JourneyPure At The River is Pleased to Serve Active Military and Veterans
The landscape of what war and combat looks like today is very different than what it looked like in wars previous to the 21st century. The enemies of the United States have different faces, beliefs, and political goals.
For those valiant men and women who serve in our armed forces to protect our country from harm, doing so often leaves them with emotional scars that can remain with them for a lifetime. At JourneyPure At The River, we help these individuals overcome what they have experienced so that they can live the satisfying lives they deserve.
Substance Abuse and Addiction in the Military
Serving in the United States military is undoubtedly honorable and courageous. The men and women both on the front lines and behind the scenes are the very people who keep the borders of our country safe and bring democracy and freedom to other people and places worldwide. The price that these brave individuals pay to allow us to rest our heads in peace at the end of the day is astronomical, as their entire lives can be negatively altered due to the experiences they have encountered while serving in the military.
Servicemen and women are at a significantly higher risk for substance abuse and addiction, simply because of their jobs. More than 2 out of 10 veterans with PTSD also have a substance use disorder. Most commonly, active military members and veterans turn to the use of drugs and alcohol in an effort to drown out memories of gruesome or life-threatening moments that they have experienced.
Other risks associated with the increased chance of substance abuse and addiction in servicemen and women include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Previously untreated mental illnesses (such as anxiety or depression)
- Physical pain caused by injuries sustained while serving
- Transitional difficulties when going from being in the service to civilian life
- Sexual assault while serving (specifically in women)
After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, about 15 percent of men returning home had PTSD. Many of those same men still struggle with this condition if they have not either received treatment or died as a result of addiction or suicide.
The number one risk factor for substance abuse that active service members and veterans face is post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Approximately 11 to 20 percent of veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom have PTSD. Each of these risk factors can serve as a tipping point for anyone in the military.
And though a very real and welcomed spotlight has been placed on the importance of mental health care and not being ashamed of having a mental illness, countless members of the military still struggle with overcoming the stigma of mental issues to get the help they need to stay healthy.
Addiction Treatment for Military Members and Veterans
Grappling with a substance abuse problem or an addiction is difficult for anyone, regardless of whether they are in the service or not.
Even though military professionals have a specialized resource through the Department of Veterans Affairs, it can be challenging to be seen on a regular basis or receive complete, multifaceted treatment.
At JourneyPure At The River, we understand how crippling it can be to experience the effects that military service have put on you. Most importantly, we know that you need consistent, well-rounded, and compassionate care to get back on your feet again. This is why we offer unique programming options—including the Freedom Program—to all active military members and veterans. It is also why we accept TRICARE plans.
JourneyPure At The River provides treatment services to help you address your substance abuse disorder and mental health, including group and individual counseling, family counseling, and trauma-informed therapies.
Continuing to abuse addictive substances and ignoring the need for mental health treatment can bring your life to an abrupt, painful end. Getting professional treatment can help you change your story for the better.
JourneyPure At The River Can Help
At JourneyPure At The River, you can rest assured that you are receiving the best quality addiction and mental health treatment. Our accredited programs and certified and licensed staff members go above and beyond to help you finally get to the root cause of your pain so that you can start building a life free from substance abuse and untreated mental health problems.