Content reviewed by Anthony T. Triola, Executive Director at New Hope Ranch

Military members get exposed to stressors and experiences that the general public does not typically share. Therefore, substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders are common among veterans. Such addictions include alcohol use disorder and prescription drug disorders such as opioid use. Further, incidences of drug and alcohol use are higher among veterans who have experienced certain types of trauma. The relationship between their trauma and other underlying mental health issues contribute to their substance use.

Such a cycle can take over a veteran’s life and prevent them from getting the care they need. Most treatment centers only address substance use or mental health issues, but it takes addressing both simultaneously to get the best results. If you are a veteran who needs help, you will want to educate yourself on the different kinds of treatment available to address your substance and mental health disorders appropriately. Take a look at how you can find treatment and what treatments can help you.

The importance of detoxing prior to recovery center admission 

Before entering any treatment program, you have to make sure that you have no substances in your body. Though challenging, the detox period is essential for moving forward. New Hope Ranch provides a thorough medical screening, including your current health, health history and family health. The more you can provide, the better you’ll be helped with your treatment plan. New Hope Ranch detox programs offer 24/7 care to ensure that you have access to professional care, including specialists and physicians, to help you through any withdrawal symptoms or other challenges that come from detox. It generally takes five to seven days to complete the detox period.

When the timing is right, you will be moved into the residential program. If you have gone through detox through another program, you will still require a screening. If you are in good physical health, you can enter directly into the residential program at New Hope Ranch.

Residential treatment for recovery

New Hope Ranch residential programs utilize both conventional and alternative approaches to treatment and therapy to ensure that you are getting the appropriate resources to care. New Hope Ranch subscribes to a 12-step treatment philosophy and strives to provide a safe and comfortable space to build the foundational elements necessary for lasting recovery.

During your time there, you will reside on an expansive 49-acre ranch. You won’t feel as though you are in treatment. The goal is to provide spaces and activities that offer real-world settings and scenarios to help you develop real tools that you can use after treatment. You will also develop real relationships that you can call on at any point throughout treatment and once you’re on the road to recovery. Some programs that you will attend while in treatment include:

  • 12-step programs in Texas
  • Veteran-focused individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Family counseling
  • Nutritional plan
  • Mindfulness meditation

New Hope Ranch staff members have a long history of working with veterans who are working to overcome substance use and mental health disorders such as PTSD. There, you will receive the tools necessary to help you manage your sobriety, and stress-related disorders, while functioning in the everyday world. It takes strength and high self-awareness to ask for help. New Hope Ranch provides 24/7 admissions so there is never an inopportune time to ask for help.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an essential part of the treatment process. 

CBT is a refined therapeutic approach that helps you evaluate your motivations for using substances and connect those motivations to any underlying trauma. CBT is a big part of our treatment process at New Hope Ranch because it is effective in simultaneously addressing and treating your substance and mental health disorders. CBT also helps you set plans for the future once you’re in recovery. It includes discussing plans and goals that you can then work toward while in treatment.

CBT is also a motivating form of therapy because of the relationship you will form with your therapist. You will want to be active in your pursuit of setting and achieving goals. Perhaps the greatest aspect is that CBT is a model that gives you homework; therefore, you will have something to focus on outside of sessions.

If you require additional care after residential treatments, post-residential treatment options are available.  

The length of stay in New Hope Ranch’s residential rehab depends on your specific needs. Recovery is an individualized process, and veterans with substance use and PTSD might require additional care. Upon completion, they’ll seek to help you find the care that will help you continue treatment. You’ll find help placing you in a transitional living program and assist you in finding other intensive outpatient programs (IOP). The New Hope Ranch functions to support you until you feel confident enough to support yourself and returning to your everyday life.

Searching for care as a veteran can be an intimidating and scary process. However, New Hope Ranch can help make your journey to care as comfortable and fulfilling as possible. If you are currently struggling to manage your substance use and mental health disorders, then the time to get help is now. Find out more by calling us at New Hope Ranch today at (737) 600-8565.