Alcohol Detox Program

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is more common among veterans than the general population. There are several reasons for the higher incidence of alcohol addiction among former military, but one clear solution when it comes to how best to start reclaiming sobriety. An alcohol detox program for veterans that both medically manages the myriad symptoms of withdrawal and is focused on the specific needs and circumstances unique to veterans is the safest way to begin recovery. UpArmor Recovery’s veteran rehab center is specifically geared toward helping veterans and first responders regain their physical and mental well-being.

If you are a veteran in search of answers about alcohol addiction and recovery, reach out to UpArmor Recovery today. Our alcohol detox program in Mississippi can be your first step toward recovery. Contact us via the online form or by calling 855.211.5537 to learn how detox will work for you.

Alcohol Abuse and Veterans

Heavy alcohol use often begins while people are in active military service. The uncertainties regarding deployment, risk of injury, demanding expectations, and distance from home and loved ones are just a few reasons that people in the military seek the escapism offered by alcohol.

Using alcohol as an escape mechanism or to self-medicate all too often continues once a veteran is home. Some of the issues that may underlie a veteran’s alcohol abuse include:

• Chronic pain from military injuries
• Trauma caused by combat, violence, or abuse
• Navigating reentrance into civilian life and finding it extremely difficult
• Mental health conditions

The most common mental health challenges faced by veterans are:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – About three-quarters of the veterans who are coping with PTSD symptoms are also struggling with alcohol misuse. People with PTSD experience past trauma as if it is still happening. Nightmares, flashbacks, and struggles to cope with everyday challenges and setbacks often make veterans with PTSD attempt to mask these symptoms with alcohol.
• Depression – Also very common among veterans, depression happens due to many factors. A complete lifestyle change, dealing with systems that are not set up to accommodate veterans, facing difficulties in relationships, and work can all spark a spiral of chronic depression. Even though alcohol is a depressant, a large number of veterans dealing with a major depressive disorder turn to drinking to medicate their symptoms.
• Anxiety – Anxiety on its own or co-occurring with both depression and PTSD is common among veterans returning to society, family, jobs, home life, and all the changes and expectations that seem to overwhelm them. Anxiety symptoms often lead to alcohol abuse.

How can you manage your alcohol addiction as well as the mental health challenges that co-occur with it? It is difficult on your own, but an alcohol detox center for veterans can help you get started. After that, continuing with evidence-based treatments in alcohol rehab will securely launch your recovery.

Alcohol Detox Program for Veterans

What happens in alcohol detox? You will receive a high level of care that will provide the following:

• Harm reduction – Doctors will prescribe medications to mitigate the worst symptoms and manage any hidden physical or mental disorders that emerge.
• Trigger-free setting – During this vulnerable time, you will be comfortable and secure in a controlled environment.
• Counseling – On-site counseling by professional addiction counselors will help you navigate the emotionally and psychologically challenging detox process.

Although the whole process is largely over within 72 hours and complete in a week or less, this brief time in your early recovery is critical in order to continue successfully and achieve your long-term sobriety goals.