Essential Programs for Veterans That Supply Aid and Support

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans are three times more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if deployed than not—and overall, they have a higher rate of the condition than civilians. The VA also indicates that “one study found that among Veterans using VA care, 23 out of every 100 had PTSD at some point in their lives, compared to 7 out of every 100 Veterans who don’t use VA for health care.”

Additionally, a story in the Concord Monitor featured two paramedics—one a Veteran, the other also a firefighter—discussing aspects of their mental health and how they wanted to make sure other professionals like them understood there are places to turn to for help. This outreach is vital to all Veterans and first responders who might be struggling with PTSD, substance and alcohol misuse, job-related stress, relationship difficulties, and other concerns.

To honor our brave service people, Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire (SCNH) wants to ensure you and your loved ones have as many Veterans and first responder health resources as possible. In this article, we take a closer look at some key initiatives and awareness campaigns that provide crucial care and connection.

Essential Programs for Veterans That Supply Aid and Support

The following programs are designed to help active and former military members and their families have direct access to services and other resources that reinforce just how many options there are for health and community assistance.

American Legion

Founded by an Act of Congress after World War I, the American Legion acts as an advocate for Veterans, service members, and their families. It’s committed to “destigmatizing mental health support, offering peer-to-peer resources, and empowering everyone to Be The One in the fight to end veteran suicide.” It also offers debt help, VA benefits assistance, education resources, and more.

Blue Star Families

This organization aims to “empower military and Veteran families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors—both people and organizations—to create strong communities of mutual support.” This includes providing access to financial support, peer-to-peer programs, employment opportunities, and neighborhood welcome gatherings.

Lifeline for Vets

A division of the National Veterans Foundation, this is a peer-based program to help “Veterans of all eras, their family members and active duty service members, some while serving overseas in combat deployments.” People can find assistance with VA benefits, suicide prevention advocacy, medical treatment, legal aid, housing and employment solutions, and more.

Make the Connection

Through this program, “Veterans and their loved ones talk about their experiences, challenges, and recovery.” Active and former servicemembers share life experiences through videos, podcasts, and stories. The site also offers links to many outreach programs.

New England Veterans Integrated Services Network

Also known as VISN 01, this website provides more concentrated details for active and former servicemembers in our region regarding healthcare initiatives, various local resources such as food banks, and a special newsletter that provides additional information.

Veteran Buddy Check

In support of The STRONG Veterans Act of 2022, the VA’s Veteran Buddy Check program “aims to enhance peer-to-peer connections, improve mental health, and increase access to VA and non-VA resources.” Each October, there’s a more focused awareness campaign, but at any time, a fellow Veteran can take specialized training to help recognize signs of distress and learn about available services to recommend to a buddy in need.

Women Veterans Call Center

According to the VA, more than 50 percent of women Veterans “aren’t utilizing their earned benefits. As a result, they don’t have access to the VA health care system or the low- or cost-free care it offers.” So this comprehensive portal addresses numerous issues, from basic annual preventative and other healthcare checks to more complicated concerns, such as mental and emotional disorders and military sexual trauma.

The Tactical Recovery Program at Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire

In one of our interviews, Tara Rivera, the SCNH business development representative, encourages Veterans and first responders not to suffer in silence. “Don’t be ashamed. You’re not the only one struggling—and there’s power in sharing your story.”

Our center offers Tactical Recovery: a Veteran-Ready program providing trauma-informed care, detoxification and partial hospitalization services, and intensive outpatient treatment within a service-oriented culture, using evidence-based practices proven effective with Veterans and first responders.

This initiative—a partnership between SCNH, the VA Community Care Network, and PsychArmor—features a staff of licensed clinicians and medical professionals skilled in treating different types of SUD and AUD and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Among Tactical Recovery’s many features, you or your loved one can expect:

Components such as 12-Step programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness, relapse prevention techniques, and more.
Veteran-specific small groups to help foster a stronger community of understanding.
Collaborative discharge planning that includes the VA or military command when appropriate.
The Tactical Recovery Alumni App so graduates stay connected and supported after discharge.

SCNH has three treatment centers with board-certified professionals offering an evidence-based and holistic approach:

The Antrim House in Antrim, a detoxification and residential treatment facility for men and women.
Recovery Mountain in Tilton, a residence for Veterans and first responders as part of outpatient programming.
The Lakes Addiction Treatment Center in Laconia, which offers inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient rehabilitation programs for men and women.

Our admissions team is happy to answer any questions about how our Tactical Recovery program helps you regain your wellness and create a better future.

If you or someone you love is in immediate crisis, please call one of these free, confidential resources any time, day or night: