At Lennox CMHC Inc., we understand that seeking help for substance use isn’t easy, but it’s one of the bravest steps a person can take. For LGBTQ+ individuals, this journey often comes with additional challenges like discrimination, family rejection, and stress.
Addiction affects every part of life: health, relationships, work, and emotional well-being. It can also often co-exist with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Located in Van Nuys, CA, Lennox CMHC Inc. offers compassionate, professional care tailored to your unique journey. We provide evidence-based outpatient treatment programs for substance use disorders in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you’re beginning your recovery or returning to it, our team is here to help you take that next step with confidence.
Recognizing the Need for Help
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition where someone can’t control their use of alcohol, prescription medication, or illegal drugs, even when it causes problems in their life. For veterans, this condition often connects to experiences like combat trauma, chronic pain, or the challenge of adjusting to civilian life after military service.
According to the Veterans Affairs department of the United States, about 11% of veterans seeking VA care have a substance use disorder. Alcohol remains the most commonly misused substance among veterans, but prescription drug misuse is also a growing concern.
Signs that professional help might be helpful include:
- Physical changes: Sleep problems, withdrawal symptoms when not using, or needing more of a substance to feel the same effects.
- Behavioral shifts: Pulling away from family and friends, missing work or responsibilities, or taking dangerous risks while using substances.
The connection between trauma and substance use can be particularly strong among veterans. Many use alcohol or drugs to cope with difficult memories, nightmares, or anxiety related to their military service.
Why Veterans Face Unique Addiction Challenges
Military service creates specific risk factors that civilians don’t typically experience. Combat exposure, multiple deployments, and physical injuries all increase the likelihood of developing substance use problems.
The statistics tell a clear story. Among veterans with substance use disorders who served in Afghanistan or Iraq, 63% also have PTSD. Dual diagnosis treatment in Los Angeles can make recovery more complex because both conditions influence each other.
Military culture can also create barriers to seeking help. This can take the form of:
- Strength expectations: The military values self-reliance and toughness, which can make asking for help feel like weakness.
- Career concerns: Some veterans worry that seeking addiction treatment may affect their benefits or future opportunities.
- Stigma fears: Veterans may fear being judged by other veterans or family members for needing support for mental health.
Physical injuries from service may lead to a need for prescription pain medication, which can develop into dependence. When combined with untreated PTSD or depression, the risk of substance misuse can increase significantly.
Effective Therapies for Veterans with Addiction and PTSD
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Los Angeles can help veterans identify and change thought patterns that lead to substance use. In CBT sessions, participants learn how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect to each other. CBT is recognized as an evidence-based treatment for both addiction and PTSD. Veterans learn practical skills like recognizing triggers, managing cravings, and developing healthier ways to cope with stress.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps in processing traumatic memories that can often fuel substance use. During EMDR sessions, the person recalls difficult memories while following guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. This therapy reduces the emotional intensity of traumatic memories. Research on EMDR shows it can be particularly effective for veterans dealing with both PTSD and substance use disorders.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. Common medications include:
- Naltrexone: Blocks the effects of opioids and reduces alcohol cravings
- Buprenorphine: Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Methadone: Helps manage opioid dependence in controlled settings
Research shows that veterans receiving MAT have higher treatment retention rates and better long-term outcomes compared to those receiving counseling alone.
Treatment Options in Van Nuys, CA
Van Nuys serves a significant veteran population in the San Fernando Valley. Local treatment options allow veterans to stay connected to their support networks while still receiving professional care.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) provide intensive daily treatment without overnight stays. Veterans attend therapy sessions, group meetings, and skill-building activities for 5 to 7 days per week, typically for 6 to 8 hours daily.
This level of care can work well for veterans who need structure but can return home each evening. PHPs often include individual therapy, group counseling, family sessions, and medication management.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) offer 3 to 5 sessions per week, allowing veterans to maintain work or family responsibilities while receiving treatment. Each session typically lasts 3 to 4 hours and includes group therapy, individual therapy, and educational components. Many veterans prefer IOPs because they provide significant support while allowing them to practice recovery skills in their daily environment.
Outpatient care involves 1 to 2 sessions per week, and can work best for veterans who have completed higher-intensity programs or those with a strong support system. Sessions usually focus on maintaining progress, preventing relapse, and connecting with community resources.
Insurance and VA Coverage Options
The MISSION Act allows eligible veterans to receive treatment from community providers like Lennox CMHC when VA facilities can’t provide timely care or are geographically inaccessible. To access community care, veterans typically start with a VA evaluation. If community care is appropriate, the VA may provide authorization for specific services.
Private Insurance Coverage
Most major insurance plans cover addiction treatment. Coverage varies by plan and may require prior authorization for certain levels of care. Lennox CMHC assists with insurance verification to help veterans understand their coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs before starting treatment.
Overcoming Common Treatment Barriers
Veterans face several obstacles when considering addiction treatment. Understanding these barriers can help in finding solutions.
Personal barriers to treatment may include the following:
- Stigma concerns: Veteran-specific support groups and confidential treatment options address fears about judgment.
- Practical challenges: Flexible scheduling, transportation assistance, and telehealth options help to make treatment more accessible.
- Fear of the unknown: Initial consultations and peer support connections help veterans understand what to expect.
Recovery statistics offer hope. According to research, veterans who complete evidence-based addiction treatment programs show significant improvements in both substance use and overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veteran Addiction Treatment
Yes, outpatient programs are designed to accommodate work schedules. Evening and weekend sessions allow veterans to maintain employment while receiving treatment.
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both substance use disorders and mental health conditions like PTSD or depression simultaneously, rather than treating them separately.
Family therapy can help repair relationships damaged by addiction, educates loved ones about supporting recovery, and creates stronger support networks for long-term success.
tatistics tell a clear story. Among veterans with substance use disorders who served in Afghanistan or Iraq, 63% also have PTSDTreatment duration varies based on individual needs. But most veterans participate in structured programs for 3 to 6 months, followed by ongoing aftercare support.
Finding Your Path to Recovery
Veteran addiction treatment recognizes the unique challenges faced by those who have served our country. Effective programs combine evidence-based therapies like CBT and EMDR with medication-assisted treatment when appropriate. Treatment options range from intensive daily programs to flexible outpatient care that accommodates work and family responsibilities.
At Lennox CMHC Inc., we specialize in working with veterans and understand the complexities of military service and civilian transition. Our trauma-informed approach addresses both substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions in a supportive environment designed for healing.
Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to face this journey alone. Contact us to verify your insurance or learn more about our treatment programs.
