VA Alcohol Program: PTSD, Drugs, and Alcohol – You’re Not Alone

Serving in the Armed Forces is one of the greatest callings an American citizen can answer. Unfortunately, statistics show our Veterans continue fighting battles long after their service concludes. Alcoholism is one of the biggest problems facing the men and women who serve, and it often leads to drug abuse or worsens PTSD. This is why a VA alcohol program is available for those who need help.

Unfortunately, not every Veteran or active duty service member has access to this resource. There are also some individuals who need more help than this program can provide. Regardless of your specific situation, there’s support available for overcoming alcoholism if you’ve served your country. And when you reach out, you’ll quickly learn that you’re not alone in this battle.

Contact Transformations Mending Fences today to start taking your life back.

Why the VA Alcohol Program Is Necessary

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Alcohol and Drug Dependence Rehabilitation Program is an invaluable resource to former members of America’s armed forces. In a perfect world, this resource would only be necessary in rare situations. Unfortunately, that simply isn’t the case. Statistics show that a VA alcohol program is one of the most vital tools for Veterans back home.

Studies of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan show that combat involvement greatly increases the risk of heavy and binge drinking along with other problems linked to alcohol use disorder. Statistics also reveal that military service — even outside of conflict zones — causes similar problems. Veterans are more likely to abuse alcohol than civilians, and drinking actually increases the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in vets.

Unfortunately, embarrassing behavior and hangovers are far from the only issues experienced by Veterans with alcoholism. Studies consistently show that both drinking and drug use increase the risk of suicide among vets, and they’re also a major factor in heightened divorce and injury rates in former military members. The VA alcohol program can combat these issues for those who seek help.

What Is the VA Alcohol Program?

The Alcohol and Drug Dependence Rehabilitation Program offers Veterans access to social, medical, vocational, and rehab therapies if they qualify. Treatment options include psychiatric care, rehab and residential treatment. Only individuals enrolled in the VA’s health care system have access to this resource. If you’re not near a program or don’t qualify, community-based vet centers may be available to help.

Since some vets may be ineligible, live too far away from a program, or simply need a more focused treatment plan, there are other VA alcohol program options. The VA MISSION Act offers a community care option for Veterans seeking treatment outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Transformations Mending Fences is one of these options, so contact us today if you have questions or need help navigating the process.

At Transformations, you’ll find similar treatment options provided by the VA along with a variety of other individualized therapeutic offerings. Some of  these may include:

• Medication-assisted treatment.
• Grief and loss counseling.
• Anger management.
• Trauma management and resolution.
• Animal-assisted therapy.
• Rebuilding relationships.
• Individual, group, and family therapy.
• Aftercare and follow-up.

These are just a few of the offerings in our Veterans Recovery Program. Transformations Mending Fences offers a wide array of therapeutic approaches, since not everyone suffering from alcoholism is the same. The underlying causes, co-occurring conditions, hurdles to recovery, and every other factor can differ significantly even among Veterans with similar backgrounds.

Whether you opt for the VA alcohol program or a community-based treatment option, the most important thing is that you reach out for help when you need it.

Sign Up for a VA Alcohol Program Today

Heavy drinking is far too often viewed as a normal part of serving in the military. Unfortunately, this can create an environment that overlooks alcoholism and stigmatizes reaching out for help. The important thing to remember is that there’s nothing normal about letting alcohol dominate your life. If you’re ready to take back control, help is out there.

Transformations has a history of helping the men and women who served our country valiantly. A large majority of clients have been Veterans and first responders, so you know that at our facility, you are not alone in the war against addiction. The VA alcohol program is an important resource, and the government may cover outside treatment as well.

Contact us today to get started on the path to recovery and see if you qualify for treatment under the VA MISSION Act.