988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Lifeline
988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.) Click below to learn more about 988.
Rehab.com - Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources
Rehab.com has set out on a mission to create the best possible platform to provide people across the nation with access and guides regarding mental health and substance abuse resources within their own community. You can take a look at: https://www.rehab.com
Substance Abuse Resources for Veterans
Why is Veteran Substance Abuse so Common?
Drug and alcohol abuse is a national concern, but substance use among the veteran population is epidemic. Alcohol and opioids in particular impact veterans at a staggering rate. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs estimates that 1 in 10 veterans treated at the VA after returning from Iraq and Afghanistan face problems with alcohol or other drugs. There is a strong correlation between substance use disorder (SUD) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans. Approximately 1 in 3 soldiers seeking treatment for SUD have co-occurring PTSD. Binge drinking is a common issue for veterans with PTSD and SUD.
Working Through PTSD & Substance Abuse in Veterans
If you’re currently struggling with PTSD and substance use disorders, reach out for support. If left untreated, PTSD only gets worse. But with the aid of dedicated mental health professionals and counselors, you can overcome your condition and go on to lead a happy, healthy life.
Individual counseling is a safe place to talk about traumatic experiences with the support of a trained professional. Therapists can help establish healthy coping strategies and techniques to stay grounded during difficult memories. Click HERE for additional information from our friends at The Recovery Village.
Addiction Treatment Center Locations
For more information, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). They provide confidential and free treatment referral and information service available in English and Spanish for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
This resource was shared by our friend Dr. Sara Dupuis, Ph.D. https://www.saradupuisdr.com/
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), previously called alcohol addiction, occurs when a person excessively drinks on a regular basis. They are unable to control their alcohol use.
Someone with an AUD also experiences physical alcohol dependence. Severe withdrawal symptoms will develop if they suddenly stop drinking.
In some cases, small daily amounts of alcohol offer health benefits. Drinking one glass of red wine each night delivers antioxidants that can help reduce your risk of heart disease. It may also lower bad cholesterol.
When alcohol consumption exceeds moderate amounts and begins to take over your life, it no longer offers these health benefits. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption often leads to an alcohol use disorder (alcohol addiction).
Click HERE if you would like information on treatment options for AUD. This helpful information is provided by our friends at AlcoholRehabHelp.org.
Overcoming Addiction
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected people's mental health resulting in a huge increase in substance abuse. In June, the CDC reported that 40% of adults admitted to struggling with substance abuse or mental health.
The reality that a loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol and fighting an addiction can be a hard one to face. Many families struggle with this news. It can be known for quite some time that a particular family member—a child, a sibling, a spouse or partner, or a parent—has been abusing addictive substances. Or it can be a total surprise that no one saw coming. These “hidden addictions,” as they are called, can seemingly sneak up on loved ones who had not suspected anything at all. Or they could be hiding in plain sight and have finally reached a breaking point where something must be done.
Either way, once this information comes to light, it is time to make a decision about what to do about it. There is no one way to approach how to get a loved one help for addiction, but having a road map helps when navigating the challenges that addiction and substance abuse treatment present.
Click HERE if you or a loved one is in need of help. Our friends at the Delphi Health Group are ready to provide the support you need.
Delphi Behavioral Health Group was formed to take on the mission of treating addiction at its core. We believe that through personalized treatment in intimate settings, we can provide those suffering from substance abuse with the tools to start a journey of long-lasting recovery. No one should have to battle addiction alone. But we know how hard it is to choose a treatment center that’s right for you. That’s why our dedicated staff is committed to helping you find a treatment program that is ideal for your individual needs. We own and operate a wide range of drug and alcohol detox and treatment centers that are centered on personalized treatment.
PTSD Support
Click HERE to visit the National Center for PTSD website or get immediate assistance by calling 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
"No matter where you live, PTSD treatment in the Department of Veterans Affairs is available. Each medical center within VA has PTSD specialists who provide treatment for Veterans with PTSD and there are nearly 200 specialized PTSD treatment programs throughout the country."
How Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Affects Sleep
Why Do People With PTSD Have Sleep Problems?
Because of a variety of factors, PTSD frequently causes sleep issues.
- Patients with PTSD frequently experience the need to be on high alert all the time. This hyper-alertness frequently causes sleep disturbances. Patients may struggle to unwind and go to sleep. Additionally, they could have problems returning to sleep after readily waking up.
- Worry and negative thoughts might make it difficult to fall asleep. Worry can range from little inconveniences to serious concerns about one’s safety or those close to them. Sometimes, even anxiety about sleeping might get in the way of getting any rest.
- People with PTSD frequently struggle with self-medication with drugs and alcohol. Alcohol abuse might make it difficult to sleep. Alcohol also reduces the quality of sleep, which results in tiredness when people get up. Drugs can also similarly affect sleep.
- Nightmares associated with PTSD might interfere with sleep. It could be challenging to fall asleep again after being awakened in the middle of the night by a nightmare. With frequent bad dreams, fear may also develop: Some patients start to avoid going to sleep because they don’t want to have nightmares.
- Patients who also have physical health problems may have trouble falling asleep. It’s common for chronic pain, such as back pain, to keep you from falling asleep. Women frequently experience reproductive problems, digestive illnesses, and stomach troubles that keep them awake. Many people who experience medical issues find it difficult to fall asleep.
Click HERE for more information from NapLab.
PTSD Self-Test
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Traumatic events can include natural disasters, serious accidents, physical, mental and sexual abuses, war, and combat.2 More than half of adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lives, and 20% go on to develop PTSD. Traumatic events make people feel threatened, anxious, or frightened. About 8 million people have post-traumatic stress disorder at any given time. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD. 10% of women develop PTSD in their lifetimes, compared to 4% of men.
Veterans and PTSD
Veteran rates of PTSD continue to increase with the United States military continuing to have a presence in the Middle East. In 2016, a dramatic increase was seen in the number of war veterans seeking help for PTSD. Treatment options continue to be a discussion to care for these Veterans. PTSD extends beyond war and combat, but this population is at higher risk for suffering from PTSD symptoms.
PTSD Risk Factors from Military Service
PTSD symptoms usually begin after a traumatic event, but they can appear much later than the actual event. Causes of PTSD in Veterans can vary. In research published in Clinical Psychological Science, researchers defined three areas of concern in the development of PTSD; severity of combat exposure (life-threatening experiences), pre-war vulnerabilities (childhood physical abuse), and involvement in harming civilians or prisoners.13
PTSD isn’t military-specific, but the problem is focused on war Veterans. These Veterans are at higher risk of suffering PTSD and face barriers in getting treatment, including stigma and discharge from the military.
Finding Help for PTSD
Finding help is imperative when PTSD-like symptoms appear. You are not alone. Over 8 million Americans in any given year experience PTSD symptoms, and resources for support are available.
Numerous telehealth resources are available and can support the journey as you determine a path forward. Local community groups and more extensive programs like Veteran Affairs can also provide guidance and support for recovery from PTSD.
For resources in your state, visit your State’s Department of Mental Health to determine how you can get local help near you.
Take the PTSD online self-test by clicking HERE.
This test is offered by the J. Flowers Health Institute. J. Flowers Health Institute is committed to saving lives and improving wellness by providing clarity, direction, and results through comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and holistic treatment. Find out more by clicking HERE.
Veterans Crisis Line
Click HERE to view the Veterans Crisis Line website.
"The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available."
Suicide Prevention
Click HERE to access the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.
"The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness."
Call 1-800-273-8255 for immediate assistance.
ADHD and ADDICTION
Individuals with ADHD tend to be overly active, have trouble concentrating, and become bored easily. Oftentimes, people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop a substance abuse disorder to cope with the symptoms of ADHD. These disorders combined commonly provoke a cycle of addiction that can be difficult to break without serious treatment. If you have co-occurring ADHD and substance abuse, professional help is necessary to break the cycle of substance abuse. Click HERE for more information or call our friends at the Southern California Sunshine Recovery Center at (855)967-3160.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Camp Lejeune is a U.S. Marine Corps Base in Jacksonville, North Carolina that had two contaminated water supply systems from 1953 to 1987. During that time, nearly 1 million people were exposed to toxic chemicals that can cause cancer, congenital disabilities (known as birth defects), and other serious health conditions.
Due to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during this timeframe will be entitled to compensation. Even if you were injured decades ago or have already filed a disability claim, it’s not too late for you to be included in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
CampLejeuneClaimsCenter.com is dedicated to helping veterans and families who were stationed at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 which had two contaminated water supply systems. Their water contamination page gives a great breakdown of the cause and effects of the toxic water: https://www.camplejeuneclaimscenter.com/water-contamination/.
Feds Hire Vets
Click HERE to visit the Feds Hire Vets website.
"Federal job opportunities are available across our country and around the world. Planning early is a smart decision. This information (on the website) will help you understand veterans' preference, how Federal jobs are filled, and unique veteran appointing authorities designed to help you find a job."
Family members of Veterans can also find job seeking resources on the Feds Hire Vets website.
"In our vision of the Federal Government as America's model employer of veterans, we recognize that military spouses and veterans families also possess skills and the public service motivation needed in the Federal workplace." - The Council on Veterans Employment
Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS)
AWS is a condition that occurs within hours or a few days after the brain stops receiving alcohol.
Excessive, long-term alcohol use affects the chemistry in the brain. When you stop drinking, the brain is unable to function correctly. This leads to withdrawal.
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal vary from person to person. For some, they may be mild and simply uncomfortable.
In more severe cases, symptoms can be life-threatening. Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and when to seek professional help, is essential when you stop drinking.
Click HERE for information on treatment for AWS. This information is provided by our friends at https://alcoholrehabhelp.org/.
Alcohol Rehab Guide
Over the last several decades, alcoholism has become a huge concern for military personnel across the United States. Current and former military face an array of challenges – unpredictable deployments, the risk of injury and being away from home. Unfortunately, alcohol is sometimes used as a coping mechanism during these difficult times.
Veterans are also at risk of being diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder. Co-occurring disorders involve a diagnosis of two conditions, substance abuse and a mental health disorder. For example, if a veteran falls victim to alcohol abuse while suffering from anxiety, both conditions must be addressed and treated together. If left untreated, a co-occurring disorder can lead to more serious health complications in the future.
Although millions of veterans are in need of assistance while adjusting to civilian life, many do not receive treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with a drinking problem, there are many recovery options available. Contact one of our treatment specialists to get started on your treatment plan today.
You may also click the following link for additional information: https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/alcoholism-in-veterans/
Drug Rehab
DrugRehab.com provides information, resources, and treatment for people battling addiction and related conditions.
At DrugRehab.com, their mission is to equip patients and families with the best information, resources and tools to overcome addiction and pursue lifelong recovery. They stand ready to help you or your loved one every step of the way.
DrugRehab.com is changing lives through addiction care and education. Click HERE for more information.
RehabSpot
There is a growing concern across the country regarding veterans and drug addiction. Luckily, there are treatment facilities with special programs designed to help. Click HERE to locate a treatment specialist.
Treatment for Veterans and Drug Addiction
To civilians, the return home for veterans seems like a joyous time. When many veterans begin to run into issues, it becomes hard for civilians to sympathize. There is a lot more stress in reintegrating than most realize. With what many Veterans have seen, endured, and taken over seas, it isn’t a switch they can just flip. Sometimes, turning to self-medication seems like the easiest, least-burdening way to get better.
If you are, or someone you love is, a Veteran that is having trouble fitting into a life outside of the military due to drug addiction, finding help as quickly as possible can be invaluable. If you don’t know where to start, try reaching out to a dedicated treatment specialist. They are here to answer your questions and help you plan out your next steps toward recovery.
Beach House Rehab Center
A Journey To Wellness
A great proportion of veterans seeking freedom from addiction suffer from a co-occurring disorder — namely, a diagnosable mental illness like anxiety, depression and PTSD. Our treatment center provides dual diagnosis treatment as part of a full continuum of care geared to meet clients’ individualized treatment needs. We offer a comprehensive rehab experience and strive to be known nationwide as a leading model for clinical excellence.
Click HERE for a dual diagnosis treatment guide, a resource that can help veterans affected by addiction and mental health disorders learn more about the rehab process and gain the confidence to commit to this journey to wellness!
CBD for PTSD
Various forms of psychotherapy, often combined with medications like SSRIs, are the primary form of treatment for PTSD. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that cannabinoids (CBD) may also be helpful in treating PTSD, particularly the anxiety and sleep-related symptoms of the disorder.
What are the benefits of using CBD to treat PTSD? How does CBD affect the brain and body, and is it safe to use? Click HERE for answers to these questions and more.
Opioid Help
A leading health concern that our veterans face is the treatment for chronic pain leading to opioid addiction. As you may know, record-high prescribing rates among veterans has led to increases in overdose deaths – veterans are now twice as likely to overdose from Opioids as non-veterans.
Opioid Help is an information hub that contains up-to-date news regarding the opioid epidemic as well as vital resources for those currently struggling from addiction to help them recover.
Get more info here: https://www.opioidhelp.com/epidemic/veterans-opioid-addiction/
PTSD and Sleep
Sleep problems are a common issue for people of all ages, but anyone diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is more likely to experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Sleep disturbances and nightmares are common symptoms of PTSD, and these symptoms may even exacerbate other PTSD symptoms and make treatment more difficult.
Click HERE for more information and to see what you can do if you have problems with sleep.
Thank you Ava for providing this information!
Veterans and Addiction
Why Veterans Turn to Drugs and Alcohol
Many men and women who are serving or have served in the United States military struggle with addiction.
Veterans who have seen combat may have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, 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.
If a veteran you love is struggling with a drug or alcohol use problem, contact a rehab professional for help finding the right treatment program.
Click HERE for more information.
Veteran Resources
Here is an incredible list of resources from our good friends at depolycare.org.
DeployCare was established to offer understanding and support to service members and their families before, during, and after deployments. They have worked to compile necessary resources as well as research solutions to many of the challenges associated with military deployments.
Their team is composed of veterans and spouses who have experienced many of the issues that arise when there is not adequate support when needed. They are mothers, fathers, husbands, and wives. They know that the effects of deployments do not end when your loved one finally gets to come home.
Veterans | 211.org http://www.211.org/services/veterans
My Next Move for Veterans (Career Resources) https://www.mynextmove.org/vets/
How to Use a Relocation Calculator https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-use-relocation-calculator.htm
Moving Services That Offer Military Discounts https://www.moving.com/tips/these-moving-services-offer-fantastic-military-discounts/
VA Home Loan Calculator https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/calcs/va-loans.php
VA Mortgage Loan Document Checklist https://www.militaryvaloan.com/checklist.htm
What Documents Do I Need to Sell My House? https://www.redfin.com/resources/documents-to-sell-a-house
Family Services and Resources Near You http://veteranscominghome.org/family-resources/
Military Buddy Finder https://www.vetfriends.com/
Community Events and Other Ways to Gather Veterans' Narratives https://www.loc.gov/vets/Communityevents.html
Military Discounts Offered by Stores, Services and Online Sites https://militarybenefits.info/military-discounts/
Military Discounts through Verizon https://www.verizonwireless.com/discounts/military/
Mental Health Resources | Veterans Families United https://veteransfamiliesunited.org/mental-health-resources/
The Veteran’s Guide to Creating a Peaceful At-Home Atmosphere After Returning Home https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/veterans-guide-to-creating-a-peaceful-home/
Nursing Home Abuse Center
Military veterans are an especially at-risk group for abuse and mistreatment in nursing homes. An often-neglected group, veterans, after serving their country, are commonly left without sufficient support systems, friends & family networks, and mental and physical health care services. The Nursing Home Abuse Center can help.
Click HERE for more information.
Veteran Resume Guide
Switching careers takes courage. And veterans know a thing or two about courage. But when military personnel finish serving their country and look to re-enter civilian life, they need more than just strong nerves to make the transition to a new career. Finding a job demands practical strategies. For veterans, the struggle is often aligning the skills and experiences they’ve gained in the military with the types of jobs that exist outside the military. On top of that, long-serving veterans don’t have a lot of experience with resume making.
Click HERE for a guide that can help those that served in the armed forces create resumes as they seek out civilian positions.
Silent Professionals - Job Placement
Silentprofessionals.org assists military and law enforcement Veterans in finding jobs based on their experience. Their small, experienced team has direct pipelines to a wide range of jobs available within the defense and private security industry as well as unique corporate security job opportunities. They also frequently have jobs that pop up for immediate fill all around the world. Besides the fact that job seekers never pay to apply for jobs, we personally vet each job and each candidate and match the right person for the right job at the right time. We talk directly to the decision-makers who make the call on hiring and they lean on our team to advise them. If you’re a job seeker, register as a candidate in their system. If you’re a company searching for highly dedicated and disciplined professionals, then they are available to help you connect with the very best.
Click HERE for more information or email jobs@silentprofessionals.org
What Veterans Should Know About Sleep
Veterans may face unique sleep challenges due to the nature of their training and their time in the service, whether or not they saw combat. Transitioning from military life to civilian living comes with a host of challenges, and sleep problems are quite common in veterans of all ages. Click HERE for an article that will cover what we know about veterans and sleep issues, including common sleep problems veterans suffer from and why. It will also explain the connections between PTSD and sleep problems, explain the consequences of sleep deprivation in veterans, and offer tips for veterans to get better sleep along with further resources.
Understanding Grief
Grief is a reactionary feeling of sadness experienced following any major loss. It is often associated with suffering, and is also considered a necessary process of deliverance termed resilience. When an event causes a crisis in the life of an individual, a radical change is made in the situation established until then. To get more information on grief and learn ways to cope with grief click HERE for more information.
Personal Loans for Veterans
When you need funds, a personal loan is often a good option because of the flexibility and affordability of this kind of financing. You can use a personal loan for just about anything, including home improvement, debt consolidation, emergency funding, and more.
Click HERE to look at the best personal loans for veterans who have good, fair, and bad credit to help you find a financing option that’s right for you.
2020 Guide to Substance Abuse in Veterans
Our friends at 449 Recovery have created a very useful 2020 Guide to Substance Abuse in Veterans. According to an article in the journal Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, an estimated 11 percent of people seeking first-time care in the Veterans Administration health system report having a substance abuse disorder. The Veterans Administration has determined that men are more likely than women to experience a substance abuse disorder. The other group with higher rates of substance abuse was veterans aged 25 or under. Click HERE to view the full guide.
Mesothelioma Veterans Center
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center provides information about treatment, clinical trials, and VA benefits to veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. They have had the honor of helping hundreds of veterans pursue compensation after developing mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer from their asbestos exposure in the military. They also provide a plethora of helpful information on their site including information regarding Veterans and addiction risks which can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Click HERE for more information on Mesothelioma and how the Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help.
Mesothelioma and Veterans
Mesothelioma cancer among veterans is an unfortunate reality. Rates of asbestos-related diseases are high in veterans because of the military’s extensive asbestos use. Veterans exposed during service are eligible to make claims for benefits like health care and disability compensation. Click HERE for more information.
Alcohol Effects, Addiction Treatment, and Resources
The Addiction Group provides great information and resources to help those that may be battling with alcohol addiction, a common problem for many Veterans. If you would like more information you can visit their site by clicking HERE.
If you or someone you know suffers from alcohol use disorder (AUD), you are not alone. There are treatment centers around the nation ready to help you. Learn about all of the different aspects of alcohol addiction treatment.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a complicated and dangerous health disorder. Here are some resources that will answer your questions.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is also commonly referred to as alcoholism or alcohol addiction. It affects millions of Americans and has many adverse effects on your physical and mental health. According to the CDC, there are three traits of AUD. Learn about them here.
Different Types of Alcoholics
Alcohol use disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe. It affects everyone differently. A study undertaken by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) identified five different types of alcoholics.
Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
The symptoms of AUD range in intensity, from mild to severe. They can have a profoundly negative impact on your physical, mental, emotional, and interpersonal health. Learn how to identify the symptoms of AUD here.
Causes of Alcohol Use Disorder
Many different factors can influence your susceptibility to alcohol use disorder (AUD). These include genetic, psychological, social, and environmental situations. Learn more about the causes of alcohol addiction here.
What Is Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking is considered an alcohol use disorder (AUD). It is characterized by a pattern of heavy alcohol use. Binge drinking is common in the U.S. and poses severe short and long term health risks.
High Functioning Alcoholics
A high functioning alcoholic, functional alcoholic, or working alcoholic is someone who meets the criteria for having an alcohol use disorder but is still capable of meeting the requirements of their work and social life.
Effects of Alcohol on the body
Alcohol puts a toll on nearly every vital organ in your body. Regardless to if you have one single drink or have been heavily drinking for years, alcohol can take a serious toll on your health.
Click HERE to see all the effects of alcohol on the body.
Looking For Signs of Substance Abuse
If someone you love uses one of these drugs, it’s helpful to know the signs of shooting up and the dangers of addiction.
First Sign of Substance Abuse: Highs and Lows
A common sign that someone you know uses IV drugs is when that person experiences frequent highs and lows. You can think of this in the same you would the crash associated with caffeine or sugar. When you drink several cups of coffee or bottles of soda a day, the sugar and caffeine can leave you feeling wiry and jittery. Once those substances leave your system, though, you’ll feel a crushing sensation that might make you feel tired and worn out.
IV drugs can result in feeling and acting the same way through highs and lows. Some prefer injecting drugs to smoking or snorting substances because injecting produces a faster reaction. As the drugs go directly into the bloodstream, the substances effects are felt much faster. This method can also produce a faster crash period because as the drugs leave, the pleasurable symptoms dissipate quickly too. Some of the signs you might notice during the crash period, also known as the cooling period, include:
- Trouble concentrating or thinking
- Issues with making decisions
- Head nodding
- Falling asleep in any spot or position
- Irritability any mood swings
Click HERE for the full article from Arrow Passage Recovery.
Mental Health Self Test
Mental Health In The U.S.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated one in five people in the United States live with mental illness.1 This equals an estimated 46.6 million people in 2017. Mental illness ranges in types and severity. Doctors usually classify mental illnesses as serious mental illness or any mental illness. The following is a report of how often a person experiences mental illness by illness type, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness:2
Anxiety disorder: 19.1% (48 million people)
Bipolar disorder: 2.8% (7 million people)
Borderline personality disorder: 1.4% (3.5 million people)
Major depressive episode: 7.2% (17.7 million people)
Obsessive compulsive disorder: 1.2% (3 million people)
Post-traumatic stress disorder: 3.6% (9 million people)
Schizophrenia: less than 1% (1.5 million people)
Click HERE to take a mental health self test and to view much more information on mental health and addiction from our friends at the Sanctuary of Transformation.
Veterans and Sleep Challenges
Veterans may face unique sleep challenges due to the nature of their training and their time in the service, whether or not they saw combat. Transitioning from military life to civilian living comes with a host of challenges, and sleep problems are quite common in veterans of all ages.
The National Veteran Sleep Survey, which was published in 2012, interviewed 2,866 veterans aged 18 to 96 about their sleep habits. The data suggested that veterans are severely sleep-deprived.
The average respondent got just 5.6 hours of sleep nightly, compared to the national average of 6.7 hours. (Both of those averages are below the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night.) Additionally, 91% of the veterans surveyed reported that they often felt fatigued, tired, or sleepy during the day. When asked why they didn’t get enough sleep, 70% said they had trouble falling or staying asleep at night.
The takeaway here is that if someone is veteran who struggles to obtain high-quality sleep on a regular basis, they are not alone.
Click HERE for more information from our friends at MattressClarity.com.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
What is Inpatient Treatment?
Inpatient programs offer the most intensive addiction treatment services. Patients live at the treatment facility and receive medical care and therapy. They also attend support groups.
Inpatient treatment centers provide mental health services for people with dual diagnoses. This is when someone suffers from a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is available on a long- or short-term basis. Short-term inpatient treatment is an intense but brief program based on a modified 12-step approach.
Residential treatment models may include a three to six-week hospital-based inpatient treatment phase. This is followed by extended outpatient therapy. Aftercare often includes participation in a group program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Long-term in-patient treatment programs take place at a residential facility. They provide round-the-clock care, generally in non-hospital settings.
Click HERE for more information on inpatient facilities.
Treating Co-Occurring Disorders
Thousands of people find themselves in need of addiction treatment. Many of them have underlying issues that would put them in the category of having a co-occurring disorder. When you enter treatment and receive a dual diagnosis, it means that you have a mental health problem in combination with your substance abuse issue. Co-occurring disorders occur more often than you’d imagine. It’s essential to treat them both at the same time if you hope to be successful in your recovery journey. Click HERE to learn more about these mental health disorders and how they contribute to a dual diagnosis.
Thank you to our friends at the Wellness Retreat Recovery Center for sharing this important information!
Alcohol and Drug Rehab for Veterans and First Responders
The Sunrise and Recovery (SRR) Program, located in beautiful San Marcos, Texas, and just minutes from Texas State University, is an intensive inpatient Residential Treatment Program designed specifically to treat Veterans and First Responders. SRR is available to all branches of the US Military, male and females 18 and above, and is tailored to meet the unique mental health needs of our fine Veterans and First Responders. We aim to provide returning Military Personnel and those who defended and protected our Freedoms the keys to unlock their future, and live a Happy, Healthy, and Productive Life.
Our Alcohol and Drug Rehab Facility and our Highly Credential Staff target the most common issues Veterans face including:
- Chemical Dependency
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Sexual Trauma
- Mental Stabilization
- Long Term Treatment
Click HERE for more information.
Restoration Recovery Center
"Established in May 2017, Restoration Recovery Center is a product of the desire of a group of experienced therapists who wish to help in the recovery of drug addicts and alcoholics. While there are services offered for the rehabilitation of these individuals, we feel that we can give more."
"We are a small intimate rehab near Sacramento, in Auburn close by the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas offering all levels of care. Our team of experienced and qualified therapists is ready to help you become a better version of yourself. Our participants are treated with respect and dignity at all times."
. click HERE for more information.
Free Medical Alert Systems for Veterans
More than 1.6 million American veterans currently have a disability rating of 70% or above, and they may benefit from using a medical alert system. Click HERE for a guide that helps veterans and their caregivers, family members and other loved ones pick the right medical alert system for them and learn how to apply for and receive a medical alert system free of charge. It includes valuable information about the types of free medical alert systems that are available to veterans through the VA, provided the veteran is an honorably discharged former service member.
Financial Resources for Veterans and Military Families
Veterans and their families can face unique financial challenges, from the strain of coping with deployments, relocations, and other times of transition to the difficulty of planning for retirement. However, many organizations, agencies, and programs have sprung up to support those who serve and their loved ones by offering financial assistance and other resources. If you are eligible for these benefits, you should not hesitate to use them. Click HERE for more information.
Preventing Substance Use Among Veterans
Military life creates unique challenges for veterans and their families. Unfortunately, many military members struggle to leave the trauma of active duty behind. It’s common for them to struggle with substance use or mental health disorders. For information on how to combat these issues. click HERE.
Preventing Substance Abuse Pamphlet - Click HERE.
What is an Intervention?
An intervention is a planned conversation between someone with a substance use disorder or behavioral addiction and the community that loves that person. The goal of the talk is to encourage the person to understand the cost of the behavior and to accept help. Some interventions are successful and entice a person in need to get the help they’ve avoided for too long. An intervention can be the impetus that starts the person on the path to a healthier life in recovery. Click HERE to learn more.
2023 VA Federal Benefits Booklet
For Veterans looking for clarification on the wide range of VA benefits available to them, the 2023 VA Federal Benefits Booklet serves as a guide to help them make the most of their post-service lives. It includes information on everything from health care and educational assistance to housing aid and career development initiatives.
The Benefits Booklet is a thorough guide that explains the numerous VA benefits and services to Veterans, their families and caregivers, as part of VA’s initiative to support and empower our country’s heroes. This tool directs Veterans through a myriad of services and initiatives created to recognize and appreciate their priceless service to our Nation.
Click HERE to learn more.
Helping veterans with healthy weight management
According to the CDC, obesity affects more than 40 percent of the American population. Bay Pines VA recognizes the long-term effects obesity plays on Veterans, which is why there are multiple VA programs to help them combat obesity through weight management, like the MOVE! Weight Management Program.
MOVE! assists Veterans with achieving meaningful weight loss to help improve their health and reduce their risk for chronic health conditions. It features a comprehensive lifestyle intervention that helps support changes to their eating habits, an increase in physical activity and goal setting.
Click HERE to learn more.
2024 VA Disability Calculator
This 2023 VA disability calculator helps veterans determine how much compensation they may receive because of their service-related disability. Veterans Guide can help you calculate your benefit amount if you have one or more disabilities. To learn about how to increase your VA rating or how to make a claim for benefits, contact Veterans Guide.
The VA assigns a rating to your disability to help determine how much compensation you should get. If you have more than one service-connected disability, the formula can seem complicated. The Veterans Guide VA disability calculator can help. You can see how the VA arrives at a rating that accounts for your disability and familial situation.
Click HERE to learn more
VA Disability Appeals
Veterans have the right to appeal a denied claim for benefits or a disability rating assigned by the VA. Unfortunately, despite efforts to improve the system, the VA disability appeals process can be incredibly complicated. Even minor missteps can cause delays or prevent deserving veterans from receiving the disability benefits they need and deserve.
Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate a VA disability appeal alone. Help is available. An accredited VA attorney can advocate for you, help you navigate the appeals process, and fight to secure the disability benefits you need to move forward with your life.
Click HERE to learn more.
Types of Therapy for Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Deciding to look or attend drug and alcohol treatment might be a difficult decision, but ultimately a beneficial and rewarding one. If you are considering this treatment for yourself or exploring it for someone else, you should become familiar with the different treatment options, including therapy for drug addiction. This article will review the kinds of therapies available for those who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, such as different types of behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, EMDR, family therapy, and more.
Click HERE to learn more.
State Provided Veteran Resources
Military service members and veterans who return home after serving U.S. citizens may struggle to reintegrate back into normal life smoothly.
This is due to a range of factors, including financial stressors, coping from traumatic events, a loss of community with other service members, and more.
The state offers many programs designed to ease this transition. Services within the realms of housing, mental health, and substance abuse treatment are all available to veterans to use.
Click HERE to learn more.
Recreate Behavioral Health
Recreate Behavioral Health is one of the nation’s premier providers of addiction treatment services and mental health counseling. Their evidence-based therapies, compassionate staff, and world-class amenities create a treatment experience that stands apart.
"Our mission is to help men, women and families affected by substance abuse. We focus our substance abuse treatment program on providing real solutions for lasting recovery from addiction. Getting sober isn’t easy, that’s why our team of professionals is always at your side throughout the whole rehabilitation process. With the right guidance, support, and treatment, everyone has an opportunity to live a fulfilling life without drugs and alcohol."
Click HERE to learn more.
A Guide to Veterans Benefits
Veterans’ benefits honor the brave men and women who served our country by providing them with health care, housing, and financial support. If you’re a veteran, there are many resources available to you, including some specific to older adults and those in need of long-term care. But, navigating these benefits can be confusing.
The article in the link below was made to help you make sure you’re getting the most out of your VA benefits. You’ll learn about the different types of benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), eligibility requirements, how to apply for benefits, and how to use them to help pay for or access senior care. You’ll also find a directory of resources you can follow up with for more information or help with your benefits.
Click HERE to learn more
Find Assisted Living in Your Area
Veterans who are injured in the line of duty face many challenges when they return home, including the inability to live an independent life. Whether fully or partially disabled, many need assistance with daily activities.
Thankfully, there are assisted living options that can help veterans who have disabilities, as well as elderly veterans who need help as they grow older. There are two basic ways for eligible veterans to receive assistance: obtain an assisted living benefit from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or apply for residency in a veteran’s home.
This guide contains information about the benefit programs available from the VA. Read on to learn whether you are eligible, how to apply, and what programs are available in your state.
Click HERE to learn more.
Tax Information for Veterans
The Internal Revenue Service is committed to helping all Veterans. They work with community and government partners to provide timely federal tax-related information to Veterans about tax credits and benefits, free tax preparation, financial education and asset-building opportunities available to Veterans.
Click HERE to learn more.
Nutrition and food services
Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) develops and provides comprehensive evidenced based nutritional services for our Veterans and their families across VHA’s health care facilities. NFS delivers safe and high quality patient food services. NFS Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) serve as nutrition diagnosticians and medical nutrition therapists for Veterans and their families utilizing the nutrition care process and mentor future RDNs through VA Dietetic Internship programs. RDNs promote wellness and disease prevention by ensuring effective nutrition education and counseling. The nutrition team proactively contributes to multiple VA initiatives including TeleNutrition, the Patient-Aligned Care Team (PACT), Cultural Transformation, nutrition research, and social media communications. NFS is transforming VA in its advanced clinical nutrition practices, data driven quality improvement, and healthy teaching kitchen programs to improve Veterans and their family members’ health outcomes.
Click HERE to learn more.
Annie for Veterans
Annie is a VA text messaging service that empowers Veterans to take an active role in their health care by sending various automated self-care reminders. Messages you receive from Annie can include reminders to take your medication, tips for reducing stress, instructions to prepare for your health care appointments, and more. Annie can also send general broadcast messages from your VA medical center or on topics of interest to you.
Information that you send to Annie is available to your clinical team. You can also see graphs of your measurements and all your messages in the online version of Annie for Veterans.
Annie helps you take charge of your health, one text at a time.
Click HERE to learn more.
PTSD: Specialized Care and Supportive Services
Stressful and traumatic events happen throughout life. Being frightened and having an added layer of tension while you process these emotions is a normal reaction. If you begin to have flashbacks, recurring memories or dreams, distressing thoughts, or physical symptoms of stress about the event, you may have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Let’s delve into understanding PTSD and explore various care options available to help you through this difficult time.
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Introduction - PTSD Guide
Symptoms of PTSD are tricky to characterize, because the amount of time it takes for them to manifest varies widely. One individual might show signs of PTSD three months after experiencing a traumatic event — and another individual might not display these symptoms until several years after the event. Additionally, the intensity of these symptoms may change or vary over time.
There is no outright cure for PTSD, but with treatment, patients can regain control over their lives. Treatment almost always consists of psychotherapy, such as cognitive therapy, exposure therapy and regularly meeting with a psychiatrist or counselor. In some cases, medications can be used along with psychotherapy to help alleviate the effects of PTSD.
If you think you or someone you know is showing symptoms of PTSD, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible, to help prevent the symptoms from worsening.
Click HERE to learn more.
The Silent Battle: Fostering Accessibility and support for Veteran Mental Health care
If you’ve ever played a game of tug-of-war, you know how it feels to pull on a rope, your feet digging into the ground, the strain of your muscles as you try to move the other team.
Now imagine, you’re not tugging against another team, but against something invisible and heavy that sits inside of you.
This is often how it feels for many of our brave veterans when they grapple with mental health issues post-service.
Our veterans, those who served our country so selflessly, face a unique set of challenges when it comes to mental health.
The battlefield might be far away, but the mental scars and memories can remain, showing up in conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
Click HERE to learn more.
Military base toxic exposure
Are you concerned about toxic exposure near you? Click HERE to view any exposure type, and all the locations where a toxin has been discovered.
List of Blue water Navy ships exposed to agent orange (Interactive Vietnam Map)
Blue Water Navy Veterans are those who served in the open coastal waters of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War era.
Public Law 116-23, The Blue Water Navy Veteran’s Act of 2019, created a presumption for certain illnesses due to Agent Orange exposure for those 50-90,000 veterans who served on a US Navy or Coast Guard ship between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, no further than 12 miles from the coast of Vietnam. Just as Brown Water Veterans, who were typically on patrol boats, were awarded by the Agent Orange Act of 1991, finally, 28 years later, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act now states that Blue Water veterans are eligible for disability benefits due to presumption of exposure to Agent Orange, an herbicide agent, just as those veterans who had “boots on the ground” on Vietnamese soil.
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Free Farming and Beekeeping opportunities for Veterans
Many Veterans are finding farming and beekeeping to be therapeutic and meaningful, and this work often comes with a community Veterans can rely on. A variety of free opportunities exclusively for Veterans interested in beekeeping or agricultural programs are listed in the link below.
Click HERE to learn more.
How to get free and discounted mattresses
There are plenty of affordably priced mattresses out there — but if your budget is limited or you don’t have extra money to spend, even a cheap mattress may be out of reach. There are ways to acquire a mattress free of charge or with a substantial discount. However, you may need to meet certain financial criteria to qualify for these programs.
Click HERE to learn more.
Veterans guide to Vocational schools and Apprenticeship programs
If you’re a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, you may have access to educational benefits through the GI Bill and similar programs. In addition to helping veterans attend traditional four-year colleges, these benefits can also be applied to vocational schools and apprenticeships.
Below, we break down the different benefits available to veterans for non-traditional postsecondary education and review other important details such as eligibility, costs, and making the transition from soldier to working civilian.
Click HERE to learn more.
Guide to Choosing a Trade Career for Returning Service Members
Many returning service members worry about choosing a civilian career they'll like — and that will give them the quality of life they deserve. The skilled trades offer a work environment that many veterans like, along with steady, reliable pay.
Training in the skilled trades gives you knowledge that is always in high demand, and the chance to earn high wages. Best of all, it's easy to find the training and job placement assistance you need.
Click HERE to learn more.
Assisted Living for People With Mental Health Disorders
Free Resume templates for 2024
Dual Eligibility for Medicaid and Veterans Pension Benefits
Veterans and/or their surviving spouses should always consider both Medicaid and veteran’s pension benefits, such as Aid and Attendance (A&A) or Housebound benefits, as options when determining how to pay for home care, assisted living, or nursing home care. This is because some benefits are best suited for certain care types and individuals may require changes in care throughout their lifetime. Similarly, the needs of each individual in a marriage may be different. For this reason, one spouse may choose to receive Medicaid assistance while the other uses veteran’s pension benefits.
Click HERE to learn more.
Veterans Guide to Paying for Assisted Living & Home Care
The VA website does an excellent job of describing the programs and types of assistance available to elderly veterans. Instead, their objective is to focus on veterans’ options to help with non-medical care/aging care. The aim is to help veterans understand available benefits, uncover financial assistance opportunities, and provide ideas that can reduce the costs associated with long-term care – whether in a nursing home, assisted living community, or at home.
Click HERE to learn more.
Effects of Drug Addiction on Oral Health
Drug and alcohol addiction can lead to various health complications. These include serious oral health problems and complications.
Unless you stop taking these substances and receive help, you’re at risk of staying in a cycle of deteriorating health. In this article, we discuss the different effects of abusing nicotine, alcohol, and drugs and how each one affects your oral health.
Click HERE to learn more.