Theo Nash
Substance abuse is a significant issue in the Air Force, with alcohol being the most commonly reported substance among active-duty military service members. Addiction and mental health disorders are prevalent, with alcohol use often being a coping mechanism for stress, trauma, and mental illness. Treatment options are available, and insurance coverage for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, including alcohol addiction, has become more accessible. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) expanded access to SUD treatment, ensuring that health insurance providers and group health plans do not impose greater limitations on these benefits than other medical services. However, it's important to note that specific insurance plans vary, and it's advisable to check with your provider to understand what treatment options are covered.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Addiction Treatment Options | Individual and group therapy, family and marriage counseling, coping skills for trauma, symptom management, anger management, and communication skills training |
| Treatment Facilities | Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, Community Care Providers (e.g., Recovery First, AAC, The Recovery Village Palmer Lake), and private rehabilitation centers |
| Treatment Costs | VA benefits, health insurance plans, sliding fee scales, Medicare, Medicaid |
| Addiction Statistics in the Air Force | 24.5% of male service members and 6.3% of female service members drink heavily. 1% use illicit drugs compared to 22% of civilians aged 18-25. |
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What You'll Learn
Treatment options for alcohol addiction
Behavioral treatments are a common approach, which aim to change drinking behavior through counseling. These treatments are led by healthcare providers and are supported by studies showing their benefits. Counseling can be done individually or in groups, and can include family and marriage therapy.
There are also medications that can help reduce drinking and prevent a return to drinking. These medications are prescribed by a primary care provider or other healthcare provider and may be used alone or in combination with counseling.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, and Alcohol Issues. This is a free, confidential referral service that provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. The helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and also has a text messaging service.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) also provides resources for finding treatment options, including an online tool called the Alcohol Treatment Navigator, which helps individuals find the right treatment for them in their area.
For veterans, there are specialized treatment options available, including the MISSION Act, which allows veterans to receive care from community providers who are in-network with the VA. Recovery First and American Addiction Centers are examples of community care providers that offer veteran-focused addiction treatment programs.
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Substance abuse in the Air Force
Substance abuse is a significant issue in the Air Force, with alcohol being the most commonly reported substance among active-duty service members. Binge drinking is also prevalent, with 1 in 3 service members engaging in this behaviour, compared to 1 in 4 civilians. While the use of illegal drugs is relatively low, with only around 1% of Air Force members using them, this is still a concern and can lead to disciplinary action and discharge.
The Air Force has implemented policies and programs to address substance misuse, such as the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) program, which provides education, prevention, and treatment services to promote readiness, health, and wellness. The Air Force also encourages members to seek assistance through their unit commander, substance use counselor, or a military medical professional.
Treatment options for substance abuse in the Air Force include community care providers like American Addiction Centers (AAC), which offer tailored programs for veterans, including individual and group therapy, family and marriage counselling, and coping skills training. Rehab facilities also accept various health insurance plans, VA benefits, and offer sliding-scale fees to make treatment more accessible.
The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) is another resource for airmen and veterans who are wounded, ill, or injured, providing support and potentially financial assistance for those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
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Alcohol addiction and mental health
Binge drinking is a significant issue in the military, with 1 in 3 service members engaging in binge drinking, compared to 1 in 4 in the civilian population. Binge drinking is defined as drinking enough alcohol to raise one's blood alcohol level to 0.08% or higher. Although this can lead to legal and health issues, most people who binge drink are not physically dependent on alcohol and do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, when a person has AUD, they exhibit symptoms such as drinking more alcohol than intended, drinking in hazardous situations, and trying to cut back or quit drinking unsuccessfully.
Veterans are at an increased risk for addiction, with alcohol and prescription medications being the most common substances abused by airmen and veterans. In the Air Force, 24.5% of servicemen and 6.3% of servicewomen drink heavily. Veterans are most commonly affected by alcoholism and may continue or escalate drinking behaviour after leaving the military.
Up to half of all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have a mental health diagnosis. The percentage of veterans with PTSD and other mental health disorders is influenced by exposure to combat or trauma. 3.6% of veterans have PTSD, and 3.5% have depression. 75% of veterans diagnosed with addiction also have PTSD. Veterans may turn to substance abuse to cope with stress or symptoms of PTSD.
Treatment options for veterans include individual and group therapy, family and marriage counselling, coping skills for trauma, symptom management, anger management, and communication skills. The severity of both the AUD and the co-occurring mental health disorder determines the appropriate level of care. Patients with less severe conditions may be able to receive treatment in primary care, while those with more severe conditions may need care from a mental health or addiction specialist. The likelihood of recovery from both conditions is higher if both are treated. For patients with more severe mental health comorbidities, it is important that the care team includes specialists who can design personalized and multimodal treatment plans.
If you’re worried about drinking or feel it’s affecting your mental health, a lot of help is available. Talk to your GP, who can check your physical health and put you in touch with local support. If you have a severe mental health problem and a drinking problem, you may be given a "dual diagnosis", in which case mental health services should be in charge of your treatment, rather than drug and alcohol services.
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Treatment costs and insurance coverage
Treatment costs for alcohol addiction can vary depending on the type of program and the duration of treatment. Some common treatment options include:
- Medical detox: This involves detoxing from substances under medical supervision, which can help manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Inpatient treatment: Patients reside in a facility and participate in individual and group therapy, counselling, and peer support sessions.
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP): These programs offer more flexibility and independence than inpatient programs while still providing structured treatment.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): IOPs focus on transitioning to life outside of rehab, building skills and habits for long-term recovery.
- Outpatient treatment: Outpatient care provides ongoing support after inpatient treatment, helping patients adjust back to their daily lives.
When considering the costs of treatment, it is important to factor in the potential consequences of not seeking help. Substance abuse can lead to detrimental effects on physical and mental health, relationships, career, and overall well-being.
Regarding insurance coverage, there are a few options available for spouses of Air Force personnel struggling with alcohol addiction:
- The Veterans Administration (VA): The VA offers community care providers that specialize in treating veterans and their families for substance abuse and mental health issues. These programs are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by military personnel and veterans.
- Military Insurance: Military insurance plans, such as TRICARE, may cover addiction treatment services. It is important to review the specific coverage provided by your insurance plan.
- Private Insurance: Many private insurance plans offer coverage for substance abuse treatment. Contacting your insurance provider can help you understand the extent of your coverage and find in-network treatment options.
- Sliding-Fee Scale: Some treatment facilities offer a sliding-fee scale based on income and ability to pay. This can make treatment more affordable for those without insurance or with high out-of-pocket costs.
- State-Funded Treatment Programs: If you have no insurance or are underinsured, state-funded treatment programs may be an option. These programs provide access to treatment and support services at no cost to the individual.
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Signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction
Alcohol use is common in the United States, with 62.3% of people aged 12 or older reporting alcohol use in a 12-month period in 2021. Out of these, 47.5% drank in the 30 days leading up to the survey. While alcohol use may lead to misuse, only a healthcare provider can diagnose an alcohol use disorder. However, there are several physical and behavioral signs that may indicate a person is struggling with alcohol misuse or addiction.
Behavioral signs of alcohol misuse include impaired judgment, inappropriate sexual behavior, aggressiveness, mood changes, depression, poor social functioning, problems driving or operating machinery, suicidal behavior, neglect of personal care, frequent falls or accidents, and recurring absences from work or school. Physical signs and symptoms of alcohol misuse may include an inflamed stomach lining, indigestion, nausea, and bloating.
Signs of alcohol intoxication vary widely based on the individual’s blood alcohol level and their level of tolerance. Signs of intoxication range from reduced coordination to more severe symptoms, including suppressed breathing, slowed heart rate, and lowered body temperature, which can be fatal. While intoxication doesn’t necessarily indicate alcohol addiction, recurrent intoxication may signify alcohol misuse or addiction.
Other signs of an alcohol use disorder include drinking in hazardous situations, frequently experiencing hangovers, impaired coordination, memory issues or loss, slurred speech, taking unnecessary risks, and the smell of alcohol on one’s breath.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the insurance plan. Some insurance plans cover alcohol addiction treatment for spouses, while others may not. It is important to carefully review the coverage details of your specific Air Force insurance plan to determine if spouse alcohol addiction treatment is included.
There are several treatment options available for spouse alcohol addiction. These include inpatient treatment programs, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and outpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment involves residing in a facility and participating in individual and group therapy, while PHPs offer more flexibility and independence. IOPs focus on transitioning to life outside of rehab, and outpatient treatment provides ongoing support after inpatient care.
Yes, there are specialized treatment programs tailored specifically for military spouses struggling with alcohol addiction. These programs take into account the unique challenges and circumstances faced by military spouses and may include individual and group therapy, family counseling, trauma coping skills, and anger management techniques. Some programs also offer a guarantee of maintaining sobriety or provide additional treatment at no extra cost.
