Whether deployed or in combat or simply away from regular life for a while, when the heroes from our military return home, unforeseen difficulties often present themselves as they try to readjust to life prior. The way many individuals attempt to mask their struggles is by abusing drugs and alcohol that can easily turn into a life-threatening addiction. Once individuals begin to depend upon these substances, it can exacerbate or compile with other matters, such as withdrawal from family, homelessness, unemployment, and criminal behavior. While alcohol remains the most common form of abuse, illicit and/or prescription drug abuse is on the rise. If you feel drugs or depression are now controlling the decisions in your life, it is time to seek help.

These signs require immediate attention. If you are experiencing any of these and need medical attention, call 911 now. For immediate help in dealing with a suicidal crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1.

SIGNS OF IMMEDIATE CRISIS

  • Thinking about hurting or killing yourself
  • Looking for ways to kill yourself
  • Talking about death, dying, or suicide
  • Self-destructive behavior, such as drug abuse, risky use of weapons, etc.

Warning Signs

These signs may indicate that a Veteran needs help. If you or a Veteran you know is experiencing any of these, contact the Veterans Crisis Line now: Dial 988 then Press 1.

  • Appearing sad or depressed most of the time
  • Hopelessness
  • Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings
  • Feeling as if there is no reason to live
  • Feeling excessive guilt, shame, or sense of failure
  • Rage or anger
  • Engaging in risky activities without thinking
  • Increasing alcohol or drug misuse
  • Losing interest in hobbies, work, or school
  • Neglecting personal welfare and appearance
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Showing violent behavior, like punching a hole in the wall or getting into fights
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Getting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, or writing a will

Ways to Get Help

As a veteran, you have access to various military and veteran affairs services that can help with sobriety and recovery. The services offered are available in the form of mental health, substance abuse, and treatment programs. If you’re not comfortable going through veteran channels in your effort to become clean and sober, there are several alternative options for getting help. Many people find speaking with family, friends, or a trusted religious or spiritual advisor to be a good place to start. Some companies offer on-site mental health professionals for employees. You can also pursue government or private-sponsored substance abuse and treatment programs. While government programs often have a waitlist, they tend to be more affordable. You could also consider private programs, which offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment options. A trained professional can help you make the decision that benefits your personal life the most.

CAUSEWAY OPC
251 Causeway St.
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (800) 865-3384
Opioid Treatment Program | Justin Moeling (DDTC): (617) 248-1054
SUD Standard Outpatient | Justin Moeling (DDTC):  (617) 248-1054

EDITH NOURSE ROGERS MEMORIAL VETERANS HOSPITAL
200 Springs Rd.
Bedford, MA 01730
Phone: (781) 687-2000
SUD Intensive Outpatient | Gisela Vachier, Veterans MH & Addiction Prog.:  (781) 687-2354 X 2354
SUD Standard Outpatient | Gisela Vachier, Veterans MH & Addiction Prog.:  (781) 687-2354 X 2354

HOME BASE Program For veterans and service members to receive professional support and evidence-based care to help meet their individual recovery goals. Family support and education is also available for loved ones.

VA BOSTON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, BROCKTON
940 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: (508) 583-4500
SUD 24-Hour Care (Residential) | Aida Cajdric-Vrhovac (Center for Integrated Residential Care for Addictions (CIRCA)): (774) 826-1969
SUD Intensive Outpatient | Judith Bayog (ADTP outpatient): (774) 826-1489
SUD Standard Outpatient | Judith Bayog (ADTP outpatient):  (774) 826-1489

VA BOSTON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, JAMAICA PLAIN
150 South Huntington Avenue
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: (617) 232-9500
SUD 24-Hour Care (Residential) | Monica Roy, SARRTP & Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program: (857) 364-5969
SUD Standard Outpatient | Monica Roy, SARRTP & Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program: (857) 364-5969

VA CENTRAL WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
421 North Main Street
Leeds, MA 01053-9764
Phone: (413) 584-4040
SUD Intensive Outpatient | Susan Molano (SUD Clinic):  (413) 584-4040 X 6809
SUD Standard Outpatient | Susan Molano (SUD Clinic):  (413) 584-4040 X 6809

First Responder & EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL SPECIFIC Substance Use Treatment Centers

Additionally, our first responders amass cumulative stress based on the unique nature and experiences of the profession (s).  PTSD is not uncommon, and often masked in self-medication with alcohol and other substances.  First responders are not immune to addiction and are often reluctant to seek services for a multitude of reasons, including stigma and fear of job loss.  They are usually the first ones to a crisis, but the last to ask for help in their own.  Below are some first responder specific programs:

McClean LEADER Program
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/treatment/leader

Recovery Centers of America
https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/substance-abuse-treatment/first-responders/

Vertava Health of Massachusetts
https://vertavahealthmassachusetts.com/first-responders/

Aware Recovery Care
https://www.awarerecoverycare.com/addiction-epidemic/first-responders

Badge of Life Program: https://badgeoflife.org to educate and train law enforcement about mental health and suicide prevention

Blue H.E.L.P: https://bluehelp.org Resource to support families after a loved law enforcement member lost to suicide

PHONE LINE SERVICES:

Text “BADGE” to 741741 https://responderstrong.org/crisis-text-line

Safe Call Now: 877-230-6060 for 24/7 crisis referral service for all public safety and emergency service personnel and their families

Serve and Protect: 615-373-8000 for 24/7 crisis line for public safety and emergency service personnel https://serveprotect.org