What types of opioids are treated, and why is treatment important?

Treatment addresses a wide range of opioids—from prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone to heroin and fentanyl. Opioid addiction rapidly leads to tolerance, dependence, and high overdose risk, making early intervention essential.

What does opioid treatment involve in San Diego?

In San Diego, comprehensive opioid treatment may include medically supervised detox, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and aftercare planning.

What medications are used in MAT for opioid addiction?

Common medications include methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone. These medications help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and support long-term recovery.

How do therapy and counseling support opioid recovery?

Therapy—such as CBT, DBT, group and individual counseling—helps clients understand triggers, reframe negative thought patterns, strengthen relapse prevention, and rebuild healthy relationships.

Is dual diagnosis care available for opioid treatment?

Yes. Many clients battling opioid addiction also struggle with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Dual diagnosis treatment in San Diego addresses both conditions simultaneously.

What role do holistic and experiential therapies play in opioid treatment?

Holistic activities like yoga, meditation, art, and experiential therapy help clients reconnect with their bodies, ease stress, and build healthy coping tools as part of their recovery.

How long does opioid treatment last?

The duration varies—ranging from several weeks in PHP or IOP to months of outpatient care combined with ongoing aftercare, depending on the individual’s needs and progress.

What support is offered after completing opioid treatment in San Diego?

Aftercare typically includes outpatient check-ins, relapse prevention planning, alumni programming, support groups, and referrals to community resources to maintain recovery after treatment.

Can I continue working or going to school while in an opioid program?

Yes. Programs like IOP and outpatient are built for flexibility, allowing clients to maintain employment, education, or family responsibilities while receiving ongoing care.

How can I begin opioid treatment in San Diego?

To start, contact Bayview Recovery Center in San Diego for a confidential assessment. Their clinical team will evaluate your history and needs, then customize a treatment plan including the appropriate level of care and support services.

Veteran Addiction Treatment in San Diego, California

When veterans return home after serving their country, the transition back to everyday life can be a challenging one. From finding a new routine to coping with the lasting effects of their experiences, it’s not uncommon for some to turn to substances as a way to cope. Addiction, especially when combined with mental health challenges, can make that transition even harder. But the good news is — help is out there.

Veteran addiction treatment programs in California offer specialized support tailored to those who have served. These programs are uniquely equipped to address the complex relationship between PTSD, alcohol misuse, and other substance use. By integrating trauma-informed care with addiction recovery, they provide a structured and compassionate path forward.

With a deep understanding of military culture and the invisible wounds of war, these treatment options emphasize holistic recovery—supporting both mental health and sobriety.

Prevalence of Veteran Substance Abuse

Veterans often face higher rates of addiction than the general population, and there are several reasons why. Military service can be incredibly stressful and even traumatic—whether it’s time spent in combat, dealing with injuries, or facing difficult moral situations. These experiences can leave lasting emotional wounds, and for some veterans, turning to alcohol or drugs becomes a way to cope with painful memories or overwhelming feelings that often manifest into anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, etc.

But the challenges don’t always stop when treatment ends. Coming back to civilian life can bring its own set of stressors, like finding a job, managing finances, or reconnecting with loved ones. When you combine these struggles with unresolved trauma from service, it’s easy to see how someone might end up relying on substances just to get through the day.

Impact of Substance Abuse on Veterans

Substance abuse has a wide range of negative consequences, and for veterans, these effects are often compounded by the unique challenges they face. Below are some of the primary impacts of veteran substance abuse.

Trauma and PTSD

Many veterans have been through intense and traumatic experiences during their service—such as combat, witnessing death, or suffering injuries. These events can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which brings symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. For some, drugs or alcohol become a way to escape these painful memories, even if just temporarily. Unfortunately, while it might feel like relief at first, substance use usually makes PTSD symptoms worse in the long run and can prevent true healing.

Mental Illness

Along with PTSD, many veterans struggle with other mental health challenges, like depression, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness. These conditions can make day-to-day life feel overwhelming. Substance use might seem like a quick way to lift the mood or calm anxiety, but it often leads to a deeper struggle. Over time, addiction and mental illness can feed off each other, making both harder to manage and creating a tough cycle to break.

Homelessness

Homelessness is a significant issue among veterans, with alarming statistics showing that veterans make up 11% of the homeless population, despite comprising only 7% of the total U.S. population. This issue is particularly troubling given that nearly 80% of homeless veterans struggle with substance abuse. The link between homelessness and substance abuse is clear: many veterans use substances to cope with the trauma they’ve experienced, but this self-medication can lead to a variety of issues, including job loss, strained relationships, and ultimately, homelessness.

Homelessness among veterans also exacerbates physical and mental health problems. Homeless veterans are at greater risk for malnutrition, respiratory infections, and injuries from accidents. The combination of homelessness and substance abuse can make it incredibly difficult for veterans to seek treatment, leading to a prolonged cycle of suffering.

Health and Financial Implications

The impact of veteran substance abuse is not just limited to mental health and homelessness. Veterans who struggle with addiction often face significant health issues, including liver disease, heart problems, and respiratory conditions. The financial costs of caring for homeless veterans are also substantial, as providing housing, healthcare, and support services is expensive. The complexity of treating both addiction and the underlying trauma veterans face makes the process even more costly. Still, it is a crucial investment in the well-being of our nation’s heroes.

Common Substances of Abuse Among Veterans

Veterans struggle with a range of substances, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medications.

Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances among veterans. Compared to civilians, veterans are more likely to engage in heavy or binge drinking. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), around 1 in 10 veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan struggles with alcohol or other substance use.

Several factors contribute to alcohol abuse in the veteran community:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD and alcohol abuse in veterans is one of the most common co-occurring disorders. Many veterans use alcohol as a way to cope with symptoms of PTSD, such as insomnia, flashbacks, and anxiety. This form of self-medication can quickly lead to dependency.
Military Culture: Drinking is often normalized in the military, and habits formed during service may continue after discharge, sometimes turning into problematic patterns.
Social Isolation: After returning to civilian life, veterans may feel disconnected or misunderstood. Alcohol can become a way to cope with loneliness or emotional emptiness.

Illicit Drugs

Illicit drug use among veterans, while less common than alcohol use, remains a significant issue. Drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine are sometimes used by veterans seeking relief from physical pain, psychological trauma, or mental health disorders.

Common patterns include:

Marijuana: While some veterans use it for therapeutic reasons (e.g., to ease PTSD symptoms), others may misuse it, leading to dependence.
Heroin and Opioids: Veterans with chronic pain or those who become dependent on prescription painkillers may turn to heroin due to its availability and lower cost.
Stimulants: Cocaine and methamphetamine are sometimes used to combat feelings of depression or low energy, but can lead to serious addiction and health issues.

Recovery programs for addiction often need to address co-occurring mental health issues like depression and PTSD for recovery to be effective.

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in Veterans

Veteran substance abuse can manifest through a range of physical, behavioral, emotional, and social symptoms. Making early recognition vital for timely support and intervention.

Physical Signs

Changes in weight or appetite
Bloodshot eyes or dilated/constricted pupils
Slurred speech
Poor hygiene or self-care
Unexplained injuries or frequent accidents
Tremors, sweating, or withdrawal symptoms when not using

Behavioral Signs

Sudden changes in behavior or personality
Increased secrecy or isolation
Neglect of responsibilities (at home, work, or school)
Risky or reckless behaviors (e.g., drunk driving)
Financial issues due to spending on substances
Legal problems (e.g., DUI, assault)

Emotional and Psychological Signs

Depression or anxiety
Mood swings or irritability
Paranoia or hallucinations (in severe cases)
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Signs of PTSD, including flashbacks or nightmares, may worsen

Social and Interpersonal Changes

Strained or broken relationships with family or friends
Withdrawal from social activities or support systems
Conflict or aggression, especially in domestic settings
Loss of interest in hobbies or things once enjoyed

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Veterans

For many veterans, substance use disorders do not exist in isolation—they often occur alongside mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety. This combination, known as a dual diagnosis, presents unique treatment challenges. Addressing only one condition while neglecting the other can lead to relapse, worsening symptoms, or stalled progress in recovery. That’s why dual diagnosis treatment is essential: it provides an integrated approach that targets both substance use and mental health simultaneously, recognizing the complex interplay between the two.

These programs typically involve a team of specialists who provide coordinated mental health and addiction support. By targeting both issues together, veterans receive more comprehensive care that improves long-term outcomes and supports a more stable, lasting recovery.

Veteran Addiction Treatments

Addiction treatment programs designed for veterans go beyond general rehab—they are tailored to address the unique experiences and challenges that veterans face. These specialized programs often incorporate military cultural competence, trauma-informed care, and peer support from fellow service members. By acknowledging the physical and emotional scars that may contribute to substance use, these treatments offer a more effective path to recovery.

Veteran addiction treatments may include a combination of the following:

Outpatient Programs: Flexible therapy sessions for veterans living at home.
Detoxification Services: Medically supervised withdrawal from drugs or alcohol.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medication and therapy to reduce cravings and relapse.
Addiction Counseling: Treatments like CBT to address addiction’s root causes.Peer
Support and Recovery Coaching: Mentorship from fellow veterans in recovery.
Aftercare Program and Relapse Prevention: Ongoing support to maintain long-term sobriety.

Drug Rehab for Veterans is Available in San Diego

If you’re a veteran struggling with addiction, you’re not alone—and help is closer than you think. Bayview Recovery Center in San Diego offers specialized drug rehab for veterans, tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by those who have served. With trauma-informed care, dual diagnosis treatment, and veteran-focused support, Bayview provides a safe and structured path to lasting recovery.

Your service was courageous—now it’s time to prioritize your healing. Contact us today and take the first step toward a healthier, substance-free future.

Alyssa Looser-Smith( Medical Reviewer )

Alyssa is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her Master’s degree from San Diego State University. She has experience working with individuals in recovery of all ages for over eight years. Alyssa has also worked with at-risk homeless foster youth transitioning into independent living along with the families in the neonatal intensive care unit at UCSD.