Michael DiMarco, director of business development, introducing speakers at the VA Health Fair
Few have given more for our country than military veterans, but often their service exacts a personal toll. The trauma of war — whether physical, emotional or a combination of both — often leads to substance abuse.
For some, it begins during military service as a way to cope with its brutal realities. For others who have suffered injuries, prescription painkillers could lead to addiction. And some turn to drugs after they’ve returned to civilian life to help cope with mental health issues like PTSD.
Eventually, this dependency creates a dangerous downward spiral that, if not stopped, destroys lives.
“These are good people. They served our country. Now they need help and that’s why we’re here, to help them help themselves,” said Eric Nilson, first responder and Veterans Affairs specialist for Pro Recovery Solutions.
Pro Recovery’s Greenbranch Recovery and Wellness center in Egg Harbor, New Jersey, has a drug addiction treatment program designed especially for veterans. So if you or someone you know is a vet who needs help, this is where you’ll find it.
Michael DiMarco and Community Service awardee Ray Theriault
What treatment methods do they use?
The Greenbranch Recovery program for veterans uses proven techniques to end addiction — and prevent relapse — while treating the underlying causes, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD.
When you enroll in the program, you’ll receive individual therapy, where you can work through the issues that drove you to substance abuse. You’ll learn strategies for dealing with triggers and flashbacks, and when appropriate, medication-assisted treatment may also be used. By the time treatment ends, you’ll have all the tools you need for a healthy and fulfilling life.
You’ll also take part in group therapy with other veterans struggling with addiction. They’ll provide support and share their experiences, their struggles and the solutions they’ve found.
“And number one, you learn coping skills, you learn life skills,” said Nilson, himself a recovered alcoholic. “You learn how to interact with people in a healthy, productive way, instead of hitting the bar after work, where your quote-unquote friends are people you have nothing in common with but drinking.”
Greenbranch’s whole-person approach also includes exercise, art and music therapy, and more.
Greenbranch also hosted a VA Health and Wellness Fair on May 22 at the facility Behavioral Crossroads. Veterans were able to receive resources from vendor tables, chat with experts and listen to guest speakers Judge Bernard E. DeLury, Jr. and Matt Hartman.
Zachary Storr, Ray Theriault, Michael DiMarco, Alex Kushnir, Eil Wilson, Sean Riggin and Matt Hartman
What type of veterans program is best for you?
If you have a family, a job or other commitments, outpatient treatment may be the best choice. Greenbranch can arrange treatment that won’t disrupt your day-to-day life.
But if you need more intensive support than outpatient treatment can provide, Greenbranch’s partial hospitalization program, or PHP, may be your best choice. You’ll have a full day of therapeutic activities at the center, then return to your own home each evening.
New Jersey Courts at the VA Fair
How to reach out for help
Nilson’s job involves outreach, and you may even see him around town handing out his cards. For some, that card has proved life-changing — like the man who walked into the facility one day and asked to see him.
“He was a huge guy and I’m a big guy, and as soon as he saw me, he almost tackled me. I had to hold him up, and he began to cry like a baby,” Nilson recalled. “He was a veteran and a first responder, and sometimes the proverbial straw breaks.”
The man underwent therapy, and now he’s back on the job and doing well.
“I’ve been in a bad spot, too. I got treatment, and I want everybody who needs it to have that experience,” Nilson said. “Life is grand now, I love life, because I got that therapy.”
If you or someone you know needs help for substance abuse, call Greenbranch Recovery at 609.622.5101 or visit greenbranchnj.com.
