American Addiction Centers’ Facility Launches Program to Help Veterans Struggling with Addiction

addiction recovery ebulletin veterans and addiction

Patriotic Salute –

May 22, 2019 – “The patients spend the majority of their time in group therapy sessions with other veterans,” said Angela La Luzerne, program manager. “We even have an area on campus that is dedicated to veterans and first responders, allowing them to connect and bond on their terms. We’ve found that this builds trust and camaraderie among the patients and helps to break down walls that can hinder the treatment process. It can also create a sense of belonging and community, which can often be difficult for veterans when returning to civilian life.”

With the Salute to Recovery curriculum veterans learn about the disease of addiction and the coping skills required for a life in recovery. Therapy types include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Narrative Therapy, a process where patients learn to change the narrative of their life’s story by focusing on their strengths and abilities. In some cases, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a psychotherapy treatment for those dealing with trauma, is also utilized.