About 2% of veterans meet the criteria for lifetime opioid use disorder (OUD). Recovery can be challenging on its own. But if you are experiencing service-related injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or difficulties returning to civilian life, you’re not alone. Recognizing your challenges can help you find personalized support. Finding treatment tailored to your needs can help you succeed in recovery.
Substance use treatment programs for veterans can help you meet others with similar challenges. Many veterans find that support groups foster a sense of community. During these meetings, people work to understand and encourage one another. This type of treatment can help you feel less isolated. Feeling this connection can make recovery easier. At Groups, we understand how you feel, and we’re here to support you. Our providers are in network with Tricare, and we can help you make progress with personalized care.
In this article, we share seven ways opioid use disorder treatment providers can support veterans in recovery. Find out how these providers can help you recover and build a brighter future.
7 ways opioid use disorder providers can support veterans in recovery
Recovering from opioid use disorder can be very challenging for veterans. Many veterans often face chronic pain from an injury they got during service. Others may also deal with flashbacks. A great provider can help ensure that your treatment addresses the full picture rather than just the symptoms. Working with providers who accept Tricare and reduce financial barriers, helping veterans access the support they need.
Recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. For veterans especially, effective treatment often combines empathy and structure in a judgment-free environment.
Here are seven ways providers can support veterans on their path to recovery:
1. Respect military culture.
Veterans are deeply shaped by their military experience. Providers who understand military culture can create a more meaningful environment. When they recognize values like discipline, camaraderie, and structure, veterans can feel understood. It also helps build trust and respect. As a result, veterans can be more likely to talk about their addiction.
Providers can do this in the following ways:
- Acknowledging service experience in treatment plans
- Incorporating structure and routines like military life
- Recognizing military achievements as part of the recovery journey
When providers honor military culture, veterans are more likely to feel confident about their care. They may also engage more during support groups. This motivation can help promote long-term recovery.
2. Treat mental health and addiction together.
OUD may also occur with PTSD, anxiety, or depression. These conditions can come from combat experiences or life-threatening situations. They may also be caused by the stress of returning to civilian life.
Whatever the cause may be, you can find support. Addressing mental health conditions and substance use together can help achieve the best outcome. Many veterans can access comprehensive treatments through Tricare, making it easier to receive care tailored to their needs.
Providers can offer this comprehensive care as they:
- Screen for PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Combine counseling or therapy with substance use programs
- Offer treatments that address mental health and addiction
When mental health and addiction are treated together, veterans usually make better progress on their path to recovery. A provider can also monitor their treatment to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
Comprehensive treatment can help veterans manage triggers, build coping skills, and address the underlying cause of their opioid use. Together, these treatments can lead to lasting progress and a healthier future.
3. Provide structure and routine.
A steady routine can help veterans feel grounded. It may remind them of the structure they had in the military. The recovery process can feel uncertain at times. That’s why it helps to have a sense of stability.
Creating healthier daily habits can help make recovery easier. It can also shift focus onto clear goals, which may help prevent a return to use.
Providers can help in the following ways:
- Scheduling regular appointments, therapy, and check-ins
- Encouraging daily routines and healthier habits
- Setting short-term and long-term goals to track progress
Structure and routine can help veterans in many ways, such as easing stress and providing a sense of purpose. Adding structure can help veterans feel supported. It can also empower you to take control of your progress. Creating a healthier routine can also be done gradually, to help you ease into it.
4. Keep care consistent.
Having consistency can be very helpful for veterans. When providers or treatments change frequently, it can be overwhelming. Frequent changes can also be more difficult if you’re treating more than one condition.
Providers can offer stable treatment as they:
- Assign a dedicated care team or counselor
- Reduce unnecessary changes to treatment
- Make sure follow-ups are on a regular schedule
Consistent care helps build trust and security. These qualities can go a long way in helping you continue to make progress with your OUD treatment.
5. Encourage peer support from other veterans.
Many veterans find it helpful to connect with others who have shared their military experiences. It usually makes it easier to open up to a like-minded group about the recovery process.
Providers can encourage peer support in the following ways:
- Offering support groups specifically for veterans
- Pairing new veterans with peer mentors
- Having meaningful discussions in veteran-only groups
Sharing experiences with fellow veterans can help reduce isolation. Many veterans feel motivated to attend group sessions. They often get the motivation they need from people who understand them. This treatment can then help them move forward on their recovery journey.
6. Address pain from service injuries.
Many veterans live with chronic pain from service-related injuries. Managing this pain safely and effectively is important for recovery. When it’s done with proper care and guidance, treatment may keep them from returning to opioid use. Veterans may be able to use their Tricare benefits to access pain management care, physical therapy, and alternative treatments, so they can receive comprehensive care more easily.
Providers can help in the following ways:
- Offering alternatives to opioids for pain management
- Providing a referral to a physical therapy program
- Monitoring and adjusting treatment plans as needed
Addressing chronic pain in a safe and effective way can help keep veterans from returning to use. A safe treatment plan can help promote sustainable outcomes by addressing physical and mental health.
7. Show patience and understanding.
Recovery has its ups and downs. Veterans often find it helpful to work with providers who show empathy and patience. It also helps to focus on how far veterans have come throughout their recovery, even after they have faced a setback.
Providers can do the following to show patience and understanding:
- Celebrate small wins and recovery milestones.
- Stay supportive after challenges or returns to use.
- Identify strengths to help veterans build resilience.
When providers balance empathy and structure, veterans are more likely to continue with their recovery. A patient and supportive environment can go a long way toward fostering lasting progress.
Groups is here to help veterans recover from OUD
Recovery can feel overwhelming to veterans for many reasons. While recovery may also come with chronic pain or mental health conditions, these challenges can be addressed with the right care, especially when using Tricare benefits to access treatment.
Many veterans feel alone and think nobody will understand their challenges. But drug and alcohol treatment providers can provide meaningful support. Attending support groups for veterans can also help you feel encouraged, understood, and motivated to continue recovery.
At Groups, our providers are in network with Tricare and offer customized care for veterans. Whether you’re facing OUD on its own or need to address other service-related challenges, we’re here to support you in a safe environment. When you come to Groups, you can find a judgment-free space where your recovery is tailored to your needs, and your progress is celebrated. Using Tricare can reduce the cost of care, so you can better focus on your recovery.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
