Veterans and active duty service members often enter our program feeling misunderstood, lost and without hope. They may have a substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. This can cause struggles in their relationships, at work, or in navigating their appointments and services with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). That’s why we are proud to provide the Stars & Stripes program at ARC that’s specifically designed to help these individuals heal and reintegrate into their communities.

ARC is a boutique treatment center, providing a safe and confidential environment for those seeking help. Our 18-bed facility allows us to give patients a high level of care at any given time. Our small size creates a sense of camaraderie among our veteran and active duty patients, creating a space where they are more likely to connect on their experiences.

By working extensively with those who have military backgrounds, our team at ARC has developed exceptional skills around healing trauma, PTSD and other conditions. We are well-versed in the military experience and prepared to guide, help and treat them in accordance with the unique needs of this community.

Going to treatment may make a veteran feel a step away from the VA, but not at ARC. Our program is designed to bridge the gap by working directly with the VA. We help our patients navigate this system while they are in our care, providing transportation for our veterans directly to the VA corporate office in Los Angeles. We sit with them while they wait for appointments and make sure they receive the services that they need.

Brought in exclusively for the Stars & Stripes program at ARC, our transcendental meditation (TM) facilitators lead patients to find inner peace within themselves underneath the “noise” of PTSD, addiction, depression and other conditions. Different from cognitive-based therapies or mindfulness meditation, TM works on a neuro-physiological level, bringing rest to the body. This rest resolves stress that a normal amount of sleep cannot, reducing stress levels and increasing resilience to stress that does arise in the future.

TM has been shown to be effective for decreasing symptoms of:

• PTSD
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance use
• Insomnia
• Pain
• High blood pressure

Patients report that TM has improved their experiences at work, in their relationships and aids in pain management. This kind of meditation and resiliency training is helpful for those with traumatic memories from their past or current service. It empowers them to find peace in their day-to-day lives and handle triggering situations.

While a veteran or current service member may not feel comfortable discussing their experiences with someone who has not been in service, getting a group of three to four patients with this background together can be a powerful, transformative experience. The Stars & Stripes program at ARC combines one-on-one therapy and skills building with small group sessions to come together to share their stories. This sense of camaraderie and understanding can have a great effect on one’s treatment program and healing overall.

Current patients or alumni of our Stars & Stripes program are encouraged to attend a bi-weekly support group held virtually. These meetings include a transcendental meditation lead by the director of the Los Angeles TM centers, a recovery reading and participant sharing based on the 12-step program. Following the support group, participants will enter a moderated group chat that provides support, feedback and encouragement throughout the week.

“The ARC program for me was excellent. I had other recovery programs available and could have left but I stayed. Thus, this experience at ARC combined with personal determination will sustain me down the road of recovery. So, from this ol’ vet, I wish all veterans the very best and I thank everyone at Authentic Recovery Center.” – Former ARC patient