On Veteran’s Day, we pay tribute to all Americans who have served their country in either war or peacetime. For some, Veteran’s Day can be a time of celebration or quiet remembrance for a loved one or friend. But for those who have served, it may also be a difficult reminder of trauma. A significant proportion of veterans experience PTSD symptoms, often resulting from traumatic experiences that occurred during their service. Veterans experiencing PTSD often need treatment catered explicitly to their experiences, meaning they may require care from a veterans and active military treatment program.
At New Bridge Foundation®, we have decades of experience serving the military community and have a specialized treatment program to meet the needs of our veterans and active-duty members of the military. Our experienced staff understands the unique dynamics of PTSD and has experience treating other mental health disorders that are associated with substance use disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Additionally, New Bridge Foundation® has been named one of America’s “Best Addiction Treatment Centers” by Statista in cooperation with Newsweek for a second consecutive year. Call 866.772.8491 today to learn more about Operation Success, New Bridge Foundation®’s specialized veterans and active-duty military program.
Veterans and Mental Health
Serving in the military can mean being exposed to many traumatic experiences, especially if you’ve experienced combat. As a result, both active-duty members and veterans are at an elevated risk for mental illness. One of the most significant risks veterans and active-duty military personnel face is post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.
PTSD arises from traumatic experiences and can be caused by exposure to combat, natural disasters, and sexual assault, all of which members of the military are at increased risk of experiencing. While not all veterans will have experienced trauma, many have, and many veterans, as well as active duty service members, also experience mental health disorders including anxiety and depression. Military service can create unique dynamics for active-duty personnel and veterans, making it all the more important that they receive care from providers who understand the unique challenges they face.
Veterans and Addiction
Just as trauma can put veterans at high risk for mental illness, it also can put them at risk for addiction. Active-duty personnel and veterans living with PTSD may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the symptoms of PTSD or to avoid the painful effects of trauma. However, substance abuse only worsens the effects of mental illness. If you or a loved one are concerned about substance abuse and PTSD, it is essential to spot warning signs of addiction. These can include:
- Taking unusual risks to obtain drugs, including theft or violence
- Lying and secrecy about your whereabouts to loved ones
- Withdrawing from activities that you once considered important
- Sudden and intense mood swings
- Exhibiting withdrawal symptoms when substance use ceases, such as anxiety, shakes, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia
- Changes in weight, hygiene, or sleep schedule
How Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment With Operation Success Can Help
To better serve the military community, New Bridge Foundation® founded the Operation Success program. Operation Success connects veterans, active-duty service members, with qualified staff prepared to help them face the challenges of PTSD and addiction. Many of our staff members have served themselves, and all of our Operation Success staff receive ongoing training that enables them to understand and address the unique challenges of those who serve and have served in the military. Some of the services offered by Operation Success include:
- Coping skills for PTSD
- Coordination with VA and military treatment providers
- Individual and group counseling
- Physical training
- Stress management training
- Biofeedback
- Medication management
- Telehealth services (California residents only)
New Bridge Foundation®: Find Affordable Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment This Veteran’s Day 2021
Though Veteran’s Day 2021 can be difficult for those who have served, help is always available through New Bridge Foundation®. Operation Success is one of the most important services we offer. Our staff is dedicated to giving veterans and active-duty military personnel the care they deserve through effective, affordable programs. If you or a loved one is interested in Operation Success or needs co-occurring disorders treatment, call 866.772.8491 or complete our online form to learn more.
