Active-duty military personnel and veterans face unique stressors that put them at a higher risk for substance use disorder (SUD). The pressures of service, from combat experiences to the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, can lead to coping mechanisms that involve alcohol or drugs.
Recovery Centers of America’s RESCU (Resilience, Empowerment, Safety, and Care for our Uniformed Heroes) program at our Bracebridge Hall location was specifically designed to provide tailored addiction treatment for military members and veterans to address these unique challenges. The benefits of addiction treatment specific to active-duty military and veterans include culturally competent care, a focus on trauma, and a supportive community that can foster lifelong recovery.
1. Culturally Competent Care Tailored to Military Experiences
The military’s structured environment and values of duty, honor, and discipline often shape how service members approach life. These qualities can make it difficult for military members to seek help for addiction due to stigma or fear of career repercussions. RESCU provides culturally competent care, which means that we offer treatment that respects and responds to the unique backgrounds, values, and experiences of military personnel. Treatment is both sensitive to their specific needs and delivered in a way that helps them feel understood and supported throughout their recovery.
The program offers:
- Dedicated therapists trained in military culture – Therapists who understand the unique challenges faced by active-duty military and veterans, such as trauma, combat exposure, and the impact of military life on mental health and addiction.
- Specialized group therapy – Group therapy sessions are designed for military members to share experiences in a supportive environment with others who understand the pressures of military service.
- Confidential treatment options – The program allows for a disclosed or non-disclosed approach, ensuring privacy and offering flexibility in how individuals choose to share their treatment status.
This tailored approach makes it easier for military members to access treatment that truly considers their unique needs and circumstances.
2. A Focus on Trauma and Substance Use
Many active-duty military members and veterans face trauma, whether from combat or other service-related experiences.1 This trauma often plays a significant role in developing SUD, as service members may turn to substances to manage overwhelming emotions or memories. The RESCU program recognizes this connection and uses evidence-based therapies like Seeking Safety, a treatment designed to address both trauma and substance use. This program offers:
- Trauma-informed care – Treatment that acknowledges the impact of trauma without requiring patients to delve into their trauma history unless they are ready.
- Coping strategies – A focus on building coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, and other triggers that might lead to substance use.
- Physical training – Daily physical training sessions help improve physical health, build resilience, and provide a sense of camaraderie, mirroring the structure and discipline familiar to military life.
Addressing trauma while building healthy coping mechanisms helps service members manage the underlying causes of their substance use disorder. Not all military members have experienced combat or have been deployed overseas, but military service of all kinds comes with unique pressures that can contribute to trauma responses.
3. A Strong Sense of Community and Camaraderie
One of the most important elements of addiction recovery is having a support system. For military members, that support often comes from fellow service members who understand the unique pressures of their role. The RESCU program is designed to foster this sense of camaraderie:
- Morning and evening muster – These daily meetings create a sense of structure and accountability, helping participants set goals, review their progress, and build connections with others in the program.
- Flag ceremony – Raising and lowering the flag each day serves as a reminder of the values of duty, honor, and service, reinforcing the commitment to recovery while staying connected to the military’s core principles.
This strong sense of community helps foster an environment of mutual support where military members and veterans can heal and grow alongside others with similar experiences.
Get Started with Recovery Centers of America
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, RCA’s RESCU program can provide the support and care needed for a successful recovery. Call 833.926.5486 or visit us online to learn more about our specialized programs for military service members.
Source:
1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – How Common is PTSD in Veterans?
