A trauma-informed approach begins with taking extra care to avoid re-traumatizing veterans by having an understanding of their unique triggers and sensitivities. PTSD and substance use disorders are prevalent in veterans as a result of their military service, whether or not they were directly engaged in combat.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, every 1 out of 10 veterans is diagnosed with a substance use disorder, and veterans with a substance abuse disorder are 3-4 times more likely to have a co-occurring PTSD diagnosis. Studies also show that symptoms of PTSD tend to emerge before veterans turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope, reinforcing the need to address the underlying trauma that leads to addiction and mental health issues.
Benefits Of Trauma-Informed Treatment
It takes time to build trust with someone who has been traumatized, and healing can only take place in a non-judgemental, soothing environment. The goal of trauma-informed treatment is to put each person at ease by making sure they feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. Accomplishing this requires taking a detailed patient history and using a flexible approach with a combination of modalities to see what works best for the individual.
The trauma-informed treatment promotes healing where other less sensitive approaches can feel invasive and retrigger traumatic experiences, doing more harm than good. If you have a history of trauma, it’s important to seek out a rehab center with a trauma-informed approach and well-trained, trauma-informed clinicians and staff members.
Trauma-Informed Modalities
There are many kinds of therapy that are successfully used to treat trauma and symptoms of PTSD. Whether or not someone has been formally diagnosed with PTSD, trauma and substance use disorders are deeply connected, and anyone struggling with addiction can benefit from trauma-informed care. A trauma-informed approach is tailored to the needs of the individual, and can include some of the following modalities:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Experiential therapies such as yoga and sound healing
- Exposure therapy
- Support groups
- Medication-assisted treatment
Insurance Rescources For Veterans Including TriWest
TriWest Healthcare Alliance is a unique organization dedicated to meeting the healthcare requirements of the country’s military and Veteran populations. Established in 1996, TriWest has made it a priority to provide affordable and convenient healthcare services to veterans who have earned and deserve them. Through its partnership with the Veterans Affairs Community Care Network (CCN), TriWest connects veterans in the western United States with community-based providers for non-VA healthcare services, including mental health treatment, closer to home. If you or a loved one is a veteran or military member seeking medical treatment, be sure to check out our comprehensive article on TriWest to learn more about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply for coverage.
How We Can Help?
At Nestled Recovery, we have a unique, holistic approach to veteran’s addiction treatment and long-term
m recovery from substance use disorders. You can expect to receive professional, trauma-informed care in our beautiful, state-of-the-art facility while learning how to incorporate mindfulness into your healing journey.
Using the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, we consider the entire person: mind, body, and spirit, creating tailored treatment plans with a number of experiential therapies and psychotherapies to choose from, with sensitivity to each person’s unique background and circumstances. If you or a loved one are struggling with an alcohol abuse disorder or another substance use disorder, contact us today.
