Understanding Veteran Residential Rehab

If you or someone close to you is a veteran suffering from an alcohol or a drug use disorder, seeking medical treatment from a residential rehab facility may be exactly what you need to learn how to manage dependency on the substance in question. As a veteran, you may find it challenging to deal with the stresses of everyday life while also being tasked with going to treatment.

It’s possible, however, to mitigate this issue by entering a residential rehab facility, which provides veterans with customized treatment in a more peaceful and relaxing setting. When considering all of your options, you should understand what veteran residential rehab entails and how you can benefit from it.

What Does Veteran Residential Rehab Entail?

Residential rehab services occur outside of a hospital but will usually involve lengthier stays. A residential rehab facility is a live-in center that has the capabilities needed to help clients address the behavioral or psychological problems that may be contributing to alcohol and drug addictions. These programs typically begin following the detoxification process.

There are a wide range of different therapies and programs that are provided to veterans who attend residential rehab. These programs are designed to assist clients in avoiding relapse and eventually reentering society. The majority of residential rehab facilities provide 24-hour care along with community-based rehabilitation, group therapy, individual therapy, and a relatively structured schedule.

How Does Inpatient Rehab Differ From Residential Rehab?

If you’ve been thinking about entering a rehab program in recent days or weeks, you may have heard about inpatient rehab services alongside residential rehab services. While some people use these terms interchangeably, there are some key differences that you should be aware of. In most cases, inpatient treatment is short term and relatively invasive. These programs may be needed in an emergency situation where someone requires detox or more focused care.

It’s common for inpatient care to be provided in emergency centers, which is when care would be administered by medical professionals. Most addiction treatment facilities that offer residential care will also provide inpatient programs. When a client enters and progresses through inpatient treatment, they typically require additional treatment following the conclusion of the program to avoid relapse. This treatment can involve everything from outpatient treatment to partial hospitalization.

If you’re trying to understand the differences between residential and inpatient rehab, keep in mind that inpatient care could be involuntary and may treat severe illnesses. These programs can also be short term. In comparison, residential rehab is usually long term and can involve more variety in the services that are administered.

Some of the differences between these two types of programs involve differences in accommodations and settings. Inpatient care tends to be administered in a hospital or similar emergency care setting. On the other hand, residential rehab programs can take place in many different settings, which include halfway houses, long-term supervised accommodations, or treatment communities.

These types of treatment also differ in the amount of time clients will remain in the program. Inpatient rehab usually begins with the initial step of treatment, which involves supervised detoxification. Residential rehab is a lengthier form of care that allows clients to learn how to effectively return to their everyday life once rehab comes to an end. Keep in mind that the length and type of care might depend on the severity of the substance use disorder.

Residential Rehab Benefits Available for Veterans

There are many benefits associated with residential rehab for veterans who may be suffering from a substance use disorder. People who suffer from a substance use disorder are known to have a relapse rate of anywhere from 40-60%.

While outpatient care is available, this form of care allows clients to continue working, going to school, and living in their own home while treatment is ongoing, which can make it more challenging for the client to avoid relapsing. In comparison, residential rehab involves clients remaining in the rehab facility on a 24/7 basis until the program is completed, which ensures that the client is always in a drug-free environment.

The initial stage of residential rehab may involve inpatient detoxification. This process can be unpleasant and is one reason why some individuals avoid entering into a treatment program. The majority of drugs have unique withdrawal symptoms. For instance, meth comes with symptoms like fatigue and anxiety during the withdrawal process. The more severe withdrawal symptoms can include delusions and hallucinations.

As for opioids, withdrawal symptoms extend to high blood pressure, shaking, body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. In the event that a client needs to detox from alcohol, their withdrawal symptoms could be anything from delirium to seizures. While it’s possible for someone to attempt to detox on their own, doing so can be dangerous and may lead to a relapse. It’s also possible for withdrawal symptoms to be deadly with certain drugs, which is why supervised detox is highly recommended.

Another benefit of attending residential rehab is that you will be in a community setting among other individuals who are attempting to manage their substance use. When you live in a residential rehab facility, you’ll be surrounded by social resources on a 24/7 basis that can potentially help you on your road toward successfully completing the program. In comparison, outpatient rehab makes it more difficult and time-consuming to form bonds with other people. The types of services you can expect in residential rehab include:

• 24/7 care
• Structured therapy sessions in a therapeutic environment
• Medical care
• Secure housing
• Goal of leading a drug-free life
• Help with transitioning to additional services like housing or therapy

Residential rehab places you in a controlled and safe environment without some of the triggers or distractions that may have contributed to your substance use disorder before you entered the program. The other types of services that veterans can gain access to when they enter a residential rehab facility include:

• An in-depth screening that looks at your physical and mental health to identify what treatment you should receive
• Medical detox to help rid you of the substance that your body is currently dependent on
• Medication to assist you during the withdrawal process and help you manage any cravings you might have
• Family counseling to assist you in rebuilding relationships with your friends and family
• Process groups that assist you in learning new skills that you could benefit from once you reenter society
• Cognitive processing therapy to help you in identifying and getting rid of bad beliefs that might contribute to your substance use disorder
• Therapies focused on everything from stress management and anger management to relapse prevention
• Cognitive behavioral therapy to assist you in modifying negative behaviors or thoughts
• Aftercare to help you remain sober and avoid the substance that you were abusing before you entered a treatment program

How Long Does a Residential Rehab Program Last?

If you want to enter into a residential rehab facility that caters to veterans, the length of these programs largely depends on the amount of care that you require. For instance, detoxification can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. It’s also important to understand that every substance differs. The severity of your substance use disorder can dictate how long the detox process takes.

Residential rehab programs can also differ depending on the facility that you decide to enter. While it’s possible to stay for just 30 days, these programs are designed to facilitate long-term care, which means that a client can remain in rehab for anywhere from 30 days to a couple of years. The possible variables that might affect how long you remain in residential rehab include:

• Total cost of treatment
• Availability of insurance coverage
• Level of care that you require
• Your current employment

Does the VA Cover Long-Term Rehab?

In the event that you’re a veteran who’s currently dealing with a substance use disorder, you might wonder if the VA can pay for the costs associated with drug or alcohol rehab. It’s possible for VA benefits to cover some of the treatment that you obtain for a substance use disorder. Keep in mind, however, that your level of coverage could depend on how much care you require and any other insurance coverage you have aside from your VA benefits.

The types of substance use disorder services that the VA can cover may vary depending on your specific needs and the facility you choose to enter. If VA benefits apply to the rehab program you’re entering, these benefits may extend to:

• Detoxification
• Residential treatment
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Family therapy
• Relapse prevention care
• Peer support groups

It’s possible that additional requirements must be met before you receive coverage.

It can be very difficult to admit that you require care for a substance use disorder. Regardless of the underlying cause for the disorder, admitting that you’re currently suffering from a substance use disorder is the first step in obtaining the treatment you need to manage your cravings and lead a drug-free or alcohol-free life. Residential rehab can provide you with all of the benefits and services you might want during treatment for a substance use disorder.