Veterans often face a host of challenges when adjusting to civilian life. Many veterans struggle due to a lack of mental health support, physical disabilities, or as a result of the trauma they may have experienced during service. These struggles can put veterans at significant risk of developing a substance use disorder. When combined with a drinking culture among many military members, these and other factors contribute to increased rates of alcohol abuse among veterans, causing harm to both veterans and their families. If you are a veteran and are worried about your drinking habits, a San Francisco Bay Area veterans rehab program can provide the relief you need.
At New Bridge Foundation®, we are committed to providing attentive and compassionate care to veterans and active-duty military members. Our country’s veterans and military personnel often need specialized care focused on their specific experiences. As a result, New Bridge Foundation® offers Operation Success, a program built to address the substance abuse issues of veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their dependents. To learn more about how Operation Success can help you or a loved one, call 866.772.8491.
Factors Behind Alcohol Abuse in Veterans
A number of intersecting factors put veterans at an increased risk for developing alcohol addiction. These may include:
- Exposure to trauma
- Barriers to treatment
- Drinking culture
- Homelessness
Exposure to Trauma
Active-duty military personnel and veterans, especially combat veterans, are at a high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder or other associated mental health issues. Some veterans turn to alcohol to deal with PTSD symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares.
Barriers to Treatment
Veterans may face increased barriers to treatment compared to the general population. Some veterans may be reluctant to pursue treatment or may have trouble accessing treatment due to the perceived stigma. Others may not have access to affordable care or may need specialized programs to address the unique dynamics connecting veterans and alcoholism.
Drinking Culture
Many service members see drinking as a normal part of daily life and military culture. Some people see alcohol as a way to connect with other service members. Studies have reported more incidences of binge drinking and heavy drinking habits among veterans than the general population.
Homelessness
Veterans are far more likely to experience homelessness. Unfortunately, this can often reinforce trends of alcohol abuse among veterans, given widespread mental health and substance abuse issues among the homeless population.
How Alcohol Rehab for Veterans Can Help
Clearly, there is a need for specialized programs to treat alcohol abuse in veterans and active-duty military members. New Bridge Foundation® and Operation Success are here to meet that need. Our compassionate and caring staff have extensive experience in meeting the needs of service members and their families and are sensitive to the unique experiences and challenges service members face when seeking treatment.
We also use well-supported evidence-based practices to ensure the best outcomes for our clients. Our alcohol rehab for veterans includes a variety of services such as:
- Individualized treatment planning
- PTSD coping skills
- Stress management
- Biofeedback
- Physical training
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Coordination with VA and military treatment providers
- Medication management
- Dual diagnosis care
Find Alcohol Rehab for Veterans Through Operation Success
If you or a loved one are a veteran struggling with alcohol consumption, you do not have to face addiction alone. Thousands of veterans who lived with alcoholism have gone on to build healthy, happy lives through rehab. Your own path to sobriety can begin today with New Bridge Foundation® and Operation Success. Our high-quality care has earned us accolades, including our ranking as one of America’s “Best Addiction Treatment Centers” by Newsweek magazine for two consecutive years (2020, 2021). We have been meeting the mental health needs of the military community for decades, and we can help you too. If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Operation success or addiction care with New Bridge Foundation®, call 866.772.8491 or fill out our online contact form.
