Veterans provide a valuable service to our country. They are used to being held up as strong role models. As a result, many find it hard to reach out and ask for help. Our substance abuse program in Houston provides the specialized help each Veteran needs.
We offer world-class treatment for addiction to drugs and alcohol. In addition, we help Veterans manage PTSD and other mental health conditions. Because of this powerful combination, our clients learn to live healthier, happier lives.
Substance Abuse in the Houston Area
Houston is the largest city in Texas with over 2.3 million residents. As well, it is the fourth biggest city in the US. Houston residents enjoy access to several colleges and a huge medical center. Additionally, the city offers an array of restaurants, museums and performance venues.
Not only that, but tourists flock to the area. They visit nearby Galveston, an island town in the Gulf of Mexico, and the NASA Johnson Space Center. Despite all of the positives, the need for a Veteran substance abuse program in Houston remains. Drug and alcohol abuse happens across the country, and Texas itself is no exception. As a matter of fact, Houston has one of the largest addiction problems in the state.
This is partly because of its large population, to say nothing of how many drugs enter this country through the Port of Houston. A study reported in the Houston Chronicle showed that the biggest drug threat in this city is cocaine. The second is Xanax, and the third is methamphetamines.
In 2016, a total of 364 overdose deaths occurred in the Houston area. More than 75% happened in Houston. In addition, another 13 happened in Humble and 12 in Katy. These are surprisingly high numbers given the population of those cities. A study done in Harris County in 2019 showed that 22.6% of adults binge drink.
It breaks down by age group as follows:
- 18-29 years of age: 27.0%
- 30-44 years of age: 31.3%
- 45-64 years of age: 18.7%
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse
When a Veteran has a substance use disorder, they will show signs of it. However, they can be tricky to read. Both the Veteran and their loved ones may need help seeing that a problem has taken root. Signs and symptoms of substance abuse can come in physical forms.
These include:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Weight gain or loss
- Bloodshot eyes
- Changes in appetite
- Lethargy
- Hyperactivity
- Shakiness
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty with coordination
- Memory loss or blackouts
- Lack of personal hygiene
In addition, psychological signs and symptoms can also occur. These include:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Flashbacks
- Depression
- Moodiness
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Angry outbursts
- Hallucinations
Finally, some signs and symptoms of addiction may be behavioral. These include isolation from others. As well, the person may lose interest in hobbies and pastimes. They also may engage in risky behavior, like driving while drunk or high.
What is more, personal relationships often suffer. This includes those with family, friends, and others. Our substance abuse program in Houston can help a Veteran or someone they love recognize if there’s a problem. In the event of addiction, we can provide expert treatment.
How does a Veteran Substance Abuse Program in Houston Work?
The idea that the hardest part about getting help is asking for it proves to be true. Having said that, it can be even harder for Veterans. The staff at our substance abuse program undergoes training to help out with this. We begin by helping put everyone at ease when they first contact us.
From there, we explain what their options are all about. Following that, we can make a decision about how to help them get on the road to recovery. The first step to sobriety begins with a drug and alcohol detox program. This process can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Sunrise Veterans provides any needed medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms. Due to this, a person has a more relaxed detox process. Furthermore, they prove more likely to complete detox.
The next step in sobriety is moving to residential treatment. With this option, Veterans stay with us 24/7. Consequently, they receive constant care and support. Residential care can last anywhere from 30 days to several months.
The last step involves getting aftercare. This can include things like sober living homes and outpatient care. With this 3-part approach in mind, each Veteran can leave our substance abuse program in Houston with the best possible chance to stay sober.
Services We Offer
Our substance abuse program doesn’t offer just one type of help. Instead, we provide a wide range of treatment options. In fact, our staff works with each person to figure out which combination will work best for their unique needs.
The services we offer include:
Therapy
A lot of things happen to a person who serves in the military. This can have a huge impact on them while they are in the service. As a matter of fact, the impact continues once they return home. Therapy offers a way to discuss what happened and process their emotions. Processing trauma is done in a safe space that promotes healing.
EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) proves to be a breakthrough in therapy treatments. It helps people who have suffered from trauma reduce their symptoms. As well, many people are able to stop living with side effects like flashbacks and anxiety. EMDR consists of therapist-directed eye movements over a series of sessions.
Holistic Therapy
Holistic therapy combines mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. It can include relaxing activities like yoga and meditation. Alternatively, holistic therapy can mean kayaking and adventure therapy. Additionally, working with horses in equine therapy can bring about great healing for instance.
12-Step Immersion
At the root of many addiction treatments is the 12-Step approach. Because of this, we include a full immersion in this type of healing. We offer a 12-Step plan specifically designed to help Veterans.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Many Veterans end up turning to opioid abuse to numb out from troubling experiences and emotions. For this reason, we provide MAT to those who need it. MAT gives a person a combination of talk therapy and any needed medications. As a result, this combo helps Veterans make real progress in becoming sober.
Begin Our Houston Veteran Substance Abuse Program
Are you a Veteran who needs help with addiction? Our substance abuse program can help each Veteran from Houston, TX begin a life of recovery. As a matter of fact, we specialize in treating Veterans. Because of this, we understand your unique experiences and needs.
We provide detox and residential treatment for those who need help. Additionally, we treat mental health challenges such as PTSD. Contact us now and let us give you the compassionate help you deserve.
