Medication-Assisted Treatment for Veterans

Key Takeaways

• Veterans face increased risks of substance abuse and mental health issues due to unique challenges such as combat exposure and transitioning to civilian life.
• Studies link combat exposure to long-term mental health issues in veterans, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is vital for veterans, combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies.
• MAT medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone help normalize brain chemistry and reduce cravings.
• Counseling is an essential component of MAT, addressing psychological aspects of addiction and improving treatment outcomes.
• Challenges in MAT for veterans include mental health crises, transitioning to civilian life, and unique issues faced by women veterans.
• Strong support networks, including family, friends, and veteran support groups, are crucial for the success of MAT in veterans.

Veteran Mental Health Challenges and Substance Use Risks

Veterans are confronted with a unique set of challenges that can increase their susceptibility to substance abuse and mental health issues. Studies, such as those conducted by Yale researchers and highlighted by Yale Daily News, reveal that even mild anxiety symptoms in veterans are linked to greater psychiatric and functional difficulties, including depression and suicidal thoughts. 

The complexities of their experiences, such as trauma burden and exposure to combat, can contribute to a heightened risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, all of which are factors that may lead to substance use as a coping mechanism. Transitioning back to civilian life adds another layer of difficulty, as veterans must navigate a world that may seem foreign compared to the structured environment of the military. 

This transition can exacerbate feelings of isolation and stress, potentially leading to increased substance use. Understanding these challenges is crucial in providing adequate support and developing effective treatment programs for veterans. It is not just about addressing substance use; it is about holistically supporting veterans through their unique mental health struggles and facilitating a smoother transition into civilian life.

The Impact of Combat Exposure on Veterans’ Mental Health

Combat exposure has been extensively studied for its long-term impact on the mental health of veterans. Research indicates that veterans who have experienced combat are at a heightened risk for developing a range of mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The severity of combat exposure, as measured by the number and intensity of combat experiences, has been directly associated with mental health problems.

Moreover, the impact of combat exposure extends into later life, affecting veterans’ mental health trajectories independently of other health issues or life stressors. As veterans age, the process of reflecting on life experiences can be more impactful on their mental health, particularly if they include combat-related events. This phenomenon has been observed in studies such as the one referenced by Oregon State University.

The Stress of Adjusting from Military Service to Civilian Life

The transition from military service to civilian life is a significant adjustment for veterans, often marked by a variety of challenges that can impact their well-being and contribute to substance abuse. Veterans may struggle with creating a resume and finding employment that matches their skills and experience, as the military utilizes a Field Service Record instead of a traditional resume. The adjustment to civilian work culture and social dynamics can also be difficult, particularly for those returning to previous jobs or adjusting to new positions.

According to Pew Research Center, veterans with traumatic experiences are less likely to feel optimistic about their future and may encounter financial difficulties, healthcare access issues, and an increased risk for substance abuse. The transition stress can manifest as fear, worry, and symptoms overlapping with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Access to services and programs offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies is crucial, as is the emotional and practical support from family, friends, and veteran support groups. 

Medication-Assisted Addiction Treatment for Veterans

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a crucial option tailored to support veterans’ recovery journeys. MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction. This comprehensive approach is designed to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs supports the use of MAT for veterans, recognizing its effectiveness in reducing the need for inpatient detoxification and its success in maintaining recovery. Access to MAT for veterans is available through various channels, including the VA healthcare system and Medicare-enrolled Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) providers.

Medications Used in MAT for Veterans

MAT for opioid use disorder (OUD) incorporates pharmaceuticals alongside counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a ‘whole-patient’ approach to substance abuse treatment. The primary medications used in MAT for opioid addiction include Methadone, Buprenorphine (with formulations such as Subutex, Suboxone, Zubsolv, Bunavail, and Probuphine), and Naltrexone (available as Vivitrol for extended-release injectable suspension).

These medications function by either fully or partially blocking the effects of opioids on the brain, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and supporting abstinence from opioid use. For alcohol use disorder, MAT may include medications like Disulfiram (Antabuse) and Acamprosate.

While MAT has shown to be effective in improving the chances of recovery, it is crucial to recognize that each medication comes with potential side effects. They may include:

• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Weight gain
• muscle cramps
• Excessive sweating
• headaches or dizziness

Studies have indicated that MAT, particularly with Buprenorphine and Methadone, is associated with lower rates of opioid use, improved social functioning, and reduced risks of HIV and HCV infections, among other benefits.

Counseling for Addiction and Mental Health Struggles

Counseling in MAT serves to enhance the efficacy of medications by helping patients modify their behavior, cope with stress, and develop skills for long-term recovery. Research indicates that counseling, when combined with medications such as buprenorphine, naltrexone, or methadone, can lead to improved treatment outcomes. This includes higher rates of treatment retention, decreased illicit opioid use, and improved mental health. 

Counseling can take various forms, including individual therapy, group sessions, and family counseling, and is aimed at providing support and strategies to manage cravings and triggers. This individualized treatment plan may involve cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention education.

Despite its proven benefits, access to comprehensive MAT, including counseling, remains limited due to barriers such as stigma, lack of provider training, and regulatory challenges. Expanding access to and understanding of MAT’s counseling component is crucial for improving OUD treatment outcomes and supporting sustained recovery.

Veterans’ Recovery Journey With MAT

Veterans’ experiences with MAT are diverse but share common threads of overcoming substance abuse and the accompanying mental health disorders. Virtual support groups, such as those offered by SAFE Project, provide a space for camaraderie and sharing of recovery journeys, emphasizing the importance of peer support. Virtual recovery meetings and webinars by the VA focus on a range of recovery topics, including the role of family and community in supporting veterans’ mental health and wellness.

Inspiring stories of veterans who turned their lives around through MAT are shared on platforms like Make the Connection, highlighting the critical role of VA mental health support in their recovery. These narratives underscore the transformative power of MAT when coupled with comprehensive support systems, aiding veterans in their transition to civilian life and promoting long-term wellness.

Veterans’ MAT Success Stories

MAT has been a beacon of hope for many veterans fighting substance abuse. The path to recovery is often riddled with challenges, but the resilience and determination of veterans shine through in their success stories. One such narrative is of a veteran named Dave, whose life was transformed by the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC). Tailored resources such as mental health services and substance abuse treatment provided by VTC enabled Dave to navigate the legal system and foster positive change not only in his life but also within his community.

These stories of change and recovery are pivotal, as they underscore the effectiveness of MAT when combined with comprehensive support systems. Veterans, through their unique skill sets and experiences, have demonstrated remarkable success in various fields post-recovery. Their journeys are a testament to the potential of MAT to not only aid in overcoming substance abuse but also to empower veterans to achieve success in civilian life, whether it’s in entrepreneurship, technical fields, or community service.

As we honor these heroes, it’s crucial to continue sharing and celebrating their stories of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. Their triumphs serve as inspiration and evidence of the life-changing impact that MAT, coupled with the right support, can have on our veterans’ lives.

Challenges in Veterans’ Addiction and Mental Health Treatment

Veterans undergoing MAT for substance abuse may encounter a range of challenges that can impact their recovery journey. One significant obstacle is the mental health crisis among veterans, with a noted increase in veteran suicides from 2006 to 2020. The stress of combat, trauma, sleep disruption, and physical exertion can exacerbate mental health symptoms, making the path to recovery more complex. 

It can take approximately seven months for veterans to adapt to civilian life, with challenges such as finding employment, reconnecting with family and friends, and identifying a meaningful career path. The National Veterans’ Training Institute (NVTI) and other organizations provide resources to assist veterans in this transition, which can also support their recovery.

Women veterans face unique challenges, including a higher likelihood of not feeling prepared to navigate local resources and a lack of awareness about support during financial hardships. With higher rates of college degree attainment, women veterans can leverage their education and military skills in the civilian workforce, which service providers should emphasize.

Support Networks for Veterans in MAT

For veterans undergoing MAT, a strong support system is crucial to the success of their recovery journey. The importance of these systems cannot be overstated, as they often play a pivotal role in helping veterans navigate the complexities of recovery from substance use disorders.

• Family and Friends: Loved ones can offer invaluable support, understanding, and motivation. They can assist with daily responsibilities, attend therapy sessions, and help create a stable home environment conducive to recovery.
  
• Veteran Support Groups: Groups such as the American Legion and other veteran organizations offer peer support, where veterans can share experiences and coping strategies with others who have faced similar challenges.

• VA Resources: The Department of Veterans Affairs provides resources including counseling, group therapy, and access to healthcare professionals trained in addiction treatment.
  
• Community Programs: Local organizations often offer services tailored to veterans, such as employment assistance, housing, and educational programs that can ease the transition into civilian life and support recovery.
  

The Vital Support of Family and Friends in MAT

A study highlights the positive impact of family support (FS) and social support from friends on mental health (MH), emphasizing how these factors can facilitate coping strategies in stressful situations.

• Family members can offer encouragement and motivation, helping veterans adhere to their treatment plans and attend appointments.
  
• Friends can provide a sense of normalcy and companionship, which is vital for mental well-being and can deter feelings of isolation or stigmatization.
  
• Support from loved ones can also serve as a buffer against potential relapses by fostering an environment that discourages substance use and promotes healthy behaviors.
  
• Engagement with family and friends during MAT can lead to better treatment outcomes, as these relationships often hold veterans accountable and provide a network of accountability and care.
  

The Role of Veteran Support Groups in MAT

Veteran support groups play a significant role in providing emotional and social backing, which is essential for a successful recovery. These groups offer a platform for shared experiences, understanding, and mutual encouragement among individuals facing similar challenges.

• Peer Support: Veterans often find comfort in speaking with peers who have endured similar experiences and can offer empathy and insight from a place of understanding.
  
• Resource Sharing: Support groups can provide information about additional resources, such as counseling services, mental health initiatives, and educational materials, which can be instrumental in a veteran’s recovery process.
  
• Stigma Reduction: By normalizing the conversation around mental health and substance abuse, support groups help to reduce the stigma that might otherwise prevent veterans from seeking the help they need.
  
• Access to Professional Guidance: Many veteran support groups are facilitated by or connected to professional service officers or mental health professionals who can guide veterans through the complexities of healthcare systems, including navigating VA resources.
  
• Online and In-Person Meetings: Support groups offer flexibility with online resources and in-person meetings, accommodating different preferences and needs, and ensuring that support is accessible to all veterans, regardless of their location or mobility.
  

Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Options for Veterans

There are quite a few different options for people who are seeking treatment for drug & alcohol addiction. Your individualized treatment plan at The Recovery Village Palmer Lake may include:

• Medical detox: Patients detox from substances in a clinical environment where doctors monitor health and provide medications to ease withdrawal symptoms.
  
• Inpatient treatment: Patients in inpatient treatment live at our facility and attend a full schedule of individual and group therapy, counseling and peer support sessions.
  
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP): PHPs provide patients with additional flexibility and independence than inpatient programs.
  
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP): IOPs help patients transition to life outside of rehab, with fewer hours of care and more time building skills and habits for recovery.
  
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient care provides ongoing treatment after an inpatient stay and supports clients as they transition back into their daily lives.
  
• Aftercare: Aftercare programs help support long-term recovery through clinical and medical recommendations for follow-up care, relapse prevention plans and more.

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, help is available. The Recovery Village Palmer Lake is here to support you throughout the entire recovery process. It’s time to get your life back. Call our Recovery Advocates today.