LAS VEGAS, May 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of
Military Appreciation Month, Desert Hope Treatment Center, an
American Addiction Centers' (NYSE: AAC) facility and leading
provider of substance use treatment services, is providing a
lifeline to the countless veterans who suffer in silence with drug
and/or alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Through its new Salute to Recovery program, Desert Hope offers a
specialized curriculum focused on addressing the unique challenges
veterans and first responders, such as post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), and helping them navigate the path to
recovery.
"We want veterans to know that reaching out for help takes
enormous courage," said Ambrozino Storr, CEO of Desert Hope
Treatment Center. "Veterans often have a lot of pride and it can be
challenging for them to be vulnerable when society views them as
heroes. We consider it an honor to provide these veterans a safe
space to find hope and healing."
According to a study conducted by Desert Hope's parent
company, American Addiction Centers, on the state of veterans
mental health and substance abuse:
- Only 50% of returning service members who need treatment for
their mental health actually seek care
- Between 60% and 80% of Vietnam War veterans have been diagnosed
with alcohol abuse disorders
- In 2016, more than 4 in 5 vets citing an inability to work were
limited either physically or mentally following their service in
the armed forces
Desert Hope Treatment Center is a designated Veterans Choice
Provider, which means veterans may qualify to have their care
covered through the Veterans Administration. Many of the staff who
lead the program are veterans themselves.
"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.
"We want them to know they are not alone in this fight," said
Storr. "We salute these veterans for serving our country and for
having the courage to get help. They've sacrificed for our nation
and now it's our privilege to serve them."
About Desert Hope Treatment Center
Desert Hope
Treatment Center is a part of the American Addiction Centers (AAC)
family of treatment centers. AAC is a leading provider of inpatient
and outpatient substance abuse treatment services. We treat
patients who are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction
and co-occurring mental/behavioral health issues. We currently
operate substance abuse treatment facilities located throughout
the United States. These
facilities are focused on delivering effective clinical care and
treatment solutions. For more information, please find us
at www.DesertHopeTreatment.com or follow us on Twitter.
CONTACT: Joy Sutton,
1-615-727-8407, jsutton@contactaac.com
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content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-addiction-centers-facility-launches-salute-to-recovery-program-to-help-veterans-struggling-with-addiction-300855264.html
SOURCE American Addiction Centers