General Addiction Hospital (including VA hospital)

Addiction is a complex mental health condition with severe physical, mental and social consequences. Preventative measures or early treatment is ideal, however; moderate and severe addictions can be overcome by inpatient treatment at a general addiction hospital or a Veteran’s Affairs hospital (VA hospital.) These hospitals treat clients with an addiction by first overseeing the detoxification of the final traces of the drug or alcohol that the patient is addicted to.

This process is followed by a program of evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches, which are specifically designed to reverse the damage substance abuse has caused to the natural structure of the brain and rewiring healthy thought processes favorable to a healthy lifestyle. During the final phase of treatment, it’s common for an addiction therapist and the patient to establish a written safety plan for the patient to reference during real-world experiences that may entice a relapse.

The federal government provides veterans with substance abuse treatment at VA hospitals saying, “The VA provides effective, scientifically proven services for all eligible veterans, no matter where they come for services. VA providers know that in many cases substance use problems are continuing conditions that require care over a long period of time. For other veterans, the substance use problems may be resolved more quickly with attention paid to related problems.” These may include PTSD, insomnia, nightmares, depression, pain and concerns with social relationships.