Known as a “Boom Town” due to its rapid growth, Killeen is an up-and-coming city located in the heart of Texas. The city is home to Fort Hood, resulting in its population of around 150,000 who are mostly military personnel. Although the town offers a military structure, it is still subject to a high rate of criminal activity. In addition to its criminal activity, binge drinking and illicit drug use occur.
Given the mental health problems, pressure, and trauma commonly associated with military service, it is unsurprising that Killeen’s military population is not immune to the city’s substance misuse problem. In fact, Veterans all over the nation are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. This is why Sunrise Veterans in Killeen, Texas is on a mission to provide effective substance abuse treatment to not only local Veterans but to any of America’s heroes in need of help.
Drug Addiction in Killeen, TX
Given its modest population, Killeen has a particularly high rate of drug and alcohol-related issues. Moreover, the town’s most commonly used substances include meth, crack cocaine and alcohol. In fact, Killeen’s Bell County has a rate of binge drinking that is higher than that of Texas and even that of the entire nation. Because substance misuse is so common, the county also has the highest number of drug-related crimes when compared to all other counties in Central Texas.
Not only does the area’s drug use lead to crime, but it also leads to death. In 2016, the county reported 75 drug-related deaths, resulting in a mortality rate of 8%. Additionally, the opioid crisis has made its way to Killeen, proving fatal for 17 of the county’s residents in 2017. Consequently, opioid use is especially common among Veterans because of prescribed painkillers for injuries they sustained during service.
As a result, many Veterans become dependent on these highly-addictive medications. In fact, in 2017, 54,078 of the nation’s Veterans received an opioid use disorder diagnosis. With these concerning facts in mind, the need for specialized rehab in Killeen, Texas is clear. Specifically, one that is available to both in-state and out-of-state Veterans. Therefore, Sunrise Rehabilitation and Recovery wants nothing more than to get those who fight for our freedom the help they deserve.
How Drugs and Alcohol are Affecting Our Veterans
Sadly, active duty takes a mental and physical toll on our Veterans. The trauma of combat and tragedy to the stress of deployment and military life can push our nation’s soldiers to their limits. Consequently, they turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to escape. Unfortunately, the trauma of military service also leads to the development or worsening of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. All of these factors put Veterans at a higher risk for drug and alcohol use as these substances become coping mechanisms.
Additionally, physical injuries sustained during service are commonly treated with prescription opioids. These drugs are highly addictive and any misuse of them leads to dependence and, eventually, addiction. Because there is still a stigma surrounding addiction, Veterans do not always seek the help they require. This is heartbreaking as addiction is a potentially fatal disease and the best way to overcome this condition is through professional treatment.
PTSD in Veterans
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is extremely common among those who have served or are currently serving in the military. In fact, over 2 in 10 Veterans have PTSD. This condition can stem from a number of factors. Including combat-related traumas, military-related sexual abuse, and any other traumatic event experienced during service.
PTSD is a mental health condition characterized by reliving past trauma. It is a leading cause of substance misuse among Veterans. A person receives a PTSD diagnosis after encountering the following symptoms over an extended period of time:
- Flashbacks
- Feelings of guilt or helplessness
- Self-harm or thoughts of self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts
- Night terrors
- Anxiety
- Feeling shameful
- Nightmares
- Depression
- Survivor’s guilt
- Insomnia
How Can Veterans Pay for Rehab in Killeen, TX?
Many Veterans worry about how they will afford rehab. Thankfully, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) provides substance abuse benefits in accordance with the Mission Act. As a result, Veterans can go through the VA to receive the benefits they require. Then, the severity of the addiction and/or mental illness will be determined after following an initial screening with a VA care provider. From there, Veterans are eligible for a number of related services, including detox, residential rehab, outpatient programming, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare.
Treatment Services Offered in Killeen, TX
Sunrise Veterans is proud to offer an extensive suite of recovery services. We want each and every Veteran that walks through our doors to leave our program with a firm foothold in sobriety. To accomplish this goal, we offer the below treatments.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy allows you to identify and address the underlying causes of your condition. Sessions are set in a one-on-one environment and focus on helping an individual restore their health and reach their recovery goals.
Group Therapy
Especially important for Veterans, group therapy allows individuals to share openly about their similar experiences. Not only does this reduce stigma but it also creates a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
Family Therapy
Addiction does not only affect the person using drugs–it can impact relatives. Hence family therapy is a powerful healing tool. Specifically, it allows family members to work with their loved ones to create a healthier dynamic for all.
EMDR Therapy
Given that PTSD is so common in Veterans, EMDR therapy is very helpful to their healing. This innovative form of therapy focuses on healing trauma through controlled eye movements.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Certain medications are instrumental in reducing drug cravings and lessening withdrawal symptoms. These medications will depend on the patient’s needs. Additionally, they are very helpful in relieving mental health symptoms. It is important to note that we strictly supervise and monitor our distribution of medication.
Holistic Therapy
Holistic therapy encourages whole-body healing. We offer holistic therapy in the form of kayaking, meditation, adventure therapy, yoga, and equine therapy.
12-Step Immersion
The 12-Step recovery model is powerful in the treatment of addiction. Completing the 12 Steps begins with admitting you are helpless against your addiction. Once you have let go of this control and given your life to a higher power, you will be able to understand yourself better, make amends, and solidify your sobriety.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
A person has a dual diagnosis if they have both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health condition. Treating both simultaneously ensures the best treatment outcomes.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Veterans Near Killeen, TX
Sobriety is well within your reach, all you need is the right treatment program. Sunrise Veterans’ rehab in Killeen, Texas is ready to supply you with the structure and support you are looking for. We understand that Veterans have unique needs and specialize our services to accommodate each and every individual. Whether you live in the area, need help if you’re in Houston, or are seeking out-of-state treatment, Sunrise Veterans is ready to help. Call us or visit our admissions page to start on the road to recovery today.
