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Why Veterans Face Unique Challenges with Substance Use
Veterans experience substance use disorder at higher rates than the general population. According to SAMHSA, alcohol use disorder is the most common substance use condition among veterans, followed by prescription opioid misuse and other drug dependence.
Several factors contribute to this. Post-traumatic stress disorder affects a significant percentage of veterans who have served in combat or experienced other traumatic events during service. Depression, chronic pain from service-related injuries, sleep disorders, and the stress of reintegrating into civilian life are all well-documented risk factors for substance use. These associations are supported by research from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
What makes Detox for veterans particularly important is this: many of these underlying conditions do not surface fully until the substances are removed. Detoxification is often the first moment a person’s mental and emotional health becomes visible without the filter of alcohol or drugs. Identifying those needs early, and planning for them before discharge, is a critical part of what we do at BDC.
What Believe Detox Center Offers Veterans
We are a DHCS-licensed residential detox facility serving adults 18 and older in the San Fernando Valley. Here is what every resident, including veterans, receives at BDC:
- Medically Supervised Detox Our program provides 24-hour monitoring and observation. In the first 72 hours following admission, every resident is physically checked at least every 30 minutes. Your safety during withdrawal is our first priority.
- Mental Health Screening at Intake Every resident completes a comprehensive health screening that includes a dedicated Mental/Emotional section. We screen for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, history of psychiatric treatment, and other mental health indicators. Any resident who shows signs of a psychiatric condition is referred promptly to appropriate services.
- Individualized Treatment Planning Within 10 days of admission, your counselor develops an individualized treatment plan with you, not for you. The plan is built around your specific situation, including personal relationships, employment, trauma history, financial stability, and goals for life after treatment. It is reviewed and updated weekly.
- Discharge and Continuing Care Planning We begin planning for what comes after detox at least seven days before you leave. For veterans with identified mental health needs, this includes specific referrals to services equipped to address those needs. Our goal is to leave BDC with a concrete next step, not just a handshake.
- A Drug and Alcohol-Free Environment Our facility maintains a fully drug and alcohol-free environment throughout your stay. This is not just policy, it is the foundation that makes genuine recovery possible.
Tricare and TriWest Insurance Coverage
What to Expect When You Call
The first step is a conversation, no commitment, no pressure. When you call BDC, our admissions team will:
- Answer your questions about the program and what detox involves
- Verify your Tricare or TriWest benefits
- Conduct an initial screening to determine whether BDC is the right level of care for your situation
- Walk you through what to bring, what to expect on arrival, and what the first 72 hours look like
You Have Already Done Hard Things
Recovery is not easy. But neither was what you have already been through. The same discipline and commitment that carried you through your service is exactly what recovery asks of you, and you do not have to do it without support.
Believe Detox Center is ready when you are. We serve adults throughout the San Fernando Valley, with locations in Granada Hills and Northridge, California.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, confusion, or high fever, call 911 immediately. For questions about medically supervised alcohol detox at our San Fernando Valley facilities, call Believe Detox Center at (888) 780-0904.