Specialized Addiction Treatment Programs for Veterans

Salute To Recovery: Specialized Veterans Rehab Programs

Addiction among veterans is a serious problem. According to a study conducted on behalf of the US Government, close to 13.5 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can increase their risk for addiction.1 In addition, many veterans struggle with physical injuries, depression, and anxiety, all of which can lead to substance abuse issues.2

In comparison to the general population, veterans are slightly more likely to suffer from substance use disorders than non-veterans. Active-duty personnel who leave military service are reported to have higher illicit drug use rates. In a 1-month period, 3.5% of veterans reported using marijuana, and 1.7% reported using illicit drugs other than marijuana.3

Suicidal behavior in the military is often preceded by substance abuse. More than 45% of suicide attempts and 30% of Army suicides occurred since 2003 as a result of alcohol or drug use. Furthermore, alcohol and drug overdoses accounted for 20% of high-risk behavior deaths.3

Fortunately, there are a number of specialized rehab programs designed specifically for veterans. These programs can help vets overcome their addiction and get their lives back on track. One such program is the Salute to Recovery program.

What Is the Salute To Recovery Program?

The Salute to Recovery program is an addiction treatment program that is designed specifically for veterans with substance use issues. The program is designed, developed, and managed by veterans who have recovered from substance abuse problems themselves. The program uses evidence-based methods of treatment and provides a tight-knit community of recovering and recovered veterans who can provide support and guidance.4

The program offers a number of different treatment modalities, including individual and group therapy, music therapy, and trauma groups. The program also offers relapse prevention support and emotion regulation training. These evidence-based treatment methods have been proven effective in helping veterans overcome substance abuse problems.4

The difficulties veterans face can be summed up in two words: stress and isolation. Veterans often struggle with stress due to the demands of their service life. This stress can be compounded by the fact that many veterans feel isolated and alone after leaving the military. They may feel that they don’t fit in with “civilians” and that their experiences are not understood. This isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Service members reported relying on alcohol while stationed to cope with boredom, stress, and loneliness.5

Substance abuse is often a way for veterans to self-medicate these mental health problems. However, substance abuse only adds to the veteran’s difficulties. It can lead to job loss, financial problems, and relationship difficulties. It can also lead to health problems, including addiction.6

The Salute to Recovery program helps veterans overcome these difficulties by providing a supportive community and effective treatment options. The program offers a path to recovery for veterans who are struggling with substance abuse. With the help of the program, veterans can reclaim their lives and rebuild their futures.4

If you are a veteran who is struggling with addiction, the Salute to Recovery program at the Recovery First Treatment Center may be the right program for you. The Recovery First Treatment Center is a rehab center that specializes in alcohol and drug rehab. Veterans dealing with addiction and co-occurring mental disorders can find inpatient and outpatient programs at the center. As part of the larger American Addiction Centers (AAC) network of rehab centers, the center provides treatment to the greater Miami, Florida area.4

Who Is Eligible For Salute To Recovery Programs?

The Salute to Recovery program is committed to helping those who have served our country and are struggling with addiction. It offers a variety of services and programs that are designed to help veterans achieve their goals. In addition to military veterans across all branches, the following are also eligible to join Salute to Recovery:4

• Firefighters.
• Law Enforcement Officers.
• Dispatchers.
• Emergency Medical Services Providers.

It is important for military veterans and retired first responders to seek treatment for substance abuse. Substance abuse can be very damaging, both physically and mentally. It is important to get help before the problem gets out of control. Treatment can help these individuals get their life back on track and avoid further damage to their health and well-being.7

What Does The Salute To Recovery Program Teach?

The Salute to Recovery program provides education and rehabilitation services to veterans and first responders. The program offers a variety of courses that teach participants how to cope with stress, anger, and anxiety. The program also provides counseling services and group therapy sessions. 

The core teachings of the program include:

• First Responder And Military Culture: The program offers an in-depth look at the unique culture of first responders and military personnel. Participants learn about the challenges and stresses that come with the job. The course also covers topics such as PTSD, suicide, and addiction.4
• Family And Relationships: The program teaches participants how to manage their relationships with family and friends. The course covers topics such as communication, conflict resolution, and boundary setting.4
• The Hypervigilant Rollercoaster: Hypervigilance helps first responders and military personnel focus on the most essential information during a life-threatening situation. However, in the absence of a threat, hypervigilance can lead to inappropriate or dangerous behavior, including substance abuse. The program offers an overview of the symptoms of hypervigilance and how to cope with them.8
• Character And Values: The program helps participants develop a strong sense of character and values. The course covers topics such as integrity, accountability, and respect.4
• Impact of Stress: Stress is a natural response to a traumatic event. The program teaches participants how to identify the signs of stress and how to cope with its effects.4
• Post-traumatic Responses: The program helps participants understand the different ways that people respond to trauma. The course covers topics such as grief, survivor guilt, and post-traumatic growth.4

What Treatments Does The Salute to Recovery Program Offer?

Addiction is a major problem for many veterans. Too often, veterans return from combat with untreated physical and mental health problems, which can lead to addiction. Salute to Recovery offers a number of programs and services to help veterans overcome addiction, and provides support for family members and loved ones of veterans who are struggling with addiction.4

There are many evidence-based treatments for substance abuse, including safe medical detoxification, individual and group therapy, and 12-step programs. The Salute to Recovery program offers all of these treatments, as well as other amenities that can help participants in their recovery journey, including:

• Medical Detox: The Salute to Recovery program offers safe medical detoxification for those who are struggling with addiction. This service is designed to help participants rid their bodies of the harmful substances they are addicted to, and to prepare them for the next stage of treatment. This is especially important for veterans struggling with opioid abuse since a detox is required prior to continued treatment. According to the data from 2019, more than 595,000 veterans have abused opioids, prescribed or illicit.4,9
• PTSD Education: The program also offers education on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a condition that can often be a co-occurring disorder with substance abuse. Veterans who have experienced trauma often struggle with symptoms of PTSD. This can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. PTSD can make it difficult for veterans to deal with everyday life. This education can help participants understand their symptoms and learn how to cope with them in a healthy way.4
• 12-Step Programs: These programs are designed to help participants in their recovery journey. These programs can provide support and guidance for those struggling with addiction and help them stay on track in their recovery.4
• Anger Management: The program also offers anger management classes, which can help participants learn how to control their anger in a healthy way. These classes can teach participants how to deal with their anger in a constructive way and can help them learn how to avoid using violence, aggression, or substance abuse as a way to cope with their emotions.4
• Addressing Grief and Loss: The Salute to Recovery program also offers grief and loss counseling, which can help participants deal with the losses they have experienced in their lives. This counseling can help participants learn how to cope with their grief in a healthy way and can provide them with tools to move forward in their lives.4 
• Coping Skills for Sobriety: The program also offers coping skills for sobriety, which can help participants deal with stress and other triggers in a healthy way. Some of the most important skills include mindfulness meditation, positive self-talk, and relaxation techniques. Learning these skills can help participants deal with triggers and cravings, and can help them stay on track in their recovery. These skills can help participants deal with triggers and cravings, and can help them stay on track in their recovery. 4
• Family and Couples Counseling: The Salute to Recovery program offers family and couples counseling, which can help participants connect with their loved ones. This counseling can help participants repair and strengthen their relationships and can help them learn how to communicate and interact in a healthy way.4
• Trauma And Support Groups: These groups can provide support and guidance for those struggling with addiction and help them deal with the traumas they have experienced. There are many different types of trauma and support groups available for veterans. Some focus on specific traumas, such as combat-related PTSD, while others may provide general support and guidance. These groups can be an important part of the recovery process for veterans struggling with addiction.4
• Music Therapy: The Salute to Recovery program offers music therapy, which can help participants relax and deal with their emotions in a healthy way. Music therapy can also help participants connect with their emotions and can help them learn how to express themselves in a healthy way.4
• Relapse prevention: This service can help participants identify their triggers and cravings and can help them learn how to deal with them in a healthy way. It also focuses on creating an addiction-free, supportive environment.4

These are just some of the many evidence-based treatments that the Salute to Recovery program offers. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please contact a nearby participating treatment center.

How Do You Find and Enroll in a Salute To Recovery Program in Rehab Facilities Near You?

If you’re looking for a rehab facility that offers the Salute to Recovery program, there are a few ways to find one. You can start by visiting various online treatment center locators, like the one offered by SAMHSA. They are a confidential and anonymous resource for veterans seeking treatment facilities in the United States that cater to substance abuse, addiction, behavioral and mental health issues.7

You can also contact American Addiction Centers directly. They can help you locate a treatment center that offers the Salute to Recovery program, such as the Recovery First Treatment Center in Hollywood, FL.4

If you’re not sure how to get in touch with any of these resources, or if you need more help finding a treatment center that offers the Salute to Recovery program, please don’t hesitate to call a 24/7 alcohol and substance abuse hotline that can refer you to a nearby facility with the Salute to Recovery program.

In addition, there are many great resources available to veterans struggling with addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and VA Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation & Substance Abuse Services all have great information available on their websites. Additionally, there are several drug research sites that can be very helpful, including:

• Alcoholics Anonymous10
• Marijuana Anonymous11
• NASADAD12
• The Center for Mental Health Services Knowledge Exchange Network13
• Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)14
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline15