Key Takeaways

• Veterans who are having difficulties with Suboxone overuse might benefit greatly from an intensive outpatient program (IOP) that helps them with both substance abuse and mental health issues.
• Veterans who go to a dual diagnosis clinic get full treatment that is tailored to both their addiction and any mental health problems they may have.
• Long-term recovery is more effective when services such as the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), the Intensive Inpatient Program, and a structured aftercare program are combined.
• If you don’t get the correct medical and mental health care, abusing Suboxone can lead to serious problems like addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and relapse.
• Veterans need individualized therapy, treatment, and community-based recovery services to help them get their lives back on track and stay sober.

Introduction

When Veterans return to civilian life, they often have to cope with issues that are unique to them, like post-traumatic stress, long-term pain, and emotional trauma. A lot of individuals use medications like Suboxone to help them get off opioids, but for other people, getting addicted to the drug itself is a huge concern. If people take too much Suboxone and it starts to disrupt their daily lives, it can be very bad for their health and mental health.

An intensive outpatient program can save the lives of Veterans in these kinds of situations. This type of program fills the gap between full-time hospital care and self-managed rehabilitation by providing people with structured treatment that helps them maintain their ability to work and live at home. With the aid of doctors, therapy, and other Veterans, Veterans can get out of their Suboxone problems and into long-term treatment.

How does Suboxone misuse affect Veterans uniquely?

According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, Suboxone was made to help people get over their addiction to opiates. Still, it can be abused if not used with the right medical supervision (DOJ). The risk is even higher for Veterans, many of whom already have chronic pain and trauma. Using Suboxone in ways that a doctor disapproves might make you dependent on it, which starts a new cycle of withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Veterans also often feel that they are the only ones with their challenges. If you don’t have access to professional care, abusing Suboxone could make your depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) worse. Veterans truly require professional care specifically designed for them in these instances.  For further insights, check out Understanding Suboxone: A Path to Hope and Healing for valuable guidance.

Why Is It Important For Veterans To Attend A Dual Diagnosis Center?

Many troops who misuse Suboxone also have other issues, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression. A dual diagnosis facility offers the resources to help those who are dealing with both mental health issues and addiction at the same time. If you don’t treat both, rehabilitation could become unstable and make it more likely that you will relapse.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says that Veterans need to have both mental health and addiction therapies in one place to help them stay sober (VA). Some of the methods that facilities specializing in dual diagnosis treatment offer include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused care, and family support.

What Do Outpatient And Inpatient Programs Do That Makes Them Work Well Together?

It is quite rare for Veterans to recuperate in the same way. The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) has set times when participants can undergo counseling, group therapy, and tips on how to avoid relapsing while still meeting their daily responsibilities.

An Intensive Inpatient Program is a safe, therapeutic facility where those who need greater supervision can undergo therapy around the clock. Veterans can obtain help throughout their recovery by utilizing both inpatient and outpatient programs.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that Suboxone can help people get better, but there is still a chance that people will become reliant on it. This is why clinical supervision is so vital (NIDA).

What Role Does Aftercare Play In Keeping Recovery Going?

Recovery doesn’t stop when treatment programs cease. Veterans often require ongoing support to avoid relapse and manage stress in their daily lives. At this stage, an aftercare program is quite crucial. Aftercare makes sure that Veterans can continue getting therapy, support from other veterans, and methods to stay away from drugs and alcohol.

Aftercare that helps Veterans recover and rebuild their lives connects them with sober living facilities, support groups, and mentors. These programs help patients remember what they learned in treatment and hold them accountable. For Veterans who are attempting to get over their Suboxone problems, how often they go to aftercare is often linked to how well they do in the long run.

Conclusion 

It’s hard to stop misusing Suboxone, but Veterans don’t have to do it by themselves. An intensive outpatient program gives Veterans the structure, therapy, and support from other Veterans they need to deal with their addiction while also taking into account their unique conditions.

If you or someone you care about is addicted to Suboxone, there is help available. Call Virtue Recovery Center at  866-461-3339 today to start your road toward hope, healing, and long-term recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Suboxone addictive if it is meant to assist people in stopping the use of opioids?

Suboxone has buprenorphine in it, and if you don’t utilize it correctly, you could still become dependent on it. If you don’t obtain help from a doctor, it can start a new cycle of addiction.

What works in an intensive outpatient treatment program for Veterans?

IOPs include therapy, medical monitoring, and support from peers, and they let Veterans keep their jobs and responsibilities to their families.

What makes a dual diagnosis hospital better for getting better?

Treating both addiction and mental health problems at the same time minimizes the risk of recurrence and improves overall health.

Can you combine inpatient care with outpatient programs?

Yes, a lot of Veterans fare better when they start with inpatient therapy and then move on to outpatient care. This keeps their rehabilitation on pace.

Why is it vital to get aftercare after treatment

Aftercare helps Veterans stay sober for an extended period by providing them with ongoing support, assisting them in preventing relapses, and ensuring they follow through on their recovery.

Citations

• National Drug Intelligence Center (U.S. Department of Justice). Intelligence Bulletin: Buprenorphine: Potential for Abuse. September 2004, https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs10/10123/index.htm.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The Science of Drug Use and Addiction: The Basics. 2024, https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Substance Use Treatment for Veterans.” 12 Oct. 2022, https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/substance-use-problems/.