Honoring Veterans in Recovery
In Monroe, Louisiana, recovery advocates, clinicians, and community leaders are preparing for the 2025 Opioid Summit, an event focused on a unique and often overlooked group: veterans. The summit, themed “From Service to Support: Healing Veterans and Communities from the Opioid Crisis,” will shine a spotlight on the struggles veterans face with addiction and the innovative ways communities can help.
Why Veterans Are at Higher Risk
Veterans are at particularly high risk for substance use disorders. Many return from service with physical injuries, chronic pain, or severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prescription opioids are often introduced for pain management, but misuse can quickly spiral into dependency. Combined with the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, these factors create a dangerous mix that leaves veterans especially vulnerable.
Summit Goals and Sessions
The summit aims to address these realities head-on. Sessions will feature veterans sharing their personal recovery stories alongside experts in trauma-informed care and addiction medicine. Topics include integrating peer mentoring into treatment, the role of family support, and new models of care tailored for veterans. By giving veterans a platform to speak about their struggles and successes, the summit reframes addiction not as a personal failure but as a public health issue tied to service and sacrifice.
The Power of Peer Support
One of the highlights will be workshops on peer-to-peer recovery. Research shows that veterans often respond more positively to support from other veterans who understand their experiences. The summit will spotlight programs that train veterans in recovery to serve as mentors, offering guidance and accountability to others just beginning their journey.
Policy and Funding Needs
The event is also expected to tackle policy. With Louisiana receiving millions in opioid settlement funds, advocates are calling for more investment in veteran-specific services, including sober housing, specialized counseling, and easier access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Many argue that funding must go beyond emergency responses and instead build long-term infrastructure to support sustainable recovery.
Supporting Families
For families of veterans, the summit offers practical guidance. Other sessions will provide resources on navigating VA benefits, connecting with local recovery networks, and recognizing signs of relapse. By equipping families with tools and knowledge, the summit hopes to strengthen the support systems veterans rely on after treatment.
Building Community
At its heart, the summit is about community. Addiction isolates, but recovery is built on connection. By bringing together veterans, clinicians, advocates, and families, the Monroe gathering underscores the idea that healing is not only possible but most powerful when done together.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Opioid Summit will not solve the crisis overnight. But by honoring veterans’ experiences and promoting tailored recovery strategies, it may spark lasting change. It’s a reminder that those who once served their country deserve to be served with compassion and care in return.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery Center. With 15 beautiful addiction treatment centers across 7 states, recovery has never been closer to home.
You can find your way home today!