Veteran Drug Rehab in Utah

Many veterans are living with substance use disorders as a result of trying to cope with the high-risk, high-stress lifestyle that comes with working in the military. Trauma from service and deployment are some of the other factors.

For veterans located in Utah, there are many options for treatment for drug and alcohol addictions. Many treatment programs are covered by military insurance such as TRICARE and VA health benefits.

Veterans can find inpatient and outpatient treatment, counseling and therapy options, and support groups, among other options.

Learn about rehab programs for veterans in Utah, rates of substance abuse among veterans, resources to help you find treatment, information on insurance for veterans, and more.

Military service members and veterans are often exposed to situations that are dangerous, stressful, and traumatic. These experiences can leave them with both psychological and physical wounds.

And mental health issues can lead to substance abuse as a way of self-medicating. This is especially true in veterans.

Veteran substance abuse rates include:

• Approximately 11% of veterans who visit a medical facility run by the VA report having a substance use disorder.
• Male veterans are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder than female veterans.
• Over 80% of veterans with a substance use disorder abuse alcohol.
• More than two out of ten veterans with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also have a substance use disorder.
• Around 10% of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have a problem with alcohol and/or illicit drugs.
• 13% of veterans who received opioids for pain management developed an opioid use disorder.
• Over 7% of veterans with an addiction report having a problem with both alcohol and illicit drugs.

There are 134,313 veterans living in the state of Utah, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans make up 6.17% of the adult population living in Utah.

There is a 3.8% unemployment rate for veterans in Utah, compared to the 3.4% unemployment rate that civilians face in the same state. Employment instability can be stressful for veterans trying to reintegrate into society.

There are 17,173 veterans who own homes with major problems of cost, crowding, or structural quality. An estimated 114 veterans are believed to be homeless, which is concerning, as homelessness can also lead to addiction.

Veterans and active duty service members are at a higher risk of developing an alcohol or drug addiction, due to the nature of their career.

This is especially true in veterans and military members who have been deployed into an active war zone, and have seen combat. These are major risk factors for developing substance use disorders.

Other risk factors that can contribute to a veteran to developing an addiction include:

• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Difficulty reconnecting with family and friends
• Mental and physical injuries
• Chronic pain issues
• Unemployment rates/difficulty finding a job
• Disability ratings
• Homelessness
• Co-occurring mental disorders

If you or a loved one are searching for an addiction treatment program, you may have noticed that there are many different options to choose from. There are short-term and long-term options, as well as inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.

The first step in any treatment facility is usually a medically supervised detoxification. There are also options such as intensive outpatient programs and residential treatment centers.

Programs veterans can expect to find in most rehab treatment centers include:

• Medical detox
• Inpatient treatment programs
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Outpatient treatment programs
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Twelve-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• LGBTQ programs
• Domestic violence therapy
• Transitional housing
• Relapse prevention programs
• Aftercare

Veterans may also find specialized programs that are tailored to fit their unique needs. These programs are often run and managed by other veterans, which can make retired military members feel comfortable.

Many veterans who are dealing with substance use disorders often have mental health issues that are also affecting them. This is called a co-occurring diagnosis.

There are dual diagnosis programs that treat not only the drug or alcohol addiction, but also the underlying issues that have been causing veterans to self-medicate.

Mental and behavioral health disorders that often co-occur with addiction include:

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

Most co-occurring disorders will be treated with either cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

Other options for treating a dual diagnosis can include antidepressant medication, anti-anxiety medications, and prescriptions for other mental health diagnoses.

Alternative therapies have also proven to be helpful, as well as support groups with other veterans dealing with the same mental health and substance use disorders.

Alcohol and drug rehab centers can often be found at VA medical centers or major hospital systems. Substance abuse treatment can often be found in major cities like Ogden, Salt Lake City, and St. George.

Resources for finding alcohol and drug abuse treatment in Utah include:

• SAMHSA — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has an online searchable database of treatment centers, and other resources can be found here as well.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — The VA offers an online database of resources and substance abuse treatment centers specialized for the veterans.

When you or a loved one are ready to look for a drug or alcohol rehab facility, the most important quality to look for is whether it is reputable and of high quality.

If you are a veteran and would feel more comfortable in a specialized veterans program, there are many treatment options available to you. You will find that many veterans programs are run by other veterans.

Signs to look for in a potential treatment facility include:

• Accreditations, usually through the Joint Commission or CARF
• Certifications
• High success rates
• Positive client testimonials and reviews
• Evidence-based treatment methods
• Low doctor-to-patient ratios/staff-to-client ratios
• Specialized programs for veterans

The price of health care, both general and addiction treatment services, should never be a barrier to getting the help you need. Most rehab facilities accept military insurance, VA health benefits, and private insurances.

Some veterans may even find that the cost of their treatment is mostly, if not completely, covered by their insurance and benefits.

TRICARE is a type of insurance that is specifically for active duty military members and veterans. It works the same way for veterans that Medicare and Medicaid do for civilians.

The amount of coverage will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will depend on a number of different factors.

Veterans who are eligible for VA health benefits may find that their substance abuse treatment costs are completely covered by their benefits.

Veterans can find both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs that are covered by their benefits, but some coverage may depend on numerous factors.

If you plan on seeking recovery in a private or luxury rehab facility, you may find that they do not accept military insurance, such as TRICARE or VA health benefits.

Most private treatment centers accept private insurance and self-pay. They often provide payment assistance through sliding scale fees and financing options for those who pay out of pocket.

While treatment may be available for all veterans, they may have difficulty accepting it for a variety of reasons.

Some of the barriers veterans may face when looking for help for substance abuse:

• Lack of adequate mental health care
• Lack of resources or funding
• Not having the support of family and friends
• Long waitlists for treatment centers
• Stigma for seeking help

Fortunately, there are many resources available to veterans in Utah in order to help them overcome these barriers that may be keeping them from seeking help.

The following resources are available to veterans in Utah. They can assist with housing, employment, education, health, mental health, substance abuse treatment, and much more:

• Salt Lake City Vet Center — offers returning service member care, family counseling, group counseling, support groups, PTSD therapy, grief counseling, and other counseling options.
• St. George Vet Center — They offer many different types of counseling and therapy options for veterans and active military members. They also provide referral services for treatment they do not provide.
• Utah Department of Veterans Affairs — offers a complete guide to benefits, including housing, employment, health care, substance abuse treatment, legal assistance, and more.

If you or a loved one are a veteran ready to seek help for a substance use disorder in Utah, you are not alone in taking this important first step.

When you are ready to begin the journey to recovery, call our helpline today to speak with an addiction treatment specialist to find a substance abuse center near you.