The brave people who serve in our country’s armed forces are often perceived as perfect, unflappable warriors—individuals who can overcome any obstacle while working to protect the freedoms Americans treasure. We rightly lionize the service members who make the ultimate sacrifice and regularly recognize the many other kinds of sacrifices that are required of those who serve their country.
But the welcome-home celebrations, the honor flights, the Veterans and Memorial Day events, and the recognition during Fourth of July festivities can sometimes mask an unfortunate truth. Many of those who serve in the military find themselves struggling mightily when they return to civilian life.
The discipline, routine, and spirit of camaraderie that are part and parcel of life in the military are seldom replicated in civilian life, and as a result, those who have served their country often discover that integrating back into daily life is as difficult as anything they faced in uniform.
While serving, these individuals knew who they could count on when the going got tough. After serving, they may have real trouble figuring out where to turn for help when they experience the symptoms of a mental health disorder. And that can lead to attempting to deal with ongoing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder by turning to drugs or alcohol. That, in turn, can lead to the development of a substance use disorder—another serious problem for which the Veteran may be reluctant to seek out help.
A Solution Designed Specifically for Veterans
In many cases, Veterans are concerned that no one in the civilian world can truly understand what they experienced in the military—or what they are experiencing now that their service has come to an end. And that can lead them to try to go it alone, convinced that they have the grit necessary to overcome any problem.
Make no mistake: the people who serve our country have plenty of grit. Grit to spare.
But grit is not all that is required to address a mental health disorder, a substance use disorder, or a combination of the two. What is needed is evidence-based approaches to treatment designed specifically for Veterans.
That is what the Tactical Recovery Program offers. The Aviary Recovery Center is proud to offer this powerful approach to serving Veterans.
Tactical Recovery is Built Around Five Core Values
Building a program for Veterans requires real attention to the realities and challenges they face. At the foundation of the Tactical Recovery Program are five core values:
- Culturally competent: We have the training and experience necessary to understand the specific culture and language of Veterans. That means we provide a safe, supportive environment built on a foundation of understanding and respect.
- Trauma-informed: Many Veterans experienced trauma during their military service. With this in mind, the Tactical Recovery Program integrates trauma-informed approaches into all aspects of treatment.
- Evidence-based: To achieve good results, you need proven approaches to treatment. The Tactical Recovery Program includes well-established practices including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness.
- Holistic: Effective treatment for mental health and substance use disorders takes into account the many aspects of each person’s experience. Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being are all addressed as part of the Tactical Recovery Program.
- Family-centered: Family support is so important in recovery, and so our program encourages family involvement in the treatment process. As a result, families learn skills and gain resources for supporting their loved one going forward.
The Time to Get Help is Now
When it comes to military operations, taking the right action at the right time is essential to success. The same is true when it comes to dealing with substance use and mental health disorders. The right action is to seek out treatment designed with Veterans’ unique needs in mind. The right time is right now.
We Are Here to Help
Located in Eolia and Kirkwood, Missouri, The Aviary Recovery Center provides personalized treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. The Aviary was named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers for 2023, an honor that highlights our commitment to treatment grounded in evidence, expertise, experience, and empathy.
We are fully committed to helping each person we serve regain their sobriety and improve their mental health. We provide medically supervised detoxification in a safe, temptation-free environment that allows you to weather the storms of withdrawal. We follow that with a rehabilitation program that includes group and individual therapy designed to support ongoing sobriety and to address co-occurring mental health disorders. And we provide a continuum of care, which means you can start your recovery journey secure in the knowledge that help, support, and resources continue to be available to you.
When you are ready to make a lasting change for the better, we are here to help.
