If you’re a veteran struggling with alcohol addiction or drug abuse, Help4Addiction offers a FREE helpline with professional advice and specialised treatment options designed specifically for military personnel and veterans.
We understand that addiction affects veterans differently. Our team recognises the unique challenges faced by those who have served their country. We provide tailored support that addresses both addiction and underlying trauma.
Call us on 0203 955 7700 to speak to a customer care advisor, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Quick Guide to Our Veteran Addiction Services
Programme Duration | Starting Price | Key Features |
7-Day Programme | From £2,000 | Detox, counselling, trauma therapy |
14-Day Programme | From £4,000 | PTSD support, CBT, group therapy |
28-Day Programme | From £8,000 | Comprehensive care, military-informed |
90-Day Programme | Contact us | Long-term recovery, dual diagnosis |
Speak to us about:
- 7-day, 14-day, 28-day, 90-day treatment
- Drug and alcohol detox for veterans
- Inpatient rehab for veterans
- Outpatient rehab for veterans
- Online addiction rehab
- Ongoing support
- Secondary treatment
- PTSD and addiction dual diagnosis
- Trauma-informed care for veterans
- Military-focused treatment approaches
- Addiction help for ex-service personnel
- Substance abuse impacting veteran life
At Help4Addiction, we are run by community professionals who understand the perils of drug and alcohol addiction – and the best ways to approach it. Through providing advice over the phone and offering various treatments, we can find the best options to help with veteran addiction issues and offer sustainable coping mechanisms for you, your family and loved ones.
Our team of trained professionals are on standby and ready to talk and discuss your requirements, with no judgement and no obligation.
Personalised Support For Your Recovery
We provide personalised support and resources for addiction recovery. Take the first step towards a brighter future today.
What Treatments Could Help Veterans With Addiction Problems?
- Drug and alcohol detox
- CBT therapy
- Group therapy with other veterans
- Medication-assisted treatment
- One-to-one therapy with a professional
- PTSD-focused therapy
- Trauma-informed care
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapies
- Nutrition
- Exercise and physical therapy
How Do I Know If A Veteran Has An Addiction?
Lack of Control Over Substance Use
Drug or alcohol addiction is characterised by the lack of control over substance consumption. This means that a veteran may be unable to control:
- When they drink or use drugs
- How often they use
- How much they use
- When they start or stop using
They may use substances at inappropriate times or in inappropriate places, or struggle to stop using once they start.
Drugs or alcohol can quickly become the priority of an addict. This means that they may neglect their responsibilities, or stop partaking in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed to abuse substances.
Veterans with addiction may be aware of the negative consequences of their drug or alcohol use but continue to do so anyway, often as a way to cope with trauma, PTSD, or difficult memories from service.
They may also attempt to stop using, but end up relapsing. Addiction is a relapsing disease that can be very difficult to overcome without the right support.
Displays Withdrawal Symptoms
People with drug or alcohol dependence will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. Withdrawal symptoms can affect a person’s physical and mental health – they may feel unwell for a while after stopping.
Withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on a range of factors such as medical history and addiction history. Some physical withdrawal symptoms include headache, fever, sweating, hand tremors, appetite changes, nausea, and vomiting.
Some psychological withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, mood swings, and low mood. Severe withdrawal – for example, delirium tremens from alcohol, can involve hallucinations. If a veteran is experiencing severe withdrawal, seek medical attention.
Increased Tolerance To Drugs Or Alcohol
Another sign that a veteran has an addiction problem is that they have an increased tolerance to drugs or alcohol.
As they use more substances, over time, their bodies will get used to this level of intake. This means that they will use more to feel the same effect.
You may notice that a veteran is using the same amount as others but still appearing sober, or needs more substances to feel the desired effect.
How Can I Help A Veteran With Addiction?
Although you may wish to help a veteran with addiction yourself, it can be difficult without professional guidance. However, it’s possible to support a veteran and encourage them to seek professional addiction treatment.
Speak To The Veteran
One of the first things you should try when helping a veteran with a substance abuse problem is simply speaking to them. Open up and discuss your concerns regarding their drug or alcohol use, and ask how they’d feel if they were to stop using.
However, it may be difficult to approach the subject if the veteran is in denial about their addiction.
Avoid expressing anger or extreme emotion when discussing the issue, and try to avoid hurting their feelings. Keep in mind that addiction is a disease, and it can feel very difficult to quit using without help, especially when dealing with trauma or PTSD.
This is the time to share how the addiction is affecting you and others. How is it impacting the family? Are you worried about their health and wellbeing?
Stage An Intervention
It may take a few attempts before a veteran begins to listen, which is why some people choose to stage an intervention.
An intervention can include family members, loved ones, other veterans, or even medical professionals or mental health services.
Be sure to conduct research before staging an intervention, and consider carefully the goals of the intervention. The aim may be for the veteran to recognise their dangerous drug or alcohol habits, understand the harm they’re doing to themselves or others, or get them to consider rehab.
Take Care of Yourself
Supporting a veteran with addiction can be difficult, so it is important to look after your wellbeing too. Taking care of somebody with an addiction problem can be draining, so you must make time for yourself.
Make sure that your social life doesn’t decline, and be sure to make time for yourself. It can be too easy to isolate yourself, so be sure that you’re still seeing friends and taking care of your wellbeing.
How Do I Find Rehab Help For Veterans?
At Help4Addiction, we can work with veterans to find the best place to receive drug and alcohol addiction treatment and addiction support. We can discuss the most suitable substance abuse treatment options – whether it be inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, private rehab or NHS rehab – and find the right treatment plan to treat veteran addiction.
Therapy can teach veterans effective coping strategies and relapse-prevention techniques. It also offers a safe space to discuss problems including PTSD, trauma, and difficulties adjusting to civilian life. Some therapies include group therapy with other veterans, individual counselling, CBT, and trauma-focused therapy.
Ongoing support is key when it comes to long-term recovery. Support groups for veterans can be helpful, as well as ongoing counselling and group therapy sessions.
Contact us today to learn more about the treatment process and secure a spot at the most suitable rehab clinic that meets your needs, preferences, and recovery goals, whether it be inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment or online rehab.
About Author
Nick Conn
Nicholas Conn is a leading industry addiction expert who runs the UK’s largest addiction advisory service and is regularly featured in the national press, radio and TV. He is the founder and CEO of a drug and alcohol rehab center called Help4addiction, which was founded in 2015. He has been clean himself since 2009 and has worked in the Addiction and Rehab Industry for over a decade. Nick is dedicated to helping others recover and get treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. In 2013, he released a book ‘The Thin White’ line that is available on Amazon.
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