Austin Addiction Treatment for Veterans | Military Treatment Centers
Veterans Day is observed on the 11th day of the 11th month, November 11, to commemorate the day that fighting ceased between the Allied nations and Germany at the end of World War I. Each year, we take the time to thank our veterans for their service and their sacrifice. We also recognize that many veterans continue to struggle with mental health issues and with addiction. There are a number of centers in Austin offering addiction treatment for veterans as well as military treatment centers in the area.
Veterans and Addiction Risks
The stresses of deployments and the unique culture of the military offer both risks and protective factors related to substance use among active duty personnel. Deployment is associated with smoking initiation, unhealthy drinking, drug use and risky behaviors. On the other hand, zero-tolerance policies, lack of confidentiality, and mandatory random drug testing that might deter drug use can also add to stigma and could discourage many who need treatment from seeking it.
For example, half of military personnel have reported that they believe seeking help for mental health issues would negatively affect their military career. Rates of binge drinking among the military are high compared to the general population. More than one in ten veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder, slightly higher than the general population.
One study found that the overall prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) among male veterans was lower than rates among their civilian counterparts when all ages were examined together. However, when looking at the pattern for only male veterans aged 18–25 years, the rates were higher in veterans compared with civilians. The veteran population is also greatly impacted by several critical issues related to substance use, such as pain, suicide risk, trauma, and homelessness.
PTSD and Addiction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after someone goes through combat, physical or sexual assault, terrorist attack, serious accident, or natural disaster. PTSD symptoms include feeling keyed up, having flashbacks of an event, avoiding reminders of the event, or feeling numb to things a person used to enjoy.
How common Is co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder in veterans?
- More than 2 of 10 veterans with PTSD also have a substance use disorder.
- Almost 1 out of every 3 veterans seeking treatment for a substance use disorder also has PTSD.
- In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, about 1 in 10 returning veterans seen in a Veterans Administration facility have a problem with alcohol or other drugs.
- War veterans with PTSD and alcohol problems tend to binge drink. Binge drinking is when a person drinks a lot of alcohol (4-5 drinks or more) in a short period of time (1-2 hours).
Veterans Administration (VA) Services
The VA provides effective, scientifically proven services for all eligible veterans, no matter where they come for services. VA providers know that in many cases, substance use problems are continuing conditions that require care over a long period of time. For other veterans, the substance use problems may be resolved more quickly with attention paid to related problems. Such related problems could be PTSD, depression, pain, disturbed sleep, irritability, and/or relationship problems.
The VA offers a number of options for veterans seeking treatment for substance use problems. These options include therapy, either alone with the therapist or in a group, as well as medications to help veterans reduce their use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
Addiction treatment for veterans in Austin includes the Veterans Administration Austin Outpatient Clinic. The opiate addiction treatment center is located at 7901 Metropolis Drive in Austin. They can be reached at 512- 823-4040 or 800-423-2111.
Austin Addiction Treatment for Veterans
A number of other addiction treatment centers in the Austin area accept Tricare, the health care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families around the world.
Those military treatment centers include:
4701 Westgate Blvd., Suite D 404
Austin, TX 78745
512-899-8300
1710 Evergreen Ave Suite B
Austin, TX 78704
512-456-9373
intake@omegarecovery.org
Opioid Addiction Treatment | Starlite Recovery
230 Mesa Verde Dr
Center Point, TX 78010
855-389-4112
Substance Abuse Treatment | Cedar Crest Hospital
3500 Interstate 35 Frontage Rd
Belton, TX 76513
844-871-7289
2501 Taylor St.
Wichita Falls, TX 76309
940-761-3034
Lakeview Health at The Woodlands
2610 Technology Forest Blvd
The Woodlands, TX 77381
281-949-7411
SOBER AUSTIN OFFERS VETERANS THE ADDICTION RESOURCES THEY NEED
At Sober Austin, we honor all our veterans and understand the challenges they have endured. We are focused on providing resources for addiction treatment for veterans that are available in the Austin area, to help all military members and their families find the help they need. If you or your loved is struggling with addiction and need to learn more about available resources, please take a look at our site to learn more about finding support in Austin. Please feel free to contact us directly by calling (512) 522-7135 or emailing contact@soberaustin.com.
