Veterans celebrate sobriety at Gainesville VA Mental Health Clinic

One aspect of that care is the services provided by the Substance Abuse Treatment Team (SATT) at the 34th St. VA Mental Health Clinic in Gainesville. 

The SATT recently hosted an alumni event at the 34th St. Clinic for Veterans who were once struggling with substance abuse disorders but have remained sober for months, years and even one Veteran who has maintained his sobriety for more than 18 years. These alumni were able to gather with those currently in treatment for substance use and share their successes and provide hope and inspiration.

Statistics show that more than 80%, or nearly 900,000 Veterans abuse alcohol. 27% of Veterans abuse illegal drugs while at least 7% abuse both. The SATT has been able to reach and successfully provide treatment and care to countless Veterans suffering from substance use disorders throughout the Gainesville area.

There are countless contributors to a Veterans decline into substance use disorders. Some influencers that drive Veterans into substance abuse include mental health disorders due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain or physical health issues developed from combat deployments. Additionally, a large population of Veterans suffering from substance abuse have experienced other trauma while serving due to the culture, both in the service and in the civilian world, as well as homelessness and higher risks of suicide.

Substance Abuse Treatment at the 34th St. Clinic have developed multiple programs to assist Veterans with the treatment they need icluding group therapy sessions such as trauma groups, various models for recovery to include 12 step, SMART recovery/cognitive behavioral therapy, and spirituality; as well as peer support led groups.

“We have Groups every day from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M., with three groups per day for a total of 15 groups per week,” said Shanti Cruz, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at NF/SG VHS. “We offer medication assisted treatment, PTSD individual and group therapy sessions that provide a wide range of care for our Veterans suffering from substance abuse disorders.”

Once a Veteran is connected with the SATT after an appointment with their provider, these therapy groups along with all of the treatment options are readily available to assist the Veteran.  The 34th St. Clinic has implemented these treatments as they have been proven to be the most effective at treating substance abuse disorders.

The SATT alumni event on Aug. 19, 2023, is another method to not only provide Veterans with the ability to meet fellow Veterans battling substance abuse, but it also further validates that the treatment is working and is beneficial. Each of the Veterans present at the events are able to connect and celebrate each other’s successes, while continuing to build the foundation for sobriety, camaraderie, and compassion.

The Mental Health Clinic continues to make long strides in innovating the mental health and substance abuse care as the NF/SG VHS provides our Veterans an outlet of progress, positivity, and achievement. This alumni event is an illustration of delivering outstanding mental health treatment to Veterans through its consistent and caring approach at the Gainesville Mental Health Clinic.

For more information on the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, please visit https://www.va.gov/north-florida-health-care/locations/malcom-randall-department-of-veterans-affairs-medical-center/.