They signed up to serve, to protect, to stand on the front lines for our nation’s ideals. They are our parents, siblings, children, and neighbors. They are our veterans. The courage required for military service is immense, but for many, an even more challenging battle begins after they return home—a silent, personal war fought against the invisible wounds of trauma, addiction, and mental health conditions. Addressing these struggles with compassion and specialized care is at the heart of true veteran wellness.
The statistics paint a stark picture of this need. Veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than their civilian counterparts, a tragic reality often intertwined with substance use and mental health challenges. More than one in 10 veterans are diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD), a rate slightly higher than the general population. At SoCal Detox, we believe that those who have sacrificed so much for our country deserve the highest level of care and unwavering support in their fight for recovery. It is not just our professional duty; it is our community’s moral imperative.
This is a story about a community coming together to honor that imperative. It is about a partnership dedicated to breaking down barriers, a commitment to providing specialized care, and a message of hope for every veteran who feels like they are fighting alone.
The Unseen Scars: Understanding the Link Between Military Service and Substance Use
To effectively support our veterans, we must first understand the unique challenges they face. The high prevalence of substance use in the veteran community is not a moral failing; it is often a direct consequence of the physical, mental, and emotional toll of military service. Addressing these issues is essential to advancing veteran wellness.
A primary factor is the profound link between trauma and substance use. For many service members, exposure to combat, life-threatening situations, or military sexual trauma can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Research shows that veterans with an SUD are three to four times more likely to also be diagnosed with PTSD.1 In many cases, alcohol or drugs become a way to self-medicate—a desperate attempt to numb the anxiety, silence the intrusive memories, or simply get through the night.1
This is compounded by other factors:
- Chronic Pain and Opioid Use: Service-related injuries are common, and for years, opioid painkillers were prescribed at an alarming rate. The number of pain medication prescriptions written by military physicians more than quadrupled from 2001 to 2009, placing a generation of service members at high risk for opioid dependence and addiction.6
- Military Culture: For decades, heavy alcohol consumption has been a culturally accepted norm within many branches of the military, used for socializing, stress relief, and bonding.6 While policies have changed, these ingrained behaviors can be difficult to leave behind and can escalate into alcohol use disorder after transitioning to civilian life.1
- Barriers to Seeking Help: Despite their courage on the battlefield, many veterans are hesitant to seek help for mental health or substance use issues. Stigma, confidentiality concerns, and the difficulty of navigating complex healthcare systems can prevent them from taking that critical first step.8
These factors create a complex web of co-occurring disorders where addiction and mental health conditions are deeply intertwined. Effective treatment cannot simply address the substance use; it must heal the underlying trauma that fuels it.
A Lifeline in Our Community: The Mission of CarePossible
In the face of these challenges, there are beacons of hope right here in our Southern California community. One of the brightest is CarePossible, a multi-award-winning nonprofit organization with a clear and powerful mission: to make mental health and addiction care possible for veterans, military families, and low-income families.9
Founded in 2013 by Randy Moraitis, who comes from a military family himself, CarePossible was born from a passion to solve a heartbreaking problem: countless individuals, desperate for help, were unable to receive it simply due to a lack of funds.9 The organization believes that because our veterans and their families sacrifice so much for us, they deserve the very best of care when they are in need.9
CarePossible turns this belief into action through a simple yet profound method. They raise funds and recruit behavioral health treatment scholarships from respected organizations, then distribute those scholarships to veterans in crisis.9 To date, their work has been nothing short of life-changing, providing
over $5,000,000 in mental health and addiction treatment services to our nation’s heroes.9 They bridge the gap between needing help and affording it, saving lives and families in the process.11
SoCal Detox Proudly Joins the Salute: Announcing Our Gold Sponsorship
The commitment shown by CarePossible is an inspiration, and it is with immense pride that SoCal Detox announces our role as a Gold Sponsor of (https://carepossible.org/salute-to-the-military/). This sponsorship reflects our belief that true veteran wellness requires both clinical care and community support. Together, we aim to ensure that no veteran feels left behind on their journey to recovery.
This incredible event is more than just a gala; it is a vital fundraiser that directly supports the life-saving work CarePossible does every day. The funds raised will provide free, professional therapy and addiction treatment to veterans and military families in crisis.12
Event Details:
- What: CarePossible’s 12th Annual Salute to the Military
- When: Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM 13
- Where: Marconi Automotive Museum, 1302 Industrial Drive, Tustin, CA 92780 13
- Why: To raise awareness and crucial funds for veterans’ behavioral healthcare.12
For SoCal Detox, this sponsorship is not a new direction but a reaffirmation of a long-standing commitment. For years, we have proudly provided detox scholarships to military veterans in need, working to ensure that cost is never a barrier to the first step of recovery. Our partnership with CarePossible and our sponsorship of this event allow us to deepen that commitment and stand with an organization that shares our core values.
More Than a Diagnosis: Why Specialized, Trauma-Informed Care is Essential
Supporting veterans effectively requires more than just good intentions; it requires a specialized clinical approach that acknowledges and addresses their unique experiences. This is why trauma-informed therapy is at the very heart of the care we provide at SoCal Detox.
Trauma-informed therapy is an approach where our entire team—from medical professionals to therapists—understands the widespread impact of trauma and recognizes the signs and symptoms in clients.15 It means creating an environment of physical and emotional safety, fostering trust, and ensuring that every aspect of the treatment plan is shaped with a sensitivity to past experiences, preventing re-traumatization.15
For a veteran struggling with the co-occurring challenges of PTSD and addiction, this approach is not just beneficial; it is essential. At SoCal Detox, this philosophy is integrated into our comprehensive model of care, which includes:
- 24/7 Medical Supervision: Our state-licensed facility provides around-the-clock medical monitoring to ensure a safe, comfortable, and medically managed detoxification process, which is the critical first step toward healing.17
- Integrated Medical and Psychiatric Care: We don’t just treat the addiction; we treat the whole person. Our team combines medical and mental health services to provide comprehensive support, addressing both the substance use and any underlying conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.17 This is the foundation of effective
dual diagnosis treatment. - A Serene and Healing Environment: Nestled in the beautiful coastal community of Laguna Beach, our facility offers a tranquil and rejuvenating setting.17 We believe that a peaceful environment, complemented by luxury amenities and holistic therapies like mindfulness and sound healing, is a vital component of recovery.17
This combination of clinical excellence and compassionate, specialized care is designed to meet veterans where they are and provide them with the tools they need to build a foundation for lasting recovery.
A Veteran Helping Veterans: A Familiar Face on Your Recovery Journey
We understand that one of the biggest barriers to seeking help is the fear of not being understood. The language, culture, and experiences of military life are unique, and it can be difficult to open up to someone who hasn’t walked a similar path.
That is why we are so proud to have Matthew Griffin, a U.S. Army Veteran, as a vital member of our compassionate and highly skilled team, serving as a Case Manager. Having a fellow veteran on staff is not a small detail; it is a cornerstone of our commitment. Matthew provides a level of peer support and understanding that can make all the difference. He speaks the language, he understands the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and he can connect with veteran clients in a way that immediately fosters trust and rapport.
When you begin your journey with us, you are not just getting care from a team of experts; you are getting guidance from someone who truly gets it. This is part of our promise to provide a safe, judgment-free space where healing can begin.19
Taking the First Step: How to Access Help and Support
The journey from active duty to civilian life, and from addiction to recovery, is one of the most courageous a person can undertake. If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran who is struggling, please know this: you are not alone, and help is available. Taking the first step is the hardest part, but it is also the most powerful.
Here are your next steps:
- If You Are in Immediate Crisis: Your life is valuable. Confidential help is available 24/7. Please contact the Veterans Crisis Line immediately.
- Dial 988 and select 1.20
- Text 838255.20
- Visit the (https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/substance-use-problems/) for more resources.22
- To Confidentially Explore Treatment Options: If you are ready to learn more about detox and recovery, our team is here to help. We provide a safe, discreet, and compassionate point of contact.
- Call our 24/7 helpline at (888) 590-0777.17
- Fill out our contact form and select “Veteran Assistance” to ensure you are connected with the right resources.23
- If You Are Concerned About Cost: Do not let financial concerns stop you from seeking life-saving care. Through our partnership with CarePossible and our own scholarship programs, financial support is available. The first step is a simple, confidential call to our admissions team. We can verify your insurance (we accept Tricare and most major PPO plans) and discuss all available options to make treatment accessible.19
Your journey to recovery is a testament to the same courage you showed in your service. At SoCal Detox, we are ready to honor that courage with the compassionate, expert care you deserve. Our team is here 24/7 to answer your call, listen without judgment, and help you navigate the path to healing.19 Don’t wait another day to reclaim your life. Take the first and most powerful step today.27
Honoring service means more than just saying “thank you.” It means ensuring that when our heroes come home, they have access to the resources they need to heal their visible and invisible wounds. Together with partners like CarePossible and other reputable organizations like the (https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/) and the (https://www.samhsa.gov/), SoCal Detox is committed to fulfilling that promise, one veteran at a time.24
Works cited
- Statistics on Veterans and Substance Abuse – veteranaddiction.org, accessed August 28, 2025, https://veteranaddiction.org/resources/veteran-statistics/
- Veteran and Military Mental Health Issues – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf, accessed August 28, 2025, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572092/
- Military Life and Substance Use | National Institute on Drug Abuse – NIDA.nih.gov, accessed August 28, 2025, https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/military-life-substance-use
- Military Life and Substance Use – OK I’M READY – Okimready.org, accessed August 28, 2025, https://okimready.org/article/military-life-and-substance-use/
- Addressing Substance Abuse Among Veterans: Understanding the Challenges and Promoting Recovery | New Origins, accessed August 28, 2025, https://neworigins.org/addressing-substance-abuse-among-veterans-understanding-the-challenges-and-promoting-recovery/
- Full article: Substance use disorders in military veterans: prevalence and treatment challenges – Taylor & Francis Online, accessed August 28, 2025, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/SAR.S116720
- Veteran Substance Abuse – Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment, accessed August 28, 2025, https://veteranaddiction.org/substances/
- U.S. Army: Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Among Veterans, accessed August 28, 2025, https://americanaddictioncenters.org/veterans/substance-abuse-army
- About – CarePossible, accessed August 28, 2025, https://carepossible.org/about/
- CarePossible: Home, accessed August 28, 2025, https://carepossible.org/
- CarePossible, Inc | Orange County Nonprofit Central, accessed August 28, 2025, https://www.ocnonprofitcentral.org/organizations/carepossible-inc
- Salute to the Military – CarePossible, accessed August 28, 2025, https://carepossible.org/salute-to-the-military/
- 12th Annual Salute to the Military Supporting CarePossible – Eventbrite, accessed August 28, 2025, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/12th-annual-salute-to-the-military-supporting-carepossible-tickets-1510940707329
- CarePossible’s 12th Annual Salute to the Military – Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, accessed August 28, 2025, https://lnchamber.com/lnevent/carepossibles-12th-annual-salute-to-the-military/
- Trauma Informed Therapy in Orange County – SoCal Detox, accessed August 28, 2025, https://www.socaldetox.com/therapy/trauma-informed-therapy/
- Addiction Treatment Program for Veterans and First Responders | Laguna, accessed August 28, 2025, https://lagunatreatment.com/detox-hospital-california/veterans-rehab-program/
- SoCal Detox – Orange County, CA Drug & Alcohol Detox Program, accessed August 28, 2025, https://www.socaldetox.com/
- Residential Addiction Treatment in Orange County – SoCal Detox, accessed August 28, 2025, https://www.socaldetox.com/program/residential-treatment-near-me/
- SoCal Detox, Treatment Center, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651 | Psychology Today, accessed August 28, 2025, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/treatment-rehab/socal-detox-laguna-beach-ca/1569469
- Get Help – VA Mental Health, accessed August 28, 2025, https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/gethelp.asp
- Veterans Crisis Line, accessed August 28, 2025, https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
- Substance Use Treatment For Veterans – VA.gov, accessed August 28, 2025, https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/substance-use-problems/
- Contact SoCal Detox | Laguna Beach Addiction Help, accessed August 28, 2025, https://www.socaldetox.com/contact-us/
- Bob Woodruff Foundation: Investing in the Next Chapter for Veterans, accessed August 28, 2025, https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/
- Home | SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, accessed August 28, 2025, https://www.samhsa.gov/
- Top 10 Best Veteran Nonprofit Organizations Making A Difference – Donorbox, accessed August 28, 2025, https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/veteran-nonprofit-organizations
- Drug and Alcohol Detox Santa Ana, California – Trust SoCal, accessed August 28, 2025, https://trustsocal.com/programs/drug-and-alcohol-detox-santa-ana-california/
