Therapy: Evidence-based therapies are among the most effective treatments for SUD. Examples include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). These and other types of therapy are offered in different settings (e.g., marriage and family counseling; outpatient or residential care).
What are the treatment options for substance abuse in veterans?
These include both behavioral and pharmacological treatments, and range on a spectrum from preventive screening to residential treatment programs. SUD treatment services are available to veterans connected with VA Medical Centers (VAMC) across the country.
Are there any issues with substance use among female veterans?
Female veterans In recent years, rates of problematic substance use among female veterans have been increasing.38SUD diagnoses among female veterans utilizing VA services have increased by 81% from 2005 to 2010.59Some female veterans may feel uncomfortable seeking SUD treatment within the VA.
Does the VA health care program cover substance use problems?
The VA health care program covers services to treat substance use problems. To access these services, first apply for VA health care. If you have a VA primary care provider, talk to them about your substance use.
Does the VA report substance use rates among military veterans?
Furthermore, studies presenting data solely from veterans that utilize the VA do not capture substance use rates among all military veterans and may have a selection bias, as not all veterans receive care through VA hospitals.9
What is considered the most effective treatment for substance abuse?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a one-on-one therapy during which you meet privately with a therapist over a period of time. It's often considered the most effective therapy for drug and alcohol use disorders.
What are 3 options for drug abuse treatment?
There are many options that have been successful in treating drug addiction, including:behavioral counseling.medication.medical devices and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills training.evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.More items...•
What is the most effective treatment modality?
Group Therapy. Group therapy is the most widely used treatment modality in substance abuse treatment programs (Etheridge et al. 1997; National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA] 2003; Weiss et al.
Which is the most prevalent type of substance use problem among male and female veterans?
The most prevalent types of substance use problems among male and female veterans include heavy episodic drinking and cigarette smoking.
What is a treatment plan for substance abuse?
A substance abuse treatment plan is an individualized, written document that details a client's goals and objectives, the steps need to achieve those, and a timeline for treatment. These plans are mutually agreed upon with the client and the clinician.
What is typically the first step in the substance abuse treatment process?
Typically, the first step in treatment and recovery from an addiction is known as detoxification. Which involves clearing the substance from the body and limiting withdrawal reactions – in many cases, detoxification treatment will involve medications to reduce and mitigate the withdrawal symptoms.
What are the five modalities of substance abuse treatment?
Here are some top modalities for treating patients with addiction.Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for a Whole Patient Approach. ... Motivational Interviewing Versus Confrontational Speeches. ... Support and Encouragement Through Group Therapy. ... Individual Addiction Therapy.More items...•
What are the different types of treatment modalities?
There are several modalities of treatment: individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy are the most common. In an individual therapy session, a client works one-on-one with a trained therapist.
What is therapeutic modality treatment?
Therapy (also referred to as “psychotherapy” or “counseling”) is a process through which a client meets with a therapist in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment.
What causes substance abuse in veterans?
Veterans who have seen combat may have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in addition to an addiction. Traumatic events such as combat exposure and multiple deployments can trigger drug or alcohol use, which all too often lead to addiction.
What percentage of veterans become alcoholics?
Veteran Drinking Statistics Nearly 23% of male veterans have reported participating in binge drinking, while only 14% of female veterans have binged.
Why do military members drink so much?
Military personnel report that drinking often is used to cope with stress, boredom, loneliness, and the lack of other recreational activities. The easy availability of alcohol and drinking opportunities also contributes to alcohol use in this population.
What percentage of veterans report substance abuse?
Substance Abuse among Veterans. On average, more than 7 percent of Veterans annually report a substance use disorder, according to the Office of Applied Studies, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report.*.
What is the fastest growing subgroup of veterans?
Women are now the fastest growing subgroup of U.S. Veterans. The number of women Veterans is expected to increase dramatically in the next 10 years, and VA health care is in high demand by the women Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Can women abuse in the military?
Women face a unique set of challenges associated with their military service that can lead to substance abuse. Studies indicate they are twice as likely as men to develop posttraumatic stress disorder, twice as likely to have serious psychological distress, and approximately one out of five women Veterans reports military sexual trauma (196.7 KB, PDF).
Do veterans have substance abuse?
Younger Veterans are more likely to have a history of substance abuse, and one -fifth of Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Though more men than women Veterans are treated for substance abuse, the number of women Veterans admitted to treatment programs has been on the rise.
Female Veterans Return to Society
This section covers challenges female Veterans may face when re-entering civilian society. If you know a female Veteran, it’s important to offer support and learn about the struggles they may face when re-acclimating to ‘ordinary’ life.
Educating Yourself
If you know a female Veteran – whether or not you suspect she may have an active addiction or have knowledge of substance use – it’s a good idea to learn as much as possible about use and addiction so that you can identify warning signs and intervene to obtain help before addiction takes hold and causes destruction.
Triggers, Listening and Expressing Your Concerns
Ask the female Veteran in your life what her triggers are that drive her to use drugs or alcohol. Are her triggers certain places or certain people? Also, listening to your loved one is crucial, and this must always be done without judgment. Speak up and let your loved one know that you are concerned, while also offering your help and support.
Encouraging Professional Help and Support Groups
The need for professional help for female Veterans battling substance use or addiction is examined in this section. Also highlighted are the positive effects of support groups and information on co-occurring disorders, and the potential risk factors and causes that may increase the risk of addiction.
Other Ideas to Support a Female Veteran Addicted to Drugs
This section offers information about Veterans Affairs PTSD Treatment Programs for female Veterans. Also documented are the benefits of exercise, the need for a safe neighborhood, volunteering, and social activities for female Veterans battling substance use disorders.
Resources for Drug Addiction and Co-occurring Disorders
The following resources, both general and military, offer information about support groups, treatment options, help for military families, as well as the Veteran’s Crisis Line:
What is the best treatment for opioid use disorder?
Research has shown that behavioral therapy in combination with medication (commonly referred to as medication-assisted treatment, or MAT) is the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder. Patients undergoing therapy who also use MAT are more likely to remain in treatment and see improvements in social functioning.
What is evidence based therapy?
Evidence-Based Therapy. Evidence-based therapies are treatments that have proved effective in treating substance use disorder. Many VA medical centers and clinics provide other recovery services for SUD in addition to the treatments listed below.
What is MET therapy?
Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is a version of motivational interviewing that involves a brief conversation with a therapist and focuses specifically on changing alcohol or substance use.
Can VA providers work with you?
VA providers can work with you to customize a treatment plan to make sure it works best for you. Ask your provider about telehealth options to support you if you prefer those to in-person visits.
Does the VA offer evidence based therapy?
Each VA medical center offers multiple types of evidence-based therapy, as well as medications that have proved to be highly effective in treating SUD. Explore the treatment options below and talk to your VA provider about a plan that will work best for you.
Does VA have substance use disorder?
Just like diabetes or hypertension, substance use disorder is a chronic disease that can be treated with medication. VA offers proven options for controlling alcohol and drug addiction, including medications that can reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and reduce the risk of death from substance use disorder.
What should female veterans be treated for?
When receiving treatment, female veterans should be: 17. Screened for substance abuse and trauma, both combat-related and other forms of trauma. Assessed for co-occurring mental, behavioral, and physical problems so all the female veteran’s issues may be cared for together.
When did the DoD stop women from serving in the military?
In 1993, lawmakers repealed all laws prohibiting women from serving in any occupation. In 2013, the DoD rescinded their Direct Ground Combat and Assignment Rule, which stopped many women from seeing active duty or combat.
How many women vets live in poverty?
More female veterans live in poverty or suffer from homelessness compared to male veterans, which can lead to or worsen PTSD and/or substance use. 4% of women vets live in poverty compared to 6.7% of male vets. 3% of disabled women vets live in poverty compared to 9.4% of male vets. 12.
What are the problems women veterans face?
1 Female veterans struggling with addiction have high rates of other disorders ( known as co-occurring disorders ) and underlying problems, including: Exposure to trauma, especially sexual trauma and ...
How many women are in the military?
According to the United States Department of Defense (DoD), women made up about 16% of the active-duty force and about 9% of veterans in 2017. 2 While many sources are clear that women have played a role in U.S. military operations since the Revolutionary War, female presence in the armed services has been on the rise since the 1960s. 3
What are the problems women face in the military?
While female veterans face similar problems as their male counterparts—such as homelessness, suicidal thoughts and attempts, substance abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more—women experience many of these problems more severely than male veterans, ...
Why are women not always trained for combat?
This is due to changes in policy and a lack of updates to the types of training they receive. 11.
What to do once you sign up for VA?
Once you’ve signed up: If you have a VA primary care provider , talk to them about your substance use. Your provider can help you get screened for substance use problems and related issues (like PTSD or depression)—and can offer treatment and support as needed.
How to contact the VA about Operation Enduring Freedom?
Call our general information hotline at 800-827-1000, or. Contact your local VA medical center. Find a VA medical center near you. If you served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), or Operation New Dawn (OND), call your local VA medical center, and ask to speak to the OEF/OIF/OND coordinator.
What is medically managed detoxification?
Medically managed detoxification to stop substance use safely, and services to get stable. Drug substitution therapies and newer medicines to reduce cravings (like methadone and buprenorphine for opiate addiction) Nicotine replacement or other medicines for stopping tobacco use.
How to contact the VA for homeless veterans?
Visit our website to learn about VA programs for Veterans who are homeless. Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A trained VA counselor will offer information about VA homeless programs, health care, and other services in your area.
How to contact a veteran in crisis?
Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7. Call 800-273-8255, then select 1.
How to contact the VA about hearing loss?
If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-799-4889. You can also: Call 911. Go to the nearest emergency room. Go directly to your nearest VA medical center. It doesn't matter what your discharge status is or if you're enrolled in VA health care. Find your nearest VA medical center.
Why do people drink and use drugs?
People may drink or use drugs because it distracts them from their problems for a short time. But drugs and alcohol make it harder to concentrate, be productive, and enjoy all parts of life. VA made it easier to get help. It is important to know that treatment can help those with PTSD.
Can PTSD be treated concurrently?
“We have found that both posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use can be treated concurrently [meaning, at the same time].”.
Can you treat PTSD and substance abuse at the same time?
Evidence shows that treating PTSD and substance use at the same time works to treat both conditions. Some people choose to do different therapies for PTSD and SUD at the same time. For treatment of PTSD, trauma-focused psychotherapies are the most effective.
Why are veterans with PTSD more difficult to treat than those with SUD?
Studies also suggest that veterans with comorbid PTSD and SUD are more difficult and costly to treat than those with either disorder alone because of poorer social functioning, higher rates of suicide attempts, worse treatment adherence, and less improvement during treatment than those without comorbid PTSD.23,24.
How much of suicides are caused by veterans?
PTSD and Suicide. Veterans now account for 20% of all suicides in the U.S., with the youngest (18–24 years of age) four times more likely to commit suicide than their nonveteran counterparts of the same age.
What is PTSD medication?
PTSD = post-traumatic stress disorder. *These are the only drugs approved to treat PTSD by the Food and Drug Administration. Combined Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy. Medications and psychotherapies are used both separately and in combination to treat the symptoms of PTSD, as well as related comorbid diagnoses.
When was PTSD revised?
In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association revised the PTSD diagnostic criteria in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5),33moving PTSD from the class of “anxiety disorders” into a new class of “trauma and stressor-related disorders.”.
Is PTSD more common in Iraq and Afghanistan?
It is not clear if PTSD is more common in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans than in those of previous conflicts, but the current wars present a unique set of circumstances that contribute heavily to mental health problems.
Does smoking marijuana help with PTSD?
Clinical research also suggests that smoking cannabis (marijuana) is associated with reduced PTSD symptoms in some patients. One study indicated that PTSD patients reported an average 75% reduction in CAPS symptom scores while using cannabis.60.
Does vilazodone help with PTSD?
According to ClinicalTrials.gov, several ongoing studies are investigating the efficacy of vortioxetine and another new multimodal antidepressant, vilazodone (Viibryd, Allergan), in PTSD. Both drugs have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression but not for PTSD.