Thousands of active and former service personnel tend to hide behavior and problems related to alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD) because of the military’s zero-tolerance policies.
Additionally, some mental and emotional health conditions were grounds for release until the 2023 enactment of The Brandon Act, a focused effort to help improve individuals’ access to care for these issues. So it’s no wonder that many Veterans hesitate to seek help.
Unfortunately, according to a 2023 report released by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “suicide was the 13th leading cause of death for Veterans overall, and the second-leading cause of death among Veterans under age 45.”
At Great Oaks Recovery Center, we strive to continually draw awareness to the numerous wellness resources available that help Veterans overcome addiction, balance physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health, and trust that there are always solutions.
Various Initiatives That Support Veterans
A lack of military fellowship contributes a great deal to isolation, which compounds issues with addiction. These essential organizations and agencies aim to bridge that gap.
Also known as ResponderStrong, this respected nonprofit focuses on assisting professionals in “career, seasonal, volunteer: all those who are trained to serve the community in times of emergency, crisis, or disaster.” The foundation offers in-depth self-assessment tools, video learning programs, access to clinical resources, and more.
This organization, founded by an Act of Congress after World War I, is committed to “destigmatizing mental health support, offering peer-to-peer resources, and empowering everyone to Be The One in the fight to end veteran suicide.” It also offers VA benefits assistance, debt help, education resources, and more to Veterans, active servicemembers, and their families.
The mission of this foundation is to “empower military and Veteran families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors—both people and organizations—to create strong communities of mutual support.” This includes offering resources for employment opportunities and financial support, as well as peer-to-peer programs and neighborhood welcome gatherings.
The National Veterans Foundation started this mutual aid program to help “Veterans of all eras, their family members and active duty service members, some while serving overseas in combat deployments.” The organization is active in VA benefits advocacy, legal aid, housing and employment resources, medical treatment, suicide prevention, and more.
Through this program, “Veterans and their loved ones talk about their experiences, challenges, and recovery.” Various aspects of life are shared through podcasts, stories, and videos, and the site offers links to numerous outreach programs.
A division of the Veterans Mental Health Department, the TVC provides an extensive range of services, from health resources and VA benefits application assistance to various educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. All services are free.
This agency focuses specifically on helping Veteran and military spouses and committed partners by providing “opportunities to engage with and connect to helpful resources and a community of support.” From a structured resilience educational program to peer mentoring partnerships, this program offers extended support to military families.
In support of The STRONG Veterans Act of 2022, the VA’s Veteran Buddy Check program “aims to enhance peer-to-peer connections, improve mental health, and increase access to VA and non-VA resources.” Any Veteran can go through informative training to help recognize signs of distress and receive education on available services to recommend to a buddy in need. The formal nationwide campaign happens every October, but the TVC encourages a buddy check on the 11th of every month—no special training is required.
The VA states that more than 50% of female Veterans “aren’t utilizing their earned benefits. As a result, they don’t have access to the VA health care system or the low- or cost-free care it offers.” So the department created this comprehensive portal to address numerous issues, from basic annual preventative and other wellness checks to more complicated circumstances, such as mental and emotional disorders and military sexual trauma.
The Tactical Recovery Program at Great Oaks
At Great Oaks Recovery Center outside of Houston, Texas our board-certified mental health professionals and addiction specialists offer the Tactical Recovery program, a culturally competent treatment approach designed specifically to help Veterans, first responders, and members of law enforcement struggling with dual-diagnosis disorders, AUD, and SUD. We recognize the long-lasting impact these challenging roles can have on individuals and have created a tailored curriculum to meet their unique needs.
Our trauma-informed program, certified as Veteran-Ready, is a partnership with PsychArmor and the VA’s Community Care Network. It offers individualized care using evidence-based practices and different complementary health methods proven to promote recovery.
With a focus on mind, body, and spirit, Tactical Recovery offers focused, compassionate, quality care in an atmosphere conducive to your growth and well-being. Call our admissions team today to learn more.
If you or someone you love is in immediate crisis, please call one of these free, confidential 24/7 resources:
- Copline: Dial 1-800-COPLINE (267-5463)
- First Responder Hopeline: 1-866-4FL-HERO
- PTSD Veteran Line: 1-877-717-7873
- Stop Soldier Suicide: 1-844-317-1136
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 from any phone
- Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network: Access through your MyTCole account or call (972)-338-1314 for more information.
- The Real Warriors: 1-866-966-1020 or start a live chat online
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1 or text 838255
