By Christa Banister
For anyone who doesn’t have a family member, colleague, or close friend who has served in the military, sometimes the only window into the unique challenges of a soldier’s life is from a big-budget blockbuster like 1917, Saving Private Ryan, or Platoon — or more detailed accounts found on the small screen, such as the miniseries Band of Brothers or The Pacific.
The common thread in all these stories? Deployments are stressful and, not surprisingly, they take a serious toll on your body, mind, and the relationships that matter most. As a result, many service members develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse, depression, and alcohol misuse, which can follow them into retirement and provide a new set of challenges.
Veterans with TRICARE insurance can receive treatment through The Meadows to resolve trauma and recover from addiction and mental health issues.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is also common. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, about 11-20 out of every 100 veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom face PTSD. Among Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans, 12% admit to struggling with PTSD, while about 30 out of every 100 Vietnam veterans have experienced PTSD in their lifetimes.
Suicide is also far more prevalent among active duty military and veterans than in the general population. An average of 20 veterans die by suicide every day, with substance abuse often a precursor to suicidal behavior. Homelessness is also surprisingly common among U.S. military vets. It is estimated that around 11% of homeless adults are veterans, and many also have struggles with substance abuse.
How TRICARE Can Be a Game Changer for Veterans
In the past, opening up about important issues affecting your physical and mental health or sharing details of trauma you may have witnessed didn’t exactly jibe with military culture where you “take care of things yourself.” Speaking up often came with a stigma of weakness or threatened job security — whether real or perceived.
Issues of confidentiality in a career where your medical records aren’t always kept under wraps has been a concern in reporting psychological health concerns as well. But as disturbing realities have come to light year after year, the branches of the military have banded together with the mental health community in hopes of destigmatizing those who are seeking out mental health services.
By admitting that mental health is just as important as physical health, a stronger military can be built on and off the battlefield.
Many veterans have TRICARE insurance, but they may not know that it will cover their stay at a residential or outpatient program for addiction treatment. Selected as part of the HealthNet Federal Services (HNFS) for their TRICARE program, The Meadows provides behavioral health and substance abuse inpatient services with an emphasis on trauma, PTSD, and addictive disease disorders to active duty and retired military and their dependents.
Addiction Treatment Services TRICARE Covers
TRICARE covers an array of treatment services, including:
- Emergency or non-emergency services including immediate hospitalization, coverage for a medical or psychiatric emergency, in-patient detoxification or stabilization for those with a mental health or substance use disorder
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for a higher level of care than your current outpatient care, relapse prevention, transition from a inpatient program, treatment for partially stabilized mental health disorders
- Medication-assisted treatment, which combines drug and mental health therapies
- Individual, group, and family psychotherapy sessions
- Ancillary therapies at an approved facility including art, music, dance, and occupational
- Psychological testing and assessment
- Office-based opioid treatment
- Partial hospitalization services for psychiatric and substance use disorder
To find out more about what TRICARE covers, you can visit their website.
By admitting that mental health is just as important as physical health, a stronger military can be built on and off the battlefield.
The Meadows Cares About Veterans
Veterans with TRICARE insurance can receive treatment through The Meadows to resolve trauma and recover from addiction and mental health issues. If you or someone you love has served in the military and is seeking freedom from addiction or mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out to our caring professionals with your questions. We would love to assist you and help you embark on the road to recovery.