The dangers of serving in the military include an increased risk of drug abuse, even in the country’s strongest individuals. As an additional challenge, many veterans and active service members who abuse drugs also struggle with psychiatric disorders like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety. Service members who have participated in combat face an even greater chance of mental illness and substance abuse. In addition to combat, other sources of psychological stress include:

• Bodily injuries and chronic pain
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Multiple deployments
• Family conflicts

Who can you turn to if you’re a service member with a drug problem? Although it might seem that you’re alone in your addiction, the fact is that you have a lot of company. In 2008, approximately one out of eight service members reported using drugs for non-medical reasons within the past month, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Drugs of abuse included not only street drugs like heroin and meth, but prescription medications like OxyContin and Percocet. Finding a reliable professional treatment program could help you recover your health, restore your self-respect and get your career back on track.

Challenges of Drug Treatment for the Military

If you’re an active-duty service member who’s battling drug or alcohol addiction, each branch of the service offers screening, assessment, treatment and prevention services. These services are provided in an effort to protect the strength of the military and to maximize the effectiveness of its personnel:

• U.S. Army: Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)
• U.S. Navy: Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP)
• U.S. Air Force: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT)
• U.S. Marine Corps: Marine Corps Substance Abuse Program (MCSAP)

But reaching out for help can be difficult for someone who carries a burden of responsibility to others. You may be reluctant to face the fact that you need help, when the lives of others are in your hands every day. You may feel that addiction is a sign of moral weakness rather than a chronic disease that causes frequent relapses.

Confidentiality is another concern, especially for active service members. You may put off getting help because you’re afraid of the consequences to your career, your family and your future. It’s important to remember that the physical and mental effects of drug abuse are far more severe than the consequences of going to rehab. Finding a comprehensive treatment program for drug abuse could not only save your professional future in the military; it could very well save your life.

Denial is an obstacle for many military personnel who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction. Brain injuries, psychological distress, depression and fear keep many veterans and service members from facing the truth about their drug use and getting the treatment they need. If someone you love is fighting drug addiction, you may feel helpless and frustrated about getting him or her into treatment.

Treating Co-Occurring Disorders

A co-occurring disorder is a psychiatric illness that exists alongside a substance use disorder. Among military veterans, mental health conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are more common than in the general population, according to the journal Psychosomatics. These conditions are often accompanied by alcoholism or drug abuse. Although drugs may initially help you numb the depression, fear and anxiety that you feel, they will ultimately make these problems worse.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers treatment services for veterans who have mood disorders, emotional conflicts or psychological trauma combined with a drug problem. All eligible veterans qualify for rehabilitation services, which may include:

• Detoxification services to build a foundation for rehab
• Motivational counseling to increase your desire to succeed at rehab
• Behavioral modification to help you cope with the triggers that drive you to use
• Couples counseling for spouses and partners who have been affected by addiction
• Peer group support sessions and 12-step programs to provide a strong basis for recovery
• Integrated therapeutic services for mental health disorders like depression, bipolar disorder or PTSD
• Pharmacotherapy to help you deal with the symptoms of a mental health disorder or to reduce the cravings for drugs and alcohol

PTSD, an anxiety disorder caused by buried psychological trauma, is common among veterans. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 13.8 percent of veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from this disorder. Veterans with PTSD often turn to alcohol or drugs to calm the fears, flashbacks and episodes of anger caused by this psychological disorder. Without integrated treatment for PTSD and drug addiction, both conditions will probably go unresolved, and relapse is likely to occur.

Unfortunately, many veterans with co-occurring disorders don’t seek treatment. The paranoia, fear, anger and anxiety that haunt these individuals often get in the way of recovery, making it difficult for them to heal from the hidden wounds of combat.

Finding Effective Treatment

Recovering from the mental and physical effects of war may take an entire lifetime, but hope is available from the first day you decide to get treatment. A quick, generic rehab program won’t be enough to help you achieve a complete recovery. If you’re living with the memories of combat, depression over past experiences or the pain of broken personal relationships, you need comprehensive treatment that addresses all aspects of your life. As you search for a drug treatment program, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does this program provide confidential, specialized treatment for military service members?
• Is the rehab facility staffed by therapists who have experience in counseling veterans and active duty military personnel?
• Does the program offer integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders?
• Is a complete range of recovery services provided, including detox services, individual and family counseling, medication therapy and holistic therapies?
• Is the atmosphere supportive, comfortable and conducive to focusing on my recovery?

At Axis, we offer personalized rehabilitation services to people from all walks of life, including members of the military. We encourage you to call us with your questions or concerns about recovering from the wounds of addiction. The sooner you reach out for help, the sooner you can start the process of regaining control over your life.