David Burke LAADC-CA / ICADC | Prairie Francia RADC | Brian Gilbert, Wellness for Warriors Program
Aug 8, 2024 | David Burke, Chief Marketing Officer of Sierra Health + Wellness, teamed up with Prairie Francia, Community Care Liaison at Elijah House Foundation, to discuss how veterans can be helped to overcome addiction at NASWA Veterans Conference.
The NASWA Veterans Conference focused on “Serving Those Who Served,” and featured learning opportunities for staff from state workforce agencies and partner organizations who serve veterans and transitioning service members.
David Burke was a keynote speaker, presenting:
“How to Talk to a Veteran in Crisis: Early Intervention to Provide Access to Treatment”.
Life Beyond Addiction for Our Veterans
How to Talk to a Veteran in Crisis:
Early Intervention to Provide Access to Treatment
PRESENTERS:
David Burke, Chief Marketing Officer of Sierra Health + Wellness
Prairie Francia, Community Care Liaison at Elijah House Foundation,
· How to identify risk factors they might have for addiction and build avoidance strategies for relapse prevention.
· Continuity of care and working with national resources to help support our veterans in long-term treatment.
· The critical importance of providing a full continuum of care during treatment;
· How to engage veterans in conversations about addiction treatment;
· And how to be a steadfast peer support and advocate throughout their journey.
Sierra Health + Wellness
Wellness for Warriors Program
• As a part of Sierra Health + Wellness programs in Nevada and Northern California – individual mental health therapy is now available in the Sacramento location and via Virtual IOP.
• Primary mental health care is customized for the needs of each individual.
• We treat Veterans, 1st Responders, Licensed Professionals and Individuals.
• Issues treated include trauma, PTSD, substance abuse, stress management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss and more.
David Burke
LAADC-CA / ICADC
David Burke LAADC-CA / ICADC – is the CMO at Sierra Health + Wellness. He is a dedicated advocate for substance abuse awareness and treatment. David’s new project is Aspen Intervention Wellness Center. He provides interventions, recovery coaching, and holistic evidence-based treatment for alcohol and drug abuse.
Contact David
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NASWA Veterans Conference August 7-9, 2024
Veteran Substance Abuse and PTSD Treatment
Approximately 1.1 million veterans meet criteria for substance use disorders (SUDs) with 1 in 4 struggling with illicit drugs, 4 in 5 struggling with alcohol use, and 1 in 13 struggling with both.
Many of the men and women who have selflessly served their country turn to drugs and alcohol to numb the physical and psychological pain from the challenges they faced in the service. Consequently, substance abuse among veterans affects over 1 million.
Professional rehab for veterans in California is not just a necessity; it’s a solemn obligation.
Those who have served deserve comprehensive and compassionate veterans programs to help them conquer addiction and reclaim peace in their lives.
Why Veterans Need Rehab
Veterans often require rehabilitation services to address various physical, psychological, and social challenges they may face post-service. These individuals have made sacrifices in the line of duty, and their well-being is a must to ensure their successful reintegration into civilian life.
Rehabilitation programs tailored specifically for veterans offer comprehensive support to improve their quality of life and facilitate a sober transition into civilian life.
There are several reasons why a veteran might need rehab, including:
- Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD): Substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs, can be a coping mechanism for some veterans dealing with trauma or adjusting to civilian life. Rehabilitation programs offer interventions to overcome addiction and provide alternative coping strategies.
- Dual Diagnosis: Many veterans may struggle with dual diagnosis (also called co-occurring disorders), such as substance abuse and mental health issues, requiring specialized treatment to address both conditions simultaneously.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a common mental health concern among veterans, stemming from exposure to traumatic events during service. Rehabilitating individuals with PTSD involves various therapeutic approaches to manage symptoms, improve coping skills, and enhance overall well-being.
- Combat-related injuries: This includes amputations, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and spinal cord injuries, often require rehabilitation to regain functionality, mobility, and independence. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized medical care are integral to this rehabilitation process.
- Trauma Brain Injury (TBI): TBI is prevalent among veterans due to exposure to explosions and other combat-related incidents. Rehabilitating individuals with TBI focuses on cognitive rehabilitation, vocational training, and assistance with activities of daily living to optimize functioning and mitigate long-term effects.
By addressing veteran unique needs through specialized veterans programs, those who have served can receive the support necessary to overcome challenges and thrive in civilian life.
