At Boca Recovery Center in Galloway, New Jersey we provide evidence based care with a low staff to client ratio to meet the unique needs of our nation's heroes. Our specialized veteran's drug rehab program is designed so you get the attention and support you deserve. We’re located in a diverse community where we provide premium care and luxurious amenities to create a unique veterans rehabilitation center you can trust.
Through our comprehensive approach to veterans addiction treatment in New Jersey, including safe detox for veterans and compassionate rehab for veterans in New Jersey, we help each individual begin recovery with dignity and lasting support.
Understanding Mental Health and Substance Abuse in Veterans
Understanding the link between mental health in veterans and substance abuse is crucial to providing effective support and care. Many veterans have experienced a range of challenging and traumatic events during their service. These can trigger mental health disorders like post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.
The stress of deployment coupled with military culture can increase the risk of developing substance use disorders. Transitioning from military to civilian life can exacerbate issues and increase feelings of isolation and lack of purpose. Individuals searching for “veterans rehab near me” need a safe and supportive place to turn and that’s where we come in.
This can intensify anxiety and depression and lead to efforts to self medicate or manage stress using drugs and alcohol. One report shows that veterans with a substance use disorder are up to four times more likely to be diagnosed with depression and the reverse is also true. Up to 93% of veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and were later diagnosed with a substance use disorder had at least one co-occurring mental health condition.
The number of veterans experiencing PTSD is slightly more than the general population. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that 7% of veterans are diagnosed with PTSD over a lifetime compared to 6% of the general population.
PTSD has a bidirectional effect on addiction in veterans. The VA also shows that more than 20% of veterans diagnosed with PTSD also have a substance use disorder. In addition almost one out of every three veterans who seek addiction treatment also has PTSD. Binge drinking and alcohol problems are also associated with this condition.
Opioid Use & Abuse in Veterans
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse nearly half of all military personnel believe that seeking help for mental health issues, including substance abuse, would negatively influence their military career.
Reports of drug use in active duty personnel are fewer than in civilians, yet the NIDA reports that the percentage of veterans in the VA system using opioids was 24% in 2009 and 21% in 2016. Veterans were also more likely to report excessive alcohol use. Many also struggle with opioid and stimulant misuse, making specialized care options like Heroin Addiction Treatment in New Jersey, Fentanyl Rehab in New Jersey, and Meth Addiction Rehab in New Jersey essential for long-term recovery.
In 2022, a study showed that U.S. military veterans were heavily impacted by the opioid crisis, with overdose mortality increasing by 53% from 2010 to 2019. Addressing the rising number of drug overdose deaths in the veteran population requires meeting their unique needs as well as providing accessible and holistic solutions that recognize the complex set of causes contributing to opioid overdose risk for veterans. Programs like Boca Recovery Center’s Benzo Addiction Rehab in New Jersey and Cocaine Addiction Rehab Center in New Jersey further extend vital support for co-occurring substance use challenges.
Our veterans rehab in New Jersey is designed to address the unique challenges former military personnel face. This specialized program recognizes and addresses the complex relationship between combat stressors and substance use disorders. These are secondary issues unique to veterans which we include in an individualized treatment program.
The level of care required for military drug rehab is not specific to the population but rather to the severity of your addiction. Inpatient and residential care provide a structured environment where you get round the clock supervision.
Our substance abuse treatment center for veterans also provides several levels of outpatient care. This begins with the most intensive Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) which is similar to residential treatment but allows you to return home in the evenings.
An intensive outpatient program provides a rigorous schedule but with less intensity than a PHP and traditional outpatient treatment is also a possibility. Effective approaches for veterans who experience a substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health condition include cognitive behavioral therapy.
This therapy helps veterans identify negative thoughts and behaviors to develop healthier coping mechanisms. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is particularly useful for PTSD because it helps veterans process and integrate traumatic memories.
Holistic approaches address the whole person to improve overall wellbeing. These can include nutrition, exercise, meditation and nature therapy. These are often used in conjunction with other evidence based traditional therapies in a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment.
Veterans may respond well to peer support groups because of the supportive community they offer. Trauma informed care acknowledges the combat related trauma that many veterans have experienced and uses approaches to address the underlying trauma.
Stephanie is originally from Boca Raton, FL where she graduated from Broward College and City College to pursue her passion as a registered nurse. Stephanie has been a director of nursing for the last 6 years in the mental health and substance abuse field. Prior to that she was a registered nurse at Baptist Health Bethesda Hospital where she began building her nursing foundation.
Stephanie has opened and maintained several dual diagnosis facilities in the South Florida area and understands the unique dynamic between the medical and administrative duties as the Chief Nursing Officer. Some of these duties she excels in are creating and implementing systems and procedures to comply with the most up-to-date federal and state compliance. Stephanie has demonstrated expertise in overall operations with the medical and nursing components of treatment in both our Florida and New Jersey locations. Stephanie's approach in providing nursing care continues to be that no matter what the client is here for, WE are here to help. Her goal as Chief Nursing Officer with Boca Recovery Center is to provide a collaborative comprehensive approach to client-centered care for the best client outcomes.
Casey Hiltner was born and raised in Margate, New Jersey, and moved to South Florida after reaching out to his childhood friend, Chris Ferry, for help with his addiction. With Chris’ support and encouragement, Casey found sobriety and remained in South Florida, and soon he began working for Chris as Boca Recovery Center was in its initial stages of development.
Now, with several solid years of recovery under his belt, Casey has been working for Boca Recovery Center in their Admissions Department in various positions. For the past 2 years, Casey has taken a leadership role as the Director of Community Outreach, and he is excited to be relocating home to New Jersey, where he will continue in his role of Outreach at our Galloway, New Jersey
facility.
Blake was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He moved to New Jersey in January 2023, specifically to take on his role of Director of Operations for Boca Recovery Center in Galloway. Blake has been working in substance use disorder treatment for the past 4 years. He began his career in treatment in California, holding various positions including Behavioral Health Technician, Insurance Collections, Administration, and Program Director. Blake has been in recovery since 2019 and credits his ongoing sobriety to finding a spiritual way of living through the 12 steps. When he is not working, Blake enjoys time with his family, and spending time with his two young daughters.
Tara was born and raised in New Jersey. After graduating from high school, Tara joined the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic. After a car accident in 2003, Tara was prescribed opioid medication and spent the next 8 years struggling with addiction. In 2013, Tara began working in substance use treatment as a behavioral health technician and made the decision to return to school. Tara received her CADC and associate degree simultaneously and went on to complete her bachelor’s degree and then master’s degree in social work. In December 2022, Tara joined the team at Boca Recovery Center in Galloway as a Primary Therapist, and her leadership skills and passion for her work resulted in her taking the role of Supervisor of Counseling Services in September 2023. In her spare time, Tara can be found providing service to her recovery community, helping to carry the message of recovery. Tara also loves being outdoors and can often be found on hiking trails. Tara also has a strong love for Shark Week, calling it “my favorite time of the year.”
What to Expect
Veterans require specific care in substance use addiction treatment to meet their unique needs. They often face complex challenges because of military experiences. Here's what you can expect from our veteran's rehab program in New Jersey:
Programs also provide social support including peer support groups that engage veterans to meet their unique needs. Our treatment programs include medication assisted treatment (MAT) to reduce the discomfort associated with withdrawal.
MAT also helps to ease cravings during therapy and reduces the potential for relapse. Our MAT programs are available for veterans experiencing opioid and alcohol dependency. These programs may be short term or long term depending on your needs.
Our inpatient or residential treatment program provides the opportunity to receive substance use disorder treatment in a safe environment where you are not exposed to addiction triggers. You can fully focus on your military rehab program in safe and relaxed surroundings.
At Boca Recovery Center in Galloway you can expect luxurious surroundings that include semi-private or private rooms, a community lounge, a game room and a media room. We offer amenities that also care for your physical health including gourmet food, recreational activities and a fitness center.
Insurance & Payment Options
We are committed to providing you with the necessary tools for mental and physical healing from addiction. This includes supporting you as you research the cost of care. We work closely with the VA Community Care Network and can help you understand your coverage. You can also contact us for help with verifying insurance benefits. Call us today to learn more about our veterans recovery program in New Jersey.
“For 15 years, I had been trapped in an addiction to alcohol. ... I needed alcohol just to function, and my withdrawals had become so severe that I knew I could not safely quit on my own.”
At Boca
“When I arrived, three incredibly kind and compassionate staff members immediately helped me through the withdrawals I was experiencing. Within a few hours, I was already feeling better.”
Today
“My life since leaving Boca has been the best it has been in 20 years.”