Honoring Our Heroes & Their Families

This November, we celebrate National Veterans and Military Families Month, a time to honor the brave men and women who have served our country, and their families who stand strong behind them. Their sacrifices have protected our freedoms and shaped our nation’s history.

Beyond parades and ceremonies, this month is a call to action. It’s a reminder to show our appreciation for Veterans and military families, not just in November, but throughout the year.

Here are some ways organizations are supporting this important group:

Increased Awareness: The Department of Defense (DOD) dedicates resources to raising awareness of the unique challenges faced by Veterans and military families through campaigns and events. For example, the DOD recently launched the Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families initiative to help this group better afford basic needs, make moves easier, provide added support to families, and expand spousal employment.

Improved Access to Resources: Military OneSource, a comprehensive resource for military members and their families, provides information, counseling, and support on a wide range of topics, from career development to childcare. Many of these resources also work to foster healthy relationships and connections.

Mental Health Programs: Organizations across Florida are dedicated to providing mental health services to combat the disproportionate rates of mental illness faced by Veterans. Statistically speaking, Veterans have higher rates of suicide than non-veterans. An estimated 17 Veterans die by suicide every day, and suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Vets under age 45.

Educational Opportunities: Educational institutions are offering scholarships and targeted programs for Veterans and their families.

A Path to Recovery for Veterans and Military Families

While we celebrate their contributions, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges many Veterans and military families face, including addiction. Substance use and misuse can affect anyone, regardless of their background, and Veterans and military families are not immune.

According to data from 2022, an estimated 3.6 million Veterans aged 18 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD), and nearly half (49.4 percent) of all Veterans between the ages of 18–25 had either a SUD or another form of mental illness.

Research also shows that Veterans with mental illness are twice as likely as those without mental illness to misuse illicit drugs.

Addiction Treatment for Veterans Near Tampa

River Oaks Treatment Center is a VA Center of Excellence, providing effective, evidence-based addiction treatment for Veterans and military families.

Our Salute to Recovery program addresses the unique needs of this community, helping them overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. We understand the challenges faced by those who have served and offer programs that are:

• Trauma-Informed: Our staff is trained to understand the impact of trauma on addiction and recovery.
• Supportive and Respectful: We create a safe and welcoming environment where Veterans and military families can heal.
• Family-Centered: We believe that involving families in the recovery process is essential for long-term success.

At River Oaks, we also have different resources on how to help a family member with addiction and specialize in the treatment of co-occurring mental health disorders.

Don’t Wait. Get Help Today.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, know that you’re not alone and professional treatment can help. Our inpatient rehab near Tampa offers different levels of addiction treatment, including inpatient and outpatient programs, as well as aftercare services to ensure long-term recovery.

Call us at to learn more about our Veterans program and start treatment today. Together, we can heal the wounds of war, one person at a time.