Addiction Treatment Options for Military Family Members

Addiction treatment is vital for military personnel and their families, whether they are on active duty or have veteran status. It’s common for military people to suffer mental health issues and addictions due to the pressures and trauma of work, but with the right treatment options and support, military members can break the cycle of addiction and return to a sense of normalcy. 

Everyone is different and requires different treatment options for their addictions, but most military personnel have a dual diagnosis, meaning they are using alcohol or drugs to cope with an underlying mental health condition—commonly PTSD or trauma. For this reason, the recovery for military personnel can be a little more complex and requires dedicated, personalized treatment.  

Addiction and Military Families

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, one in ten veterans suffers from a form of drug or alcohol addiction. These addictions can affect people in active service along with those who have returned from overseas warzones. Addiction not only affects the health and well-being of individuals, but it can also affect family members and friends attempting to support their recovery. 

Military personnel affected by traumatic experiences can suffer from PTSD in the field or when they return from active duty. PTSD is a common mental health condition in the military that can lead people to substance misuse; this is known as a dual diagnosis. Jackson House is uniquely placed to help military personnel and their families work through their dual diagnosis.   

Addiction Treatment Programs 

Jackson House offers a wide range of addiction treatment programs for military personnel and their families. Treatment programs are available for alcohol addiction, opioid addiction, prescription drug addictions, and dual diagnosis. Often, a military person has some work-related trauma that fuels addiction and makes treatment and recovery more complicated and crucial. 

Addiction treatment at Jackson House can be carried out on an in-patient or out-patient basis, depending on the needs of individuals and family members. Including family members in the recovery process is very important, especially as an out-patient. Family members must be engaged in the recovery process and support their loved ones with understanding and trust.   

Alcohol Addiction 

Around 14 million Americans struggle with alcohol addiction, and it is also common in military personnel. Alcohol addiction can be defined as an inability to limit alcohol intake, even when it is against your better judgment. Signs of alcoholism include strong cravings, failure to meet important commitments, as well as emotional and social debilitations caused by any non-recreational drinking.   

Excessive drinking can take its toll on an individual's health in the long term affecting the heart and liver; in the short term, problem drinking can affect the harmony of relationships and households. At Jackson House, alcohol addiction treatment begins with detoxification, followed by various therapies depending on the severity of the addiction and the individual personality.   

Substance Abuse 

Substance abuse takes different forms, but it is usually distinguished from alcohol addiction. Substances that can become problematic for people include heroin, cocaine, opioids, meth, and fentanyl. Military personnel might use these substances for recreation—consequently leading to addiction—or as a form of escapism from trauma experienced in the field. Treatment must also be customized. 

Jackson House has a professional process for managing substance abuse addictions. The treatment plans are tailored to suit individual personalities and circumstances. They also include family members for solidarity and group support during the recovery process. A professional therapist conducts an initial assessment, during which treatment focus areas are outlined and evaluated.

Mental Health and Addiction 

Most of the time, addiction doesn’t come alone. There is often an underlying mental health condition driving it. Mental health issues can be hereditary, but they can also be triggered by traumatic events in war zones and danger zones where military personnel tend to operate. When someone presents symptoms of addiction and mental health issues, it’s a dual diagnosis.  

A dual diagnosis is a little more complex and requires a combination of treatments to resolve. The first step is to contact Jackson House and speak with a qualified professional to determine the best treatment plan for a military member and their family. The addiction will be treated first through detox before unraveling some of the deeper psychological issues fueling the addiction.

JHRC’s Dedicated Programs 

Jackson House is dedicated to helping people recover from serious addiction issues, such as alcohol, opioids, and amphetamines. Jackson House also supports mental health issues, such as PTSD, and families affected by addiction and mental health issues. Jackson House supports military people whether they are on active duty or have veteran status. 

Most military people have a dual diagnosis to contend with, which is why Jackson House has a dedicated program to help its victims and their families. The road to recovery can be challenging and hazardous, but Jackson House provides support every step of the way, helping people find joy in sobriety once again. Contact Jackson House Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers today for an assessment.   

Find the Help You Need 

Addiction can range from mild to severe and should never be underestimated, but it’s more complicated when it contributes to negative mental health. This is a common situation with military personnel on active duty and veterans. Many have a dual diagnosis that requires in-patient care initially, followed by talking therapies and support group services. 

People with a dual diagnosis require treatment for any physical addiction along with therapies to unravel the deeper psychological issues at play. It is a difficult and hazardous road back to wellness, so make sure you have the best possible support by accessing a JHRC program.

Key Takeaways: Addiction Treatments 

• Military personnel and their families are unique when it comes to addiction issues 
• There is an addiction treatment program for every kind of substance abuse issue 
• In military personnel, addiction and mental health go hand-in-hand due to trauma 
• Jackson House offers a dedicated treatment plan for military personnel and families
• Military Individuals and loved ones can start the recovery journey with a consultation