For veterans, active military, and military family members, choosing a substance abuse and mental health treatment center is a critical decision. Often, time is of the essence if a loved one is in crisis.
And “getting it right” by finding a facility that understands military culture and the experiences of military members is key. Read on to learn more about how Miramar Health fulfills that promise.
Veterans and active military can take heart with the words of Miramar Health founder, Tom Sauer: “Not only are we Veteran owned and operated, but we are also focused exclusively on the unique needs of America’s Veterans under attack during our country’s addiction and mental health crisis. A substantial portion of our team consists of members from all services… We’ve been there.”
The Unique Struggles Veterans Face After Service
Veterans often face unique challenges after leaving military service. Many of these stem from their experiences during deployment, the transition to civilian life, and the loss of military camaraderie. Two of the most significant struggles are addiction and mental health disorders, which frequently overlap and worsen each other:
1. Mental Health Challenges
Many veterans struggle with psychological wounds that are less visible but just as debilitating as physical injuries. Common mental health issues include:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is triggered by combat exposure, traumatic events, or military sexual trauma (MST).
- Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and severe anxiety.
- Can lead to self-medication with drugs or alcohol to cope.
Depression and Anxiety
These mental health conditions develop due to isolation, survivor’s guilt, or difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Veterans may feel a loss of purpose after leaving the structured military environment. Financial instability, unemployment, and relationship strain worsen symptoms.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI is common among veterans exposed to explosions or combat injuries. It can cause mood swings, memory problems, and increased risk of addiction.
Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
MST affects both men and women, leading to PTSD, depression, and substance abuse. Many veterans do not report MST due to shame or fear of retaliation.
2. Addiction and Substance Abuse
Veterans are at high risk for drug and alcohol dependence due to:
Self-Medication
Many use alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines to numb PTSD symptoms, chronic pain, or depression. Prescription drug misuse is common due to pain from injuries sustained in service.
High Rates of Opioid Dependence
Many Veterans were initially prescribed opioids for combat-related injuries. Veterans are twice as likely as civilians to die from opioid overdoses according to VA studies. The mortality rate for drug-related overdose amongst U.S. veterans increased by 53.2% between 2010 and 2019; 93.4% of those deaths were due to opioids [1].
Alcohol Abuse
Military culture often normalizes heavy drinking as a coping mechanism, but this can lead to liver disease, aggression, and suicide risk.
Barriers to Treatment
- Stigma affects Veterans due to a fear of being seen as “weak”, preventing many from seeking help.
- Lack of access affects rural veterans or those without VA benefits who struggle to find care.
- Co-occurring Disorders are when someone struggles with addiction and with a mental health condition. Treating addiction is harder when combined with PTSD or depression.
3. Other Unique Struggles
- Homelessness: Only 7% of the general population can claim veteran status, but nearly 13% of the homeless adult population are veterans [2]. Homelessness among veterans is often due to mental illness, addiction, or joblessness.
- Suicide Risk: Veterans account for a disproportionate number of suicides (about 17 per day in the U.S.). In 2022, there were 6,407 suicides among Veterans. [3]
- Relationship Strain: PTSD and addiction can lead to divorce, domestic violence, and social withdrawal.
- Limited access to Veteran-specific, military-culture-informed care.
How to Help Veterans Struggling with These Issues
- Encourage VA & Community Resources: The VA offers mental health services, addiction treatment, and housing programs.
- Peer Support: Veteran support groups (like Wounded Warrior Project, Team Rubicon) provide camaraderie.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Specialized therapy (such as EMDR, CBT, or prolonged exposure therapy) helps PTSD.
- Alternative Treatments: Service dogs, equine therapy, and mindfulness can supplement traditional care.
Veterans face a complex web of challenges after service, with mental health and addiction often intertwined. Breaking the stigma and improving accessible, veteran-specific care is key to helping them heal.
What Makes Miramar Health Different
Miramar is a Veteran-owned and operated treatment facility for addictions and mental health. We are exclusively focused on serving Veterans, active military, and military family members.
Our team understands military trauma, combat stress, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, ensuring specialized, trauma-informed care for those who have served. Here’s what sets us apart:
For Veterans and Active Military
- A rehab program that understands military trauma, PTSD, and addiction, as well as military culture
- Peer-supported environment with fellow veterans
- Evidence-based therapies including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), and holistic healing approaches
- VA-covered treatment or TRICARE-approved services
For Military Family Members (TRICARE Users):
- Accessible, insurance-covered treatment for substance abuse or mental health struggles
- A supportive, family-inclusive environment that acknowledges military-related stressors
- A program you can trust with proven success among military families and dependents
A Rehab Experience Built for Veterans
At Miramar we focus on military-related mental health challenges, incorporating family involvement, relapse prevention, and long-term reintegration planning to ensure sustainable recovery.
Evidence-Based, Trauma-Informed, Holistic Approach
No two recovery journeys are the same, and our clinical services reflect that. We offer a full continuum of care with evidence-based therapies, including:
- EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy is a structured approach that helps veterans process trauma using guided eye movements. It reduces PTSD symptoms by rewiring traumatic memories, making them less distressing. Effective for combat trauma, MST, and anxiety. Delivered in 6-20 sessions, the VA and many therapists use EMDR as a short-term therapy, often showing improvement in 3 to 6 sessions [4]
- CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a short-term, evidence-based treatment that helps veterans identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It’s effective for PTSD, depression, and anxiety by teaching coping skills to manage symptoms and improve emotional regulation.
- DBT: Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a type of CBT that focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. Originally for borderline personality disorder, it helps veterans with PTSD, self-harm, and addiction by balancing acceptance and change strategies.
- Holistic modalities: Yoga, mindfulness, and fitness programs are all an essential part of our care program, helping to manage stress and achieve inner balance and peace.
- The Social Model: This approach addresses and eradicates barriers that prevent veterans from participating in society and living independently. Miramar Health’s Residential Program is built to help veterans: 1) become proactive toward building a safe network, 2) identify healthy interests, and 3) prepare to launch back into life absent of substance abuse and addiction.
- Relapse Prevention: Our trained team will work with you to identify triggers and develop strategies to deal with cravings. Together with you, we’ll create an aftercare plan so you are best equipped to manage your sober life.
Peer Support and Shared Military Bonds
Peer support leverages shared military bonds to develop trust and understanding among veterans. Connecting over common experiences reduces isolation, promotes healing, and encourages seeking help for PTSD, addiction, and reintegration struggles in a relatable, stigma-free environment.
Respect, Dignity, and Purpose-Driven Recovery
Respect and dignity are foundational in veteran recovery, honoring their service while restoring purpose. Personalized, strengths-based care—through meaningful goals, community roles, and peer connections—empowers veterans to rebuild identity beyond trauma or addiction, fostering lasting resilience.
Covered by VA: How It Works
As a Veterans-exclusive facility, we have established military insurance coverage.
VA Benefits Accepted
Miramar Health accepts TRICARE and VA benefits as well as most commercial insurance policies, making treatment financially accessible to Veterans, active-duty service members, and military families.
Simple Admission Process for Veterans and Families
It all starts with a call or text. With a brief phone call, one of our treatment specialists can guide you or a loved one through the brief and confidential admission process. We’ll answer all of your questions and gain a better understanding of your personal situation to confirm that we’re the right program for you.
You and any loved ones are invited to virtually tour our facility and meet with our Program Director to get a first-hand look at our accommodations and better understand our program. Then we’ll arrange a start date, verify your benefits with your insurance provider for reimbursement, and make payment arrangements.
Ending the Stigma Around Veterans and Addiction
Breaking the stigma around veterans with addiction and mental health conditions starts with open dialogue, education, and compassion. By normalizing help-seeking and highlighting recovery stories, Miramar Health honors their service while empowering them to heal—without shame or judgment.
Creating Structure and Peace Post-Service
Transitioning to civilian life requires rebuilding structure. Veterans thrive with routines, clear goals, and purpose—whether through work, hobbies, or service. Stability reduces anxiety, replaces chaos with calm, and fosters a peaceful, fulfilling post-military life.
Miramar: A Safe Space to Talk and Heal
A safe space offers veterans judgment-free support to share struggles and process trauma with fellow veterans, active military, and their families. Through trust, empathy, and shared understanding, healing begins—helping them reclaim their story, find hope, and rebuild resilience beyond service.
Testimonials: Real Stories from Veterans in Recovery
Our former clients tell the story:
The Miramar Treatment Program was a life-changing experience for me. To be able to heal in such a beautiful environment, with such a terrific treatment team, was so amazingly positive. —Terri
Miramar’s Integrative program is truly amazing. I’ve never had more clarity or more good energy in my entire life. —Lauren
The program has given me the tools I needed to turn my life around and most importantly, how to live, happily and free from addiction. —Bill
Confidential Help Is One Call Away 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.
Sources
[1] Stevens-Ward, K. Improving Treatment Access for Veterans with Opioid Use Disorder. Johns Hopkins Public Health.
[2] Veteran Homelessness. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV).
[3] Miller, M. 2024. VA releases 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. VA News.
[4] Norman, S. et al. Overview of Psychotherapy for PTSD. US Department of Veterans Affairs. National Center for PTSD.
