Many veterans face challenges that are not seen after they leave military service. Instead, the challenges tend to naturally present themselves as mental health issues involving PTSD, anxiety, or depression, possibly in combination with substance abuse.
When a person is suffering from a mental health illness in combination with a substance use disorder, it is called a co-occurring disorder, as it indicates the need for a specialized level of care with a sincere desire to help. Most veterans who are suffering from a mental health disorder and substance use disorder feel overwhelmed, confused, and isolated. While their situation is serious, recovery is attainable with the right treatment plan in place.
Sober First Recovery, located near Newport Beach, provides treatment for mental health issues and addiction for veterans. Sober First Recovery has been in business for over 20 years and has helped countless veterans recapture their hope and find healing. Sober First Recovery implements a veteran-focused treatment. We can offer veterans high-quality therapy because we are state-licensed, Joint Commission-accredited, and can accept TRICARE insurance.
Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders in Veterans
What Is a Co-Occurring Disorder?
When a person has a substance use disorder alongside a mental health disorder, they will have co-occurring disorders. In the case of veterans, this will more often be a substance use disorder, which is the misuse of drugs or alcohol, and a mental health disorder, which will typically come in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety. When both of these occur together, you will see a mutually reinforcing situation, and it can be very challenging, if not virtually impossible, to treat both issues simultaneously.
Instead, as an example, a veteran struggles with PTSD, and has alcohol to get away from those painful memories or to calm their nerves, so to speak. The alcohol use will progress over time into dependence. A similar situation with veterans who struggle with PTSD will happen with people who have been diagnosed with depression, where they misuse prescription medications and then, over time develop a dependence or addiction without the proper support. This is a typical trajectory and can happen quickly.
Stats on veteran mental health state that around 1 in 3 veterans receiving care for addiction also have PTSD. More than 1 in 4 veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD will develop a substance use disorder.
Outcome studies for co-occurring disorders, when treated together through veteran mental health services, show higher outcome rates and reduced risk of reoccurrence.
Causes and Risk Factors
Co-occurring disorders among veterans often stem from traumatic experiences during or after deployment. These include exposure to combat, injury, survivor’s guilt, or the sudden shift back to civilian life.
Veteran PTSD statistics reveal that up to 20% of veterans from recent conflicts experience PTSD in any given year. Many more struggle with other mental health concerns that go unrecognized and untreated.
The emotional toll of war, combined with stigma and limited access to support, makes many veterans more vulnerable to mental health and substance use disorders.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Veteran PTSD Symptoms and Substance Use
Veterans living with co-occurring disorders may show signs of both mental distress and substance abuse. Common veteran PTSD symptoms include insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional detachment. When paired with addiction, these symptoms may become more severe or more complex to manage.
You may notice increased alcohol or drug use, risky behavior, relationship breakdowns, or trouble at work. Some veterans isolate themselves or become more irritable or withdrawn.
Recognizing these signs early allows for timely intervention and better recovery outcomes. If you’re wondering how to help a veteran with PTSD or substance use, reaching out to experienced professionals is a crucial step.
Best Treatments for Veterans with Co-Occurring Disorders
Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment
An integrated approach is the most effective way to treat veterans with co-occurring disorders because it treats both the mental health issue and the addiction issue at the same time. Left to treat only one side, such as addiction with no mental health treatment, does not address the other side, which will result in relapse.
Integrated care for veterans involves medical, psychological, and emotional support. When you become a patient at Sober First Recovery, our team starts with a complete assessment of your care needs and history. From there, we create a personalized care plan that considers your entire experience, not just the symptoms.
This integrated care may include a combination of detox, therapy, group support, and psychiatric medication.
Trauma-Informed Therapy for Veteran Mental Health
One key element of treating co-occurring disorders in veterans is trauma-informed therapy. This model recognizes that many behavioral issues stem from trauma. By understanding this link, therapists can help veterans unpack their experiences without re-traumatizing them.
Therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Prolonged Exposure Therapy are proven to reduce PTSD symptoms and support recovery from addiction.
These therapies help veterans process trauma, regulate emotions, and build healthier coping mechanisms.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
For some veterans, medication may be part of treatment. Medication-assisted treatment helps stabilize mood, reduce cravings, and manage symptoms of PTSD or depression. This option is always closely supervised and integrated into the broader care plan.
When used responsibly, medications can help veterans engage more fully in therapy and make steady progress toward long-term wellness.
Peer Support and Group Therapy
Veterans benefit from connecting with others who understand their experiences. Group therapy sessions that include fellow veterans build trust, encourage honest dialogue, and reduce isolation.
Peer support offers reassurance, practical advice, and emotional safety. For many, it’s the turning point in feeling heard and understood.
Veterans treatment centers that emphasize community and shared recovery often see stronger outcomes and reduced dropout rates.
Using TRICARE for Veteran Mental Health Services
What TRICARE Covers for Co-Occurring Disorders
TRICARE insurance helps remove one of the most common barriers to treatment: cost. For eligible veterans and military families, TRICARE covers detox, residential treatment, outpatient therapy, and mental health services—including care for PTSD, depression, and addiction.
At Sober First Recovery, we accept TRICARE and assist veterans in using their benefits to access complete care. Our administrative team helps with verification, authorizations, and any paperwork needed to make the process smooth.
With TRICARE, veterans don’t have to choose between care and affordability—they get both.
Accessing Care at Sober First Recovery
Sober First Recovery offers veteran mental health services near Newport Beach. Our team works with veterans at every step, from initial assessment to discharge planning. We deliver respectful and effective treatment by focusing on each individual’s needs, history, and goals.
For over 20 years, we’ve helped veterans and their families find real answers to tough challenges.
Life After Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Veteran Inpatient Mental Health Support
Inpatient treatment gives veterans the time and structure to focus on healing. With 24/7 care, therapeutic support, and distance from triggers, inpatient rehab can be a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
Once stability is regained, outpatient programs continue to progress. Therapy, support groups, and case management help veterans transition to daily life with ongoing encouragement.
Long-Term Recovery and Relapse Prevention
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. Veterans need tools to manage stress, avoid relapse, and continue improving their mental health. That’s why aftercare and ongoing therapy are part of every recovery plan at Sober First Recovery.
Peer support groups, family counseling, and follow-up services help veterans stay grounded and connected to resources that support wellness.
Why Sober First Recovery Is a Leader in Veteran Mental Health
Accreditation, Experience, and Compassion
Sober First Recovery is one of the few Joint Commission-accredited veterans treatment centers in Orange County. This recognition reflects our commitment to safety, clinical quality, and ethical care.
We are also licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services, ensuring that every program meets or exceeds state guidelines.
But what sets us apart is our dedication to veterans. We understand their struggles because we’ve worked closely with them for decades. Our team knows how to listen, respond, and guide recovery without judgment.
Located Near Newport Beach with a Peaceful Setting
Our center provides a calm, structured space where veterans can focus on recovery. Outside Newport Beach, the environment offers quiet, stability, and a break from daily stress.
Combined with evidence-based care and a supportive team, this setting allows for deep healing.
Call Sober First Recovery
Co-occurring disorders can feel overwhelming. But no veteran should have to face them alone. With the proper support, recovery is not just possible—it’s within reach.
At Sober First Recovery, we help veterans take that first step. With integrated treatment, trauma-informed care, and access to TRICARE insurance, our veterans treatment center is ready to support healing, strength, and renewal.
If you or a loved one is a veteran with PTSD, depression, or substance use concerns, reach out to our team today. Help is here, and hope begins now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best treatments for veterans with co-occurring disorders?
The best treatments include integrated care that addresses addiction and mental health together. This may involve therapy, medication, group support, and trauma treatment.
Where can I find veteran mental health services near Newport Beach?
Sober First Recovery offers veteran mental health services near Newport Beach, including inpatient and outpatient care, trauma therapy, and dual diagnosis treatment.
How do I recognize veteran PTSD symptoms?
PTSD symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, irritability, emotional numbness, and sleep problems. These can appear alone or alongside signs of substance use.
How can I help a veteran with PTSD and addiction?
Encourage them to seek professional help, offer emotional support, and connect them to veteran mental health resources like Sober First Recovery.
What does TRICARE cover for veterans with PTSD and addiction?
TRICARE covers detox, mental health care, residential treatment, outpatient therapy, and medication for veterans with PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders.