For many veterans, the end of military service does not mean the end of suffering. The lasting effects of combat, loss, chronic stress, and trauma often follow service members into civilian life, where they face a new set of challenges. Veterans with PTSD or Post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other mental health conditions frequently go untreated, and many veterans turn to substances as a way to cope. This cycle of pain and self-medication can quickly lead to substance use disorder, often complicated by physical injuries and chronic pain.
At Greenbranch Recovery in Egg Harbor Township, we recognize that healing from addiction must include healing from trauma. Our trauma-informed approach to addiction treatment for veterans is designed to meet people where they are and provide care that is both evidence-based and deeply respectful.
If you or a loved one is a veteran struggling with PTSD or addiction, call Greenbranch Recovery today at 609-622-5101. Help is here, close to home.
The Link Between Veterans PTSD and Substance Abuse
Veterans face unique challenges when returning to civilian life. Experiences during military service, including exposure to combat or psychological trauma, increase the risk of developing both post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD). This dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring PTSD and SUD, is common among military veterans.
Many veterans diagnosed with PTSD turn to alcohol, opioids, or other substances to cope with PTSD symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, or hypervigilance. These temporary coping mechanisms often lead to substance dependence, worsening mental health problems and leading to poorer treatment outcomes if left unaddressed.
According to the National Epidemiologic Survey, veterans experience significantly higher rates of mental illness and substance abuse compared to the general population. In fact, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 1 in 3 veterans seeking substance abuse treatment also meet the criteria for PTSD.
It’s important to recognize that mental health disorders and substance use often develop as interconnected responses to traumatic experiences. For some, trauma dates back to active combat; for others, it may involve military sexual trauma, loss of comrades, or the stress of reintegration into civilian life. These stressors can exacerbate mental health problems like depression and anxiety, fueling the cycle of drug abuse and isolation.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care and Why Does It Matter?
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an evidence based treatment approach that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma and promotes healing through safety, trust, and empowerment. Rather than asking, “What’s wrong with you?” trauma-informed providers ask, “What happened to you?”
At Greenbranch Recovery, TIC guides every aspect of care. For veterans facing mental health issues or substance abuse, trauma-informed care ensures that treatment is delivered with sensitivity to past experiences, military culture, and the specific needs of active duty military personnel and veterans.
Our team receives training from trauma experts and aligns with best practices from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. We understand how trauma changes the brain and body and how that trauma must be addressed to create space for real healing.
This includes avoiding triggers in treatment, offering choices in care planning, and building strong therapeutic relationships. By focusing on these principles, veterans experience reduced anxiety and increased engagement in their own recovery.
Greenbranch Recovery uses trauma-informed practices that respect your story. Reach out to learn how we can support your healing journey.
Veteran-Centered Addiction Treatment: What to Expect
Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially for those with a history of military service. That’s why Greenbranch Recovery offers integrated care designed specifically for veterans:
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid or alcohol dependence. When appropriate, MAT combines medications with behavioral therapy to reduce cravings and support recovery. This is conducted under medical supervision.
- Individual therapy using approaches like prolonged exposure therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), both of which are designed to reduce PTSD symptom severity by helping clients process painful memories safely.
- Group therapy that includes veteran peer support, creating space for camaraderie, shared experience, and mutual accountability.
- Family education and support to address mental health conditions in the home and help loved ones understand their role in the recovery process.
- Support for managing chronic pain, which is often under-treated and leads many veterans toward illicit drug use or alcohol use disorder.
For veterans who have previously had poorer treatment outcomes, the difference in a trauma-informed, veteran-centered setting can be life-changing. We also provide concurrent treatment for multiple diagnoses, recognizing that mental health treatment and substance abuse treatment must happen together for true recovery. Explore our veteran-focused treatment options in Egg Harbor Township because every hero deserves a path to healing.
Breaking the Cycle: Tools for PTSD and Addiction Recovery
Recovery from co-occurring substance and mental health disorders involves more than detox. It requires skills, strategies, and support systems to navigate triggers and prevent relapse. At Greenbranch, we help veterans develop tools for lasting recovery:
- Grounding and mindfulness techniques for anxiety and flashbacks, helping reduce reliance on substances during stress.
- Prolonged exposure therapy to help veterans face traumatic memories in a safe, controlled environment, reducing avoidance behaviors.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for managing negative thought patterns and improving emotional regulation.
- Relapse prevention planning that includes identifying high-risk situations, developing coping mechanisms, and building a recovery support network.
- Peer support groups tailored to veterans, ensuring that no one feels isolated in their healing journey.
These strategies can help address both mental health diagnoses and substance abuse, building a foundation for long-term stability. In some cases, veterans benefit from trauma focused interventions like yoga, art therapy, or service dog partnerships, all designed to support emotional regulation and healing.
Whether you’re dealing with alcohol dependence, drug abuse, or either of these combined with persistent mental health concerns, Greenbranch Recovery offers the tools and compassion to help you break the cycle.
You Are Not Alone: Local Help for Veterans in South Jersey
Veterans deserve mental health treatment that respects their service and their humanity. If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for substance use, PTSD diagnosis, or other mental health disorders, help is available.
Greenbranch Recovery proudly supports veterans across Atlantic County, Cape May County, and nearby towns like Galloway, Absecon, and Somers Point. Our trauma-informed approach includes:
- Care for co occurring PTSD and substance abuse
- Access to mental health care and substance abuse treatment
- Compassionate clinicians who understand military culture
- Underserved populations
Call Greenbranch Recovery at 609-622-5101 or contact us online to start your path toward recovery. You served our country. Now it’s time for us to serve you.
