Veterans First Program

veterans-first

La Paloma Treatment Center is honored to provide a specific track in support of veterans with co-occurring disorders (addictive disorders coupled with mental health issues).

We recognize that the first step in healing is acknowledging the unique sacrifices that veterans have made and providing an environment that eliminates stigma and encourages trust, openness and love. These veterans have served our country and now it is our turn to serve them.

La Paloma’s Veteran’s First program works in conjunction with the Veteran’s Healing Initiative.

Many soldiers returning from conflict experience and assimilate the trauma of war in unhealthy ways – addiction, PTSD, depression, anxiety, guilt, anger, blame, domestic violence – making it difficult to return to their “normal” life. The program offers the opportunity to heal these wounds and pave the way for a life of recovery, wellness and fullfillment.

Veterans First will address these issues through individual therapy, specialized groups for veterans, experiential therapy and trauma therapy. An individualized treatment plan will be developed, addressing the specific needs of each person and outlining milestones along the way.

La Paloma recognizes that the families of veterans have also been affected by the trauma of war. Because of this realization, family work is an integral part of the Veterans First program.

Healing is possible. Recovery is possible. Let us help.

Please call 877-345-3361 today to begin the process of healing…TODAY.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Female soldier with PTSD One of the many side effects of war is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a common anxiety disorder that develops after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. It is possible for family members of the victim to also develop the disorder which can effects people of all ages.

Signs of PTSD

While the signs of PTSD can vary from person to person, there are definite signs that are common across the board with people struggling with this disorder.

Patients with PTSD will generally:

  • Relive the event through upsetting thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks, or mental and physical reactions
  • Avoid activities, thoughts, feelings or conversations that remind them of the event
  • Have a loss of interest in important activities
  • Feels alone and unable to have normal emotions or feels there is nothing to look forward to
  • Can never relax and must be on constant guard to protect themselves
  • Overreacts when startled
  • Has angry outburst

Addiction

A veteran’s life sometimes collapses when they return home. Many deal with the physical and emotional pain of war by succumbing to a downward spiral of alcohol and drug abuse.

Alcohol addictionis a pattern of drinking that affects your relationships, job and family in an adverse way. Problem drinking can also lead to physical injury and legal issues. Heavy drinking can have extensive and far–reaching effects on the brain, ranging from simple “slips” in memory to permanent and debilitating conditions that require lifetime custodial care, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Even moderate drinking leads to short–term impairment, as shown by extensive research on the impact of drinking on driving. Long-term effects include blackouts, brain damage, liver disease and death.

Drug addiction is usually characterized by compulsively seeking to use a substance regardless of the potentially negative social, psychological, and physical consequences. This drive to use is not only mental or psychological addiction but is driven by the physical need to maintain a certain level of the drug in the system at all times. If this level is not maintained, the body rebels by exhibiting withdrawal symptoms.

At La Paloma, we offer integrated treatment and education on chemical dependency to support the changes needed to live a drug free lifestyle and see long-term recovery.

Depression

In some studies, nearly half of the veterans who had PTSD were also depressed.

Veteran with PTSD and DepressionDepressed veterans often feel worthless and profoundly sad, but other typical symptoms include:

  • Poor concentration
  • Lack of interest in social activities
  • Feeling of hopelessness and helplessness
  • Changes in appetite
  • Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
  • Unusual irritability
  • Apathy and listlessness
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempts

If you or someone you know has been feeling depressed and are demonstrating some of these symptoms, please get help today.

Depression is a serious and even life-threatening disease.

We can help.