Barriers to Treatment: Why Veterans May Avoid Seeking Help
After their service has ended and the uniforms are put away, many veterans find themselves fighting a more personal battle — the struggle with substance use or mental health disorders. While our servicemen and women are known for their courage in the face of adversity, that same fearlessness can be a burden when it comes to seeking help.
At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery in Surprise and Sun City, Arizona, we’re exploring why some veterans may resist treatment and are shedding light on the challenges they continue to face even after returning to civilian life.
Are Substance Use and Mental Health Challenges More Prevalent Among Veterans?
Veterans face unique stressors that can increase their susceptibility to behavioral and mental health concerns. These might include being separated from loved ones during long deployments, exposure to combat and the transition back into civilian life. The most publicized mental health condition among servicemembers is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but they’re also at a higher risk of becoming depressed, anxious or developing a substance use disorder.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that 3.6 million veterans (18.1%) have a substance use disorder. Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among military personnel, with rates of heavy drinking being higher than the general population. This heightened risk highlights the need for accessible and effective mental health services tailored to veterans’ unique experiences. However, despite the evident need, there are numerous barriers that often prevent veterans from seeking the help they require.
Barriers Veterans Face When Seeking Help
Stigma Around Mental Health & Addiction
The stigma surrounding mental health and addiction stops many people from asking for help, but veterans face a number of unique challenges that make it even more difficult to take that first step. Within the armed forces is a macho culture, where qualities like strength, discipline and self-sufficiency are highly prized. While essential in service, these qualities can discourage servicemen and women from acknowledging vulnerability. And after the hardships they’ve endured, many don’t want to admit they can’t control their substance use.
This reluctance can remain even after leaving the military, as the ethos of self-reliance becomes a part of their identity. As veterans transition into civilian life, many might feel that seeking help is a betrayal of their values and puts them at risk of being perceived as “weak.”
Fear of Impact on Career
Many veterans also harbor concerns about how seeking help for addiction or mental health issues might affect their careers, especially if they plan to continue their service or pursue positions in the civilian sector where their military background is highly regarded. The fear that their reputation might be tarnished can be paralyzing.
In the military, where security clearances and fitness reports are crucial, admitting to a mental health or substance use disorder can lead to fears of losing their status or being deemed unfit for duty. Veterans transitioning to civilian careers might worry that public knowledge of their condition could hinder their job prospects or professional advancement.
This anxiety is compounded by the potential for discrimination in the workplace. A study published in the Journal of Social Work Practice In the Addictions found that half of military personnel believe that seeking help for mental or behavioral health issues would negatively impact their careers. Even after being discharged, the stigma within many professional environments can further discourage veterans from seeking the help they need.
Gaps in Insurance Coverage
Another significant barrier that veterans face when seeking treatment is insurance. While veterans have access to health benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there can be considerable gaps in what is covered, especially for services related to mental health and substance use. These gaps might include limited coverage for certain types of therapy and long wait times for treatment.
Veterans who rely on private health insurance may find that rehab programs and mental health services are not fully covered, if at all. Out-of-pocket costs can be prohibitively expensive, discouraging them from seeking or continuing necessary treatment. Navigating these insurance complexities often adds a layer of frustration and stress that can dissuade veterans from pursuing recovery options, leaving them to cope without adequate support.
Limited Access to Treatment
Limited access to high-quality treatment is another challenge for many veterans, particularly those living in rural areas where VA facilities are stretched too thin. The scarcity of local, specialized programs for substance use and mental health means that veterans often have to travel long distances to receive care, which can be time-consuming and costly.
When veterans do enter rehab, the facility might not be equipped to address the unique aspects of military-related stresses and the challenges they face. This can have a significant impact on the overall effectiveness of treatment. At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, our providers are adept at managing complex PTSD and other types of trauma, using a variety of proven modalities to help veterans find relief from their symptoms.
Reluctance to Discuss Trauma
Veterans often have trouble building trust with their therapists and healthcare providers. Some might feel that those outside of the military community can’t ever fully understand their experiences, while others have concerns about confidentiality and worry that discussing their issues can have an impact on their personal or professional lives. These fears can prevent them from fully engaging in therapy and hinder their recovery progress.
Effective treatment for veterans requires an environment where trust is prioritized. Healthcare providers must demonstrate not only an understanding of military culture but also an unwavering commitment to confidentiality and respect for our veterans’ service and sacrifice. By fostering a secure and empathetic space, treatment centers like Emerald Isle encourage veterans to open up, enhancing the potential for lasting and meaningful recovery.
Find Support at Emerald Isle Health & Recovery
At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, we’re committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent our veterans from getting high-quality mental health and substance use treatment when they need it. We utilize a range of evidence-based therapies designed to support our veterans as they navigate the recovery process. Here’s how we make a difference:
- Customized Care: We know that one size doesn’t fit all, especially for veterans. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan that blends traditional therapies with cutting-edge approaches like mindfulness and resilience training. This mix helps veterans develop new coping strategies that are useful during and after treatment.
- Group Therapy: There’s comfort in shared experiences. Support groups provide a confidential space to connect and heal without judgment, guided by therapists who get the military life and its aftereffects.
- Hassle-Free Access to Treatment: We cut through the red tape for you. Our team is here to help you navigate the maze of insurance and VA benefits, making sure you get the care you need without the headache of paperwork and long wait times.
- Ongoing Support: Healing doesn’t stop when treatment does. We connect veterans with like-minded individuals who understand their experiences to provide ongoing support and a sense of camaraderie.
At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, we’re not just about getting you back on your feet. We walk alongside you, ensuring you have the support and resources you need to thrive in your post-service life. We believe every veteran deserves a future full of hope and promise.
Your Journey Begins Here
If you or a veteran you know is struggling with addiction or mental health concerns, remember that help is available. At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery in Surprise and Sun City, Arizona, we understand the challenges veterans face and offer high-quality treatment programs that address their unique needs. Don’t let barriers stand in the way of the support you deserve — contact or call us today at 855-613-0620 to learn how we can pave the way toward a healthier future.
