Many addiction treatment centers that focus on veterans and active military members also offer holistic therapy approaches. These complementary therapies extend and provide balance to the core evidence-based therapies offered. Read on to learn more.
What Is Veteran and Active Military Holistic Recovery?
Holistic recovery is an integrated approach to healing. Instead of placing the focus solely on medical or psychological symptoms, it encompasses all of the following needs of veterans and active military. Military service affects every aspect of a person’s life. Holistic recovery offers comprehensive care. Key components include:
Physical Health
- Depending on the center, service-related injuries, chronic pain, or disabilities are treated.
- Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and adaptive fitness programs offer a pathway to health.
- Healthy nutrition and wellness programs for nutritional balance and strength.
Trauma-Related Mental & Emotional Well-Being
- Therapy for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma (e.g., CBT, EMDR).
- Techniques for mindfulness, meditation, and stress-reduction.
- Reduced isolation with peer support groups and counseling.
Social Reintegration
- Support for relationships and family therapy.
- Assistance for veterans to reconnect with civilians in community-building programs.
- Vocational training, employment assistance, education support.
Spiritual Healing & Purpose-Driven Meaning
- Veterans find meaning after service, volunteering and mentoring.
- Participating in outdoor retreats and other nature-based therapies.
- Faith-based or existential counseling can help find renewed meaning.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Stress and pain relief with Yoga, Tai Chi, and acupuncture.
Art, Music, or Writing Therapy for Emotional Expression
- Thoughts and feelings can be expressed creatively.
Service Animals and Animal-assisted Therapy
- As an aid to therapy some treatment centers accept service animals.
- Some centers offer animal-assisted therapy (often equine therapy).
Why It Matters
Many veterans struggle with fragmented care that only treats one aspect of their challenges. The goal of a holistic approach is to help veterans and active military transition to civilian life with resilience and purpose. It does this by ensuring recovery is personalized, sustainable, and empowering.
The Role of Veteran Treatment Centers in Whole-Person Healing
Veteran treatment centers use evidence-based therapies to provide comprehensive care, addressing physical injuries, mental health (PTSD, depression), and emotional trauma. To ease integration, they also offer social support, family counseling, and some provide vocational training.
To promote resilience, holistic therapies such as yoga, equine therapy, and mindfulness are offered. By treating the whole person—not just symptoms—these centers help veterans heal, regain purpose, and transition successfully to civilian life.
Evidence-Based Therapies That Support Long-Term Recovery
A number of evidence-based therapies have proven helpful for military-related trauma.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy proven effective for treating trauma and PTSD. It uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or sounds) that help process traumatic memories. By rewiring how the brain stores trauma, EMDR reduces distress linked to PTSD. In a phased approach, it promotes healing without requiring detailed verbal recounting of events.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. By challenging distorted thinking (e.g., catastrophizing, self-blame) and adopting healthier coping strategies, CBT treats conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It’s goal-oriented, practical, and often effective in 12–20 sessions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a type of CBT that focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. Originally used for borderline personality disorder, it helps those with intense emotions, self-harm urges, or unstable relationships. DBT balances acceptance and change, using individual therapy, skills training, and coaching for crisis management.
Integrating Holistic Modalities in Veteran Rehab
To address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery, veteran rehab programs increasingly incorporate complementary holistic therapies alongside traditional treatments. These can help veterans heal trauma, manage stress, and rebuild a sense of purpose.
Why Holistic Integration Works for Veterans
By blending science-backed and experiential therapies, veteran rehab programs create a healing journey to help warriors transition from surviving to thriving.
- Complements traditional therapies (EMDR, CBT, DBT) by addressing trauma stored in the body.
- Empowers veterans with self-care tools for long-term recovery.
- Builds community through group activities (yoga classes, art workshops).
- Reduces reliance on medication by offering natural coping mechanisms.
Below are some key holistic approaches.
Yoga, Breathwork, and Meditation
Purpose: Regulate the nervous system, reduce hypervigilance, and improve emotional resilience.
Yoga: Combines physical postures (asanas), controlled breathing (pranayama), and mindfulness to release trauma stored in the body. Proven to reduce PTSD symptoms, chronic pain, and insomnia.
Breathwork: Techniques like box breathing (4-4-4-4) or diaphragmatic breathing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, calming fight-or-flight responses.
Meditation: Mindfulness and guided visualization help veterans detach from intrusive thoughts, improving focus and emotional stability.
Benefits: Lowers cortisol, enhances mood, and fosters mind-body awareness.
Nutrition
Purpose: Optimize physical health, stabilize mood, and support cognitive function.
Anti-inflammatory diets (rich in omega-3s, antioxidants) help with TBI recovery and depression.
Gut-brain connection: Probiotics and whole foods improve serotonin production, aiding anxiety and PTSD.
Hydration & nutrient timing: Ensures sustained energy and mental clarity.
Benefits: Reduces brain fog, improves sleep, and accelerates physical recovery.
Art Therapy for Emotional Expression
Purpose: Provide non-verbal outlets for trauma processing.
Visual art: (painting, drawing) helps veterans externalize emotions they can’t articulate.
Music therapy: (drumming, songwriting) fosters emotional release and camaraderie.
Journaling & poetry: Aid in reframing traumatic experiences.
Benefits: Reduces avoidance behaviors, enhances self-awareness, and promotes catharsis.
Nature-Based Therapies (Ecotherapy)
Purpose: Reconnect veterans with a sense of peace and purpose through nature.
Adventure therapy: (hiking, kayaking) builds confidence and teamwork.
Equine therapy: (horse grooming, riding) teaches emotional regulation and trust.
Forest bathing: (Shinrin-yoku) reduces stress hormones and improves mood.
Benefits: Combats isolation, restores circadian rhythms, and fosters resilience.
Why Holistic Care Matters for PTSD and Addiction
Holistic care for PTSD and addiction recognizes that trauma and substance use affect the mind, body, and spirit. Traditional therapies alone may not address chronic stress, emotional numbness, or biochemical imbalances.
Yoga and meditation regulate the nervous system; nutrition repairs brain chemistry; art therapy unlocks suppressed emotions; and nature-based healing restores connection.
By treating the whole person—not just symptoms—holistic approaches reduce relapse, improve resilience, and help veterans rediscover purpose, self-worth, and lasting recovery.
Choosing the Right Veteran Treatment Center
There are a number of things to look for when you choose a residential treatment center.
Look for VA-Certified and Veteran-Informed Care
VA-Certified and Veteran-Informed Care refers to healthcare services that meet strict U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) standards and are tailored to veterans’ unique needs.
VA-Certified: Programs are officially approved by the VA, ensuring they adhere to evidence-based practices, safety protocols, and quality benchmarks for treating service-related conditions (PTSD, TBI, chronic pain, etc.).
Veteran-Informed: Care is shaped by direct input from veterans, incorporating their lived experiences, cultural values (e.g., camaraderie, mission-driven mindset), and preferences into treatment design. This approach fosters trust and engagement.
Key Features:
- Trauma-informed therapies
- Peer support specialists (often veterans themselves)
- Seamless VA benefits integration
- Focus on military culture and reintegration challenges
This model ensures culturally competent, effective, and respectful care for those who served.
Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
Before enrolling in a veteran-focused addiction treatment center, ask these key questions to ensure the program meets your needs:
Program Credentials & Specialization
- Is the program VA-certified or affiliated with the VA?
- Does it specialize in military-related trauma (PTSD, TBI, moral injury) and addiction?
- Are staff trained in veteran-specific care (e.g., understanding military culture, combat stress)?
Treatment Approach
- What evidence-based therapies are offered (e.g., CBT, EMDR, DBT)?
- Are holistic therapies (yoga, equine therapy, mindfulness) available?
- How does the program address co-occurring disorders (PTSD + addiction)?
Veteran-Specific Support
- Are there peer support groups led by fellow veterans?
- Does the program offer family counseling for military families?
- Is there help with VA benefits/claims during or after treatment?
Practical Considerations
- What is the staff-to-patient ratio? Are clinicians experienced with veterans?
- Is medication-assisted treatment (MAT) available if needed?
- Are there vocational/reintegration services (job training, housing assistance)?
Aftercare & Success Metrics
- What long-term support is provided (alumni programs, sober housing)?
- What are the program’s success rates for veteran recovery?
- Can you connect me with veteran alumni for their perspective?
Asking these questions ensures the center aligns with military culture, clinical needs, and personal recovery goals.
Recovery at Miramar Health
Miramar Health is a veteran-owned and operated recovery program exclusively serving veterans. Our mission is to free veterans from America’s mental health and addiction crisis and to empower them to create a better future for themselves and their families.
We understand the complex nature of trauma and offer individualized treatment options that are specific to veterans. Take the first step to your recovery. You’re not alone. Reach out to our Admissions team today.
