Veteran Drug Rehab in South Carolina

Veterans often live with substance abuse and mental health issues due to the high-stress lifestyle that comes with being in the military. Active duty can be a major stressor that leads to self-medicating.

Veterans who are seeking alcohol and drug addiction treatment in South Carolina have options available to them, many of which are covered by TRICARE and VA healthcare benefits.

Veterans rehab programs can be inpatient or outpatient, with transitional options often available. Treatment programs can include detoxification, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), individual and group therapy, and more.

Find out more about specialized rehab programs for veterans in South Carolina, which types of insurance cover drug rehab for veterans, and resources to help you find treatment.

The everyday life stressors of military service can cause both physical and psychological injuries. These stressors can lead a veteran to develop an alcohol or drug addiction due to using drugs or alcohol as a way to cope.

Alcohol and drug abuse is not uncommon among veterans in the United States. And veterans are considered high risk for developing an addiction, having housing problems, experiencing unemployment, and medical problems.

Veteran substance abuse statistics include:

• According to a 2018 study, 10% of all military personnel, across all branches, were considered to be heavy drinkers.
• 1 in 3 active duty military members engage in binge drinking, which can lead to ongoing alcoholism for veterans.
• 25% of military personnel sampled reported misusing alcohol three to four months after being deployed.
• An estimated 2 out of 10 veterans who have post traumatic stress disorder also have a substance use disorder.
• 65% of veterans who enter rehab report doing so for alcohol addiction.
• An estimated 25% of veterans report using an illicit drug, including benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, and opioids.
• 1 in 13 veterans abuse illicit drugs and alcohol.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported that 393,684 veterans, about 10.34% of the adult population, call South Carolina home. Currently, there are 46,000 female veterans in South Carolina.

South Carolina’s veterans face a 4.4% unemployment rate, while 6.9% of those veterans who do have a job are still living in poverty situations.

These rates can be alarming, considering unemployment, poverty, and homelessness have been shown to be factors that lead to substance use disorders.

Military personnel and veterans are at a higher risk of developing substance use disorders due to the risks involved in their career.

Military services members, both current and retired, who have faced deployment and have seen action, are at a much higher risk of developing an addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Veterans and military members face the following risk factors for substance abuse:

• Homelessness
• Unemployment and low employment rates
• Injuries received in the line of duty, both mental and physical
• Chronic pain from injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Disability ratings
• Difficulty reconnecting with friends and family after being away
• Co-occurring mental health disorder

If you or a loved one are a veteran seeking a treatment center in South Carolina, there are many different options to choose from. The first step in most treatment programs is detox.

The next step would be to determine the length of treatment you may need. If you need long-term treatment, an inpatient facility may be better for you, while outpatient is better for those who need a shorter amount of time in treatment.

Services that veterans can expect to find at addiction recovery centers can include:

• Medical detoxification
• Inpatient programs
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Outpatient programs
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• 12-step programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Individual, group, and family therapies
• Methadone and buprenorphine treatment
• Motivational interviewing
• Domestic violence therapy
• Anger management
• Relapse prevention
• 24/7 hotlines
• Sober living
• Aftercare

In South Carolina, there are also a wide variety of special programs for veterans available, which are tailored to the special needs of veterans.

For many veterans with a substance use disorder, there are often mental health issues that are also playing a part in the addiction. When someone is dealing with mental health problems and addiction, it’s called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis.

There are dual diagnosis programs that help veterans treat underlying issues that could be causing their alcohol and drug addictions.

The following mental health and behavioral disorders can co-occur with addictions:

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

Group and individual counseling often treat a dual diagnosis. Studies have shown that having peer support when dealing with mental health and addiction can be helpful and effective.

Most major hospitals in the VA offer substance abuse treatment programs. It is also much easier to find substance abuse treatment centers in major cities like Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Spartanburg.

There are also helpful databases of resources online for those searching for drug and alcohol rehab facilities in South Carolina.

The following are resources veterans can use to find treatment services:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — offers an online directory for addiction rehab centers in South Carolina and across the United States.
• South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs — offers an online database of resources for veterans, including housing, employment, mental health, and addiction services.

If you or a loved one are a veteran looking for treatment, there are many options available. It is important to thoroughly check out any alcohol and drug rehab center.

Qualities to look for in a potential treatment facility include:

• Special programs for veterans
• Accreditations, such as through CARF or the Joint Commission
• Certifications
• Evidence-based treatment options
• Positive client reviews and testimonials
• High doctor-to-patient ratio
• High success rate

An inability to afford treatment should never be a barrier for veterans to receive help for substance abuse. There are options that can often take care of the full cost of treatment.

Many addiction treatment centers accept private insurance, VA health benefits. and military insurance, such as TRICARE.

TRICARE is a veteran and military-specific insurance. It works the same way that Medicaid and Medicare do.

The amount of assistance and coverage provided through TRICARE will depend on how much you are approved for.

The VA has health benefits that include inpatient and outpatient treatment services, long-term care, and medication. They base the amount of benefits you will receive on your needs, income, and availability.

Your stay in an addiction facility could be covered completely.

Private substance abuse treatment facilities and luxury treatment centers usually only accept private health insurance and self-pay plans.

Many treatment centers also accept financing, and some offer scholarships as well.

There should never be barriers to treatment for those who are looking for help. Unfortunately, even though help may be available, there may be many reasons why a person cannot access it.

Barriers that may prevent veterans from seeking help include:

• The stigma around seeking mental health and substance abuse help
• Long waiting lists and lack of availability for appointments
• Not having the support of friends and loved ones
• Lack of funding or lack of resources
• Inadequate access to mental health care
• Not understanding how to access resources for veterans

Yet a number of resources in South Carolina can help veterans break through these barriers to access the drug and alcohol treatment they need.

There are many national organizations that assist veterans, but you may not be aware of the services closer to home.

These organizations help with employment, housing, mental health, substance abuse services, and more.

Organizations which provide resources for veterans in South Carolina include:

• VA Charleston Health Care — The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is located on Bee Street in Charleston, SC. It offers general healthcare, substance abuse treatment, post traumatic stress disorder care, and a helpline for more information.
• SC Valor Program — a collaboration between the SC Attorney General, The SC Bar, and the SC Military Department that assists in legal aid for veterans and military members.
• Tri-County Veterans Resource Center — This non profit organization helps assist veterans in accessing their benefits. They also assist in employment, education, and financial wellness.

If you or a loved one are ready to end your substance abuse battle, it is important to know that you are not alone. The decision to end your drug and alcohol addiction is an important first step in the right direction.

When you are ready to find help, call our phone number to get connected with one of our treatment specialists today.