The Connections app from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is carving a vital niche by providing specialized addiction recovery resources tailored for veterans. Launched in the previous year, the app aims to deliver 24/7 support for individuals battling addiction and those seeking recovery. Developed by CHESS Health, the app encompasses a range of features, including peer support, recovery tracking, educational videos, and practical worksheets. Let’s delve deeper into how this groundbreaking resource is making a difference for veterans in North Carolina.
### Introduction to the Connections App
The Connections app, which is free for North Carolina residents, can be accessed by filling out a straightforward self-sign-up form. Upon submission, users receive a text message containing a download link. Scott Kelley, Marketing Manager for CHESS Health, emphasizes the significance of accessible support at crucial moments, stating that having immediate, free access to connect with others is incredibly important for recovery.
### Focus on Veterans
While the app initially included resources for veterans, such as dedicated communities and trauma-related meetings, it has recently expanded its library. This enhancement aims to address the unique challenges faced by veterans. The new content includes targeted articles, videos, and worksheets, focusing explicitly on issues pertinent to veterans’ recovery journeys.
CHESS Health is set to offer a training session for health providers and veteran groups through the app. The National Association for Addiction Professionals has approved this training, which will occur on November 6 at 1 p.m. Sessions tailored for veteran groups will also be available, led by veteran consultant Garret Biss on November 10 at both 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Biss’s approach revolves around empowering veterans by enabling them to leverage their strengths. He stresses that the app’s interventions are directed toward assisting individuals who have experienced traumatic transitions in recognizing their worth and reconnecting with their identity after service.
### Understanding Substance Use Among Veterans
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that nearly 11 percent of veterans visiting a Department of Veterans Affairs facility for the first time meet the criteria for a substance use disorder. Factors contributing to this high percentage often relate to unique patterns of trauma and mental health challenges veterans face, which are frequently multifaceted and do not always stem from a single event.
Biss advocates for a deeper understanding of veterans’ journeys into substance use, asserting that comprehending these experiences is crucial for offering meaningful support. His insights bring to light the nuanced relationship between mental health and substance use in this population, which often requires specialized treatment approaches.
### Stigma and Access to Help
Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, highlights a pervasive stigma surrounding veteran mental health. This stigma can deter veterans from seeking the assistance and support they desperately need. The anonymity offered by the Connections app, coupled with dedicated peer support resources, empowers veterans to engage in recovery without fear of judgment.
Crosbie notes that veterans on the app can provide insights and support to others who have shared similar experiences, creating a community of understanding and encouragement. This mutual support system is increasingly vital in a society where stigma often complicates access to care.
### Complementary Initiatives: Ask Me NC
In addition to the Connections app, NCDHHS has launched an initiative titled Ask Me NC, designed to encourage health providers and service workers to inquire about military service when engaging with clients. This approach seeks to reduce stigma and facilitate access to necessary services for veterans and their families.
Expressive art therapist Alexandra Giacona from UNC’s Transforming Health and Resilience in Veterans program stresses the importance of normalizing the struggles faced by those who have served. Transitioning out of a military career can expose veterans to numerous challenges that require comprehensive support, whether physical, mental, or emotional.
### Community Awareness and Support
The introduction of the Connections app represents a significant step in changing the conversation around veterans and addiction. Biss, reflecting on his own struggles, expresses hope that initiatives like this will begin to shift perceptions and foster a supportive environment for veterans in distress.
The app not only provides a comprehensive suite of resources but also acts as a beacon of hope for veterans grappling with addiction. By creating an accessible platform where veterans can connect, share experiences, and access essential tools for recovery, the NCDHHS is addressing a critical gap in support services.
### Conclusion
In summary, the Connections app is a commendable initiative aimed at aiding veterans in their recovery from addiction. By offering peer support and resources specifically designed for this population, the app aligns with the broader goal of destigmatizing mental health issues among veterans. Initiatives like Ask Me NC further complement this effort, fostering an environment of awareness and understanding.
As veterans navigate the complexities of recovery, the Connections app serves as both a practical tool and a supportive community. It underscores the importance of empathetic engagement and the value of tailored resources in addressing the unique needs of those who have served. Continued efforts to improve access to care and reduce stigma will be essential in ensuring that veterans receive the support they deserve on their journey to recovery.
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