The experiences of United States Veterans, first responders, and active military personnel set them apart from the civilian population. These men and women have stood in the face of danger, navigated life-threatening situations, and made sacrifices that leave lasting impacts on their mental and physical well-being. It is these very experiences, filled with high stress and trauma, that necessitate a tailored approach to recovery and support.
Understanding The Tactical Recovery Program
The Tactical Recovery program acknowledges the unique situations of Veterans, first responders, and active military personnel by offering specialized programs that directly address the aftereffects of such intense careers, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and addiction. These issues are notably more common among these groups than in the general population.
In 2022, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the following statistics:
- Between 40 and 70 percent of former service members reported experiencing high levels of stress during their transition to civilian life.
- Approximately 5.2 million Veterans were identified as having a behavioral health condition, with over half not receiving treatment in the past year.
- Ninety percent of Veterans diagnosed with a substance use disorder did not receive treatment within the same timeframe.
- More than 20 percent of individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder also struggle with a substance use disorder.
Recognizing the difficulty many Veterans and first responders face in seeking help, often stemming from a culture of self-reliance and an ingrained sense of duty, Tactical Recovery provides a bridge to healing that respects their unique backgrounds. These programs not only offer the tools needed for managing the symptoms of trauma and co-occurring disorders but also create an environment where participants can feel understood and supported by those with similar experiences. By prioritizing the specific needs of these individuals, Tactical Recovery plays a crucial role in facilitating a path to wellness that honors their service and sacrifices.
Reluctance to Get Help
Many Veterans, first responders, and active military personnel may be reluctant to seek help for addiction or mental health issues because they believe that other people don’t understand their situation. Or, they may feel they should have the strength to overcome any difficulty on their own. This misconception is dangerous because mental health disorders and substance use disorders are not signs of weakness. They are disorders of the brain that can be effectively treated. Some Veterans, first responders, and active military personnel may experience feelings of guilt or embarrassment about needing help. They may worry that they are letting themselves or others down if they get help.
Tactical Recovery was thoughtfully developed to address these issues. Summit Behavioral Healthcare, the parent company of Anabranch Recovery Center, partnered with PsychArmor—a leading nonprofit training provider focused on military cultural awareness—to create a program that ensures Veterans, active military personnel, and first responders are supported in a trauma-informed and culturally competent environment.
Tactical Recovery at Anabranch Recovery Center
At Anabranch Recovery Center in Terre Haute, Indiana, the Tactical Recovery program treats all aspects of the individual, body, mind, and spirit. Before moving into the residential treatment facility, each person has an evaluation and, if needed, detoxification. During their stay at Anabranch, individuals will receive a combination of the following treatments based on their specific needs.
- Trauma therapy, an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps people process the causes of their PTSD, such as dangerous, frightening, abusive, or life-threatening experiences. Trauma therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and prolonged exposure (PE).
- Experiential therapy
- 12-step work
- Group, individual, and family counseling
- Psychiatric services
- Education on co-occurring disorders and substance use
- Process groups and group meetings on mindfulness, life skills, and relapse prevention
- Wellness activities and exercise
- Motivational Interviewing
- Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)
- Veteran-specific small groups every week
After finishing their residential treatment, the staff at Anabranch plans a collaborative discharge with the military command or VA. For support after discharge, a Tactical Recovery Alumni App helps alumni stay connected.
Get the Help You Need With Tactical Recovery
If you are a Veteran, first responder, or active military personnel who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, or both, we can help. In the Tactical Recovery program at Anabranch Recovery Center, our skilled professionals will guide you to recovery. They are committed to providing you with the resources and tools needed to reclaim your life. Now is the time to take the first step towards a healthier, happier life.
