Veteran Drug Rehab in Wyoming

Substance abuse is prevalent among veterans for numerous reasons, including the stress of the lifestyle that comes with serving in the military. These, plus other factors, can be reasons why a veteran may turn to self-medicating with drugs and alcohol.

Veterans in Wyoming have access to many different drug and alcohol treatment facilities, with treatment programs that may be covered by military insurance, such as TRICARE, or VA health benefits.

There are many different options when it comes to choosing an alcohol and drug rehab facility in Wyoming. Some of the options include inpatient and outpatient treatment options, medication-assisted treatment with methadone, support groups, and many more.

Learn more about the rates of substance abuse in veterans, programs for veterans in Wyoming, addiction treatment centers near you, resources for finding help, and more.

During their military service, active duty military service members and veterans are often exposed to situations that are extremely dangerous and often traumatic. These types of experiences can be one of many reasons that veterans develop substance use disorders.

Mental health issues can also be factors that lead to drug and alcohol abuse, which is one of the reasons that substance abuse problems are not uncommon in veterans.

Veteran substance abuse rates include:

• There are approximately 1.1 million veterans who are currently battling substance abuse in some form.
• A little over 3 in 4 veterans who have a substance use disorder struggle the most with alcohol.
• Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance by veterans and military personnel.
• Around 25% of veterans with addiction use illicit drugs such as methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana.
• Over the course of 7 years, the rate of marijuana use increased more than 50% among veterans.
• More than 20% of veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder also have a substance use disorder.
• Around 1 in 10 returning veterans from Iraq or Afghanistan have a problem with alcohol and/or drugs.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are 46,906 veterans living in Wyoming, making up a little over 10% of the adult population. In Wyoming, 11,075 veterans have a service-related disability rating.

Wyoming has 29,586 homes occupied by veterans. Housing troubles are a common factor for developing a substance use disorder. Currently, 6,114 veterans live in a house with one or more major structural issues. Additionally, there are 51 veterans considered homeless.

Financial pressures can also be a factor in addiction. In Wyoming, there is a 2.8% unemployment rate for veterans. Almost 6.5% of Wyoming’s veterans are living in poverty.

Veterans and active duty service members are at a greater risk of developing a substance use disorder for many different reasons, one of which is the stress of being in the military.

Veterans and military personnel who have faced a difficult deployment, or who have seen active combat, have a greatly increased chance of turning to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate.

Other risk factors and alcohol and drug addiction in veterans include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Physical and psychological injuries from time spent in combat
• Co-occurring mental disorders
• Chronic pain
• Having a hard time reconnecting with friends and family
• Difficulty finding and maintaining employment
• Homelessness
• Disability ratings

If you or a loved one are seeking drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs in Wyoming, you may have noticed that there are several different programs available to you. Most programs start with a medically supervised detoxification program.

After you have gone through detox, you may be interested in attending a long-term or short-term inpatient program, or you may be ready for intensive outpatient programs. A healthcare provider can help you determine the appropriate level of care.

Other outpatient programs may include support groups and multiple options for therapy.

Substance abuse treatment programs for veterans may include:

• Medical detoxification
• Inpatient/residential treatment programs
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Methadone and buprenorphine therapy
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Outpatient programs
• Transitional and halfway houses
• Individual, group, and family counseling services
• Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
• Special programs for veterans
• 24-hour hotline for support
• Aftercare programs
• Sober living

For many veterans, they find it easier to open up about their mental health issues and substance abuse problems in programs that are specifically designed for veterans. These programs are often run by other veterans who understand a veteran’s unique experiences.

There are many veterans who are living with substance abuse issues and also dealing with mental health issues. Having both a mental health disorder and an addiction is called a dual diagnosis.

Dual diagnosis programs are designed to treat the underlying mental health issue that is co-occurring with a drug or alcohol addiction. Treating the root of the problem increases the likelihood that recovery lasts.

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

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

The most common way that co-occurring disorders are treated is by utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and many other evidence-based treatment options.

Prescription medications for many of these co-occurring disorders are also available and have been successful in helping people recover from mental health issues and substance use disorders.

If you or a loved one are searching for a substance abuse treatment program in Wyoming, know that many programs can be found through most major hospital systems.

Another way to find a drug or alcohol addiction treatment is by looking in big cities, such as Casper, Cheyenne, Laramie, or Sheridan.

Resources for locating veterans rehab programs in Wyoming include:

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — This governmental department offers specialized veteran substance abuse treatment programs through the VA.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — SAMHSA offers an online database of drug and alcohol rehab programs and mental healthcare services organized by state, as well as many other resources.

If you or a family member are a veteran looking for a drug and alcohol rehab center in Wyoming, it is important that any treatment program you are considering is of high quality and reputable.

For veterans who prefer to get help with their substance abuse in a program with peers, a specialized veterans rehab program may be the best fit for you.

More signs of a quality rehab program include:

• Accreditations, typically through the Joint Commission or CARF
• Certifications, such as through LegitScript or SAMHSA
• Positive client reviews and testimonials
• High success rate
• Evidence-based treatment programs
• Low doctor-to-patient/staff-to-client ratios
• Specialized programs for veterans

Affordability of treatment services should never be a reason why veterans are unable to seek help with alcohol and/or drug dependency problems. Veterans may not be aware that their treatment could be partially, if not completely, covered.

Many substance abuse programs accept military health insurance such as TRICARE, most private insurances, and VA health benefits.

TRICARE is a type of military insurance exclusively for veterans and active duty service members. TRICARE works for veterans much the same way Medicare and Medicaid do for the civilian population.

Disclaimer: The amount of coverage a veteran may receive is determined on a case-by-case basis, and numerous other factors will be reviewed as well.

If you or a loved one are eligible for VA health benefits, you may find that most, if not all, of your expenses at an addiction treatment center may be covered by your VA benefits.

The amount of coverage you can expect to receive will be dependent on a number of different factors, though inpatient and outpatient treatment centers are often covered.

For veterans who choose to seek recovery from alcohol and drug addiction in a private or a luxury rehab center in Vermont, they may find that their military insurance or VA health benefits will not be accepted.

These treatment centers typically accept most major private health insurances and self-pay options, and they often provide payment assistance through financing or a sliding-fee scale.

Unfortunately, many veterans experience barriers, which prevent former military members from accessing the help they need to recover from substance abuse.

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

• Lack of adequate mental health care
• Lack of financial resources or lack of insurance
• Not having the support of friends and family
• The stigma that may come with seeking help
• The long waitlists for treatment

The good news is that there are many programs available for veterans, specifically designed to help overcome these barriers to recovery and get the treatment and care they need.

The following organizations provide resources for veterans to assist with homelessness, job placement, education assistance, insurance, understanding your VA benefits, financial assistance, and more.

Wyoming veterans have access to the following resources:

• Cheyenne VA Medical Center — This VA medical center offers a wide variety of medical services, substance abuse treatment, caregiver support, mental health care, minority veteran care, a pharmacy, PTSD care, whole health, women veterans care, and much more.
• Sheridan VA Medical Center — This VA medical center provides primary healthcare services, as well as specialty healthcare. They also provide mental health services, audiology, nutritional counseling, women’s care, and many more resources.
• Rock Springs VA Clinic — The Rock Springs VA Clinic offers mental health care for veterans and their families, and provides referals to veterans who need assistance with addiction/substance abuse, homeless veteran care, and suicide prevention. They also provide a telehealth option.
• Wyoming Veterans Commission — The Wyoming Veterans Commission offers veterans assistance with healthcare, education counseling, housing, job placement, mental health, and provides resources for family members of veterans as well.

If you or a loved one are ready to begin your journey to recovery from an alcohol or drug addiction in Wyoming, know you are not alone. There are many resources available to you to help you take that next step.

When you are ready to make a change, call our helpline phone number today to speak to a recovery expert who will help you find a veterans substance abuse treatment center near you.