that address both the physical and mental sides of addiction.

You’ll find therapy to be the most common offering in these programs. Techniques often include dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and sometimes holistic approaches like music, nature, or adventure therapy.

There are several resources that can make your search easier and narrow down your options when it comes to rehab facilities. We recommend checking out federal- or state-founded resources like the following.

Where to find rehab programs:

• SAMHSA Treatment Locator — Created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this locator is a great place to find treatment services across the country. Not to mention it’s confidential and anonymous.
• State of Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services — This state-specific page offers countless resources including a health and counseling section separated by veteran type.

By starting with these resources, you’ll be able to find local rehab centers suitable for veterans and their needs. However, as a disclaimer, finding nearby alcohol and drug rehab centers is only part of the process.

It’s also important to make sure you’re selecting a reliable center. Keep reading to learn how to identify reputable programs.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when starting the search for a rehab program suitable for your needs. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for a few specific qualities at each medical center.

Qualities to look for include:

• Accreditations like the Joint Commission
• Certifications like LegitScript
• Evidence-based treatment options
• Low staff-to-client ratio
• Positive reviews/testimonials
• Aftercare services/relapse prevention

If you make sure to find a facility with a couple or more of these qualities, you’ll know you’re on the right track finding the best rehab center in Rhode Island for you.

Oftentimes, the costs associated with addiction rehab programs are the most stressful part of starting the journey toward recovery.

Thankfully, Rhode Island offers several military insurance plans to veterans, many of which will help cover the cost of addiction treatment.

Available to previous (and current) service members and their families, TRICARE is a health insurance option that provides health benefits. TRICARE may help cover your addiction treatment.

A similar option is VA health benefits, provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA health benefits packages differ between individuals, but many may help you pay for rehab services.

Private health insurance plans may also be an option for veterans in Rhode Island. Some local options for private insurance include PVAMC and HealthSourceRI. Medicare and Medicaid may also be options for some individuals.

Although so many veterans face the challenge of substance use disorders, a large portion are unable to get treatment for their addiction.

This is because there are several barriers to recovery for this demographic. These can range between individuals, but often include homelessness, poverty, or even long wait times in the VA medical center system.

On the other hand, some previous service members may not feel comfortable asking for help. In other words, they feel embarrassed or ashamed that they are facing addiction. Similarly, some may not know their problem has evolved into an addiction.

While substance abuse is a pressing issue among Rhode Island veterans, for many, this is not the only obstacle in their lives. It’s important to know about all of the resources at your disposal as a veteran.

The following resources will provide you with links, hotlines, and phone numbers to support services that will help you find the assistance you need.

Resources for Rhode Island veterans:

• State of Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services — This state website offers a page called “I am a … Find your benefits.” The page provides you with a list of resources from education resources, to legal help, to employment support.
• Operation Stand Down Rhode Island — This non-profit organization provides resources for homeless and at-risk veterans in Rhode Island.

Starting the road to recovery doesn’t have to be scary, and you certainly don’t have to do it alone. There are numerous options for addiction treatment, many of which are covered by insurance.

If you or your loved one is ready to start a life without addition, call our helpline today.