Georgia’s Military Veterans & Residential Addiction Treatment Program

Our team understands that returning to civilian life after being exposed to trauma, whether on the front line or in combat, can present complex challenges. For this reason, we offer a specialty track to meet the unique needs of first responders, veterans, and active-duty service members who are struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring concerns, like: 

• Combat-related stress 
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• The effects of trauma 
• Suicidal ideation 
• Self-harming behaviors 

The first responder and military track is offered as an add-on feature to our existing programs, which include a detox program, a residential program, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), and an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Clients in this specialty track receive focused services Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and take part in their regularly scheduled programming outside of these hours.  

Clients age 18 and older are eligible to participate in the military and first responder track on an as-needed basis. If you are a former or current member of the military or a first responder who may benefit from trauma-informed care, please contact our team today. We can explain how this track complements our existing programs and determine which level of care is right for you.  

We honor first responders and military personnel by providing them with the care they need to reclaim their lives and rediscover their inner strength and resilience. In our specialty track, clients can receive transformative emotional support while healing alongside others who understand what they’re going through. 

We understand that, for military members and first responders, establishing relationships with peers who are going through similar experiences can be invaluable, and we have designed our programming to promote social connectedness. The bulk of therapy in this track is done in a group setting, which allows clients to build camaraderie and fosters a sense of community. 

Clients can benefit from participating in a process group called “Seeking Safety: A PTSD Group for Veterans,” which is led by one of our trained clinicians who is also a former combat veteran.  

This group covers a variety of topics, including:  

• Safety 
• PTSD: taking back your power 
• Detaching from emotional pain  
• When substances control you 
• Asking for help 
• Taking good care of yourself 
• Compassion 
• Red and green flags 
• Honesty 
• Recovery thinking 
• Integrating the split self 
• Commitment 
• Creating meaning 
• Community resources 
• Setting boundaries in relationships 
• Discovery 
• Getting others to support your recovery 
• Coping with triggers 
• Respecting your time 
• Healthy relationships 
• Self-nurturing 
• Healing from anger 
• The life choices game 
• Termination 

Clients also have access to individual counseling sessions, which are led by our on-site clinicians who have specialized training in trauma therapies like advanced accelerated resolution therapy, accelerated resolution therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and brainspotting. We also offer trauma-focused breathwork, yoga, and fitness areas for clients who wish to participate in mindfulness or physical activities. 

As part of our comprehensive substance use disorder programming, we offer detailed aftercare plans to help our clients navigate the challenges of reintegrating into their professional and personal lives. Each client’s continuing care plan is tailored to reflect their needs and progress and may include referrals to local providers and support groups. 

At Blue Ridge Mountain Recovery Center in Ball Ground, Georgia, we are dedicated to providing clinically excellent care for those in need in our local community and the surrounding areas. Our clients can expect to receive the highest quality of services from professionals who genuinely care about their long-term well-being.  

Our team recognizes that no two individuals heal in the same way. For this reason, we provide personalized care plans that take into account each client’s career background, experiences, and specific needs. We get to know each client personally so that we can provide them with the support they need to achieve spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, social, and vocational wellness. By providing highly individualized care, we can help first responders, active-duty military members, and veterans get to the root cause of their struggles and build a strong foundation for better health.  

Our staff includes individuals who have military experience and a comprehensive understanding of the specific stressors and triggers that can lead to substance abuse within the military and first responder communities. Together, we provide compassionate care in a supportive environment where our clients can feel understood and respected and overcome challenges with courage and determination. 

In addition to an expert staff, our track for military members and first responders offers:  

• Integrated care: We utilize various therapeutic modalities to address the complex needs of military personnel, veterans, and first responders. Through a combination of trauma-informed care and transformative therapy sessions, clients can gain valuable insight into the underlying causes of substance abuse, change negative behavior patterns, and develop essential coping skills. 
• Holistic care: Clients can engage in activities, such as yoga and breathwork, to promote overall well-being and stress reduction. 
• Evidence-based practices: Trauma can have profound and lasting effects on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Fortunately, there are several evidence-based practices that have proved effective in treating the effects of trauma. At our facility, we incorporate research-backed therapies like CBT, DBT, and EMDR to help clients process past trauma and make meaningful progress toward healing. 
• Opportunities for education and skill-building: Clients can learn practical skills for managing disruptive symptoms, pinpointing triggers, improving communication, and fostering healthy relationships. 

If you or a loved one would like more information about the focused services we provide, we encourage you to call us today. Our team is available to help you anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We want to make sure that you have the answers you need to make an informed and confident decision about your health.  

At Blue Ridge Mountain Recovery Center, we offer substance use disorder treatment for United States military veterans who are seeking behavioral healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Navigating the VA system can sometimes be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.  

The team at Blue Ridge Mountain Recovery Center is here to provide guidance, resources, and support every step of the way. We can help you learn more about the resources that are available to you, such as: 

The Community Care Network (CCN): The CCN is a network of healthcare providers that work with the VA to ensure that veterans can receive timely access to high-quality care in their local communities. We are pleased to be part of this network, which allows veterans to seek behavioral healthcare services outside of the VA system. The CCN was established in 2018 to help veterans find the care they need without delay. With the VA’s development of the CCN, veterans can receive behavioral healthcare services at VA facilities as well as from authorized providers near them. 

Optum: Optum Public Sector Solutions Inc., also known as Optum, is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services, including specialized care for veterans. Optum is part of UnitedHealth Group and received a contract from the VA in 2018 to serve as the third-party administrator for three regions within the CCN. Through Optum’s veteran and military services, service members and veterans can access a wide range of resources and care, including counseling, therapy, medication management, and peer support programs. Our partnership with Optum helps ensure that veterans in our programs have access to the best possible care. 

If you have questions related to insurance coverage or the policies and procedures of the CCN and Optum, please reach out to our friendly admissions staff. We aim to provide veterans, active-duty military members, and eligible family members with the information and support they need.