It’s a cruel reality that those who fight for our freedom often find themselves trapped in the grips of addiction at rates even higher than civilians. At Acqua Recovery, we are committed to supporting veterans who struggle with addiction in finding their own freedom. For that reason, we are in-network with Tricare, Triwest, and Tricare East (Humana Military), making best-in-class addiction treatment accessible to the very people to whom we owe our own freedom. If you are a veteran struggling with addiction — or if you have a loved one who is — here’s how we can help.
Veterans & Addiction
The studies vary, but overall roughly 10% of veterans are struggling with addiction. In some segments of the military — like the marines — that is even higher. Why are the numbers so high? It’s important to understand that addiction is not a moral failing and certainly, veterans aren’t lacking at all in willpower or grit. Addiction is a disease tied closely to trauma, and sadly, veterans experience no shortage of traumatic situations in combat.
In fact, veterans are more than twice as likely as civilians to suffer from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and more than 20% of vets who struggle with PTSD also are impacted by addiction. In addition, military veterans struggling with addiction are 75% to 80% times more likely than other vets to be diagnosed with a mental health issue. Trauma, mental health issues, and addiction are often tangled together in one tight knot.
Addiction Treatment for Veterans
Addiction treatment is about untying that knot and setting you free from its grips. That’s why, at Acqua Recovery we take a trauma-informed approach — for all clients and not just veterans. Of course, our team of professionals will approach treating your trauma at a pace that feels comfortable to you. It’s not expected that you will dig into your most painful memories and emotional wounds on day one. Instead, you’ll find a caring and compassionate team of Masters-level clinicians and others who will stand by you as you do the work you need to renew. Acqua is a sanctuary of healing, and you’ll feel safe and supported at every moment.
At the same time, your treatment team will explore the possibility of a “dual diagnosis” — the chance that you might have a mental health issue along with addiction. Whether it’s PTSD, depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issue, you can have it treated comprehensively while you treat your addiction at Acqua. It’s the best way to completely reset your life and prepare for a new life in recovery.
Finally, your schedule won’t be all therapy sessions and group meetings. We also offer experiential activities to help you remember how peaceful, connecting, and fun life can be. From yoga to fly-fishing, equine therapy, and more, our programming will introduce you to activities you’ll want to take up in your new clean and sober life — or ones you used to love and abandoned in addiction. You’ll rediscover who you are without drugs or alcohol and enjoy life again.
Paying for Treatment as a Veteran
Acqua Recovery is proud to be in-network with TriCare — proof of our commitment to helping America’s vets. Of course, veterans can get medical treatment — including addiction treatment — through the VA. However, TriCare opens up the possibility of “civilian” healthcare, which may be a better fit.
If you fall into any of these categories, you may be eligible for TriCare: active duty service members and their families, National Guard or Reserve members and their families, retired service members and their families, retired Reserve members and their families, survivors of veterans, children of veterans, former spouses of veterans, Medal of Honor recipients and families, dependent parents and parents-in-law, or Foreign Force members and families.
If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible for TriCare, visit the military’s resource page HERE.
Then, give us a call. You’ve done your duty with honor. Helping you recover from addiction is ours.
