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For people in the military, risking their lives serving the country is probably the hardest thing to do. However, statistics show that they have an even more difficult time when they come home as veterans. After the high pressure, highly regimented life in the military, learning to reintegrate into civilian lifestyle is nothing short of a traumatic transition that they may never recover from. Veterans are especially susceptible to substance use disorders when they undergo dishonorable discharge because of zero-tolerance policies and random drug tests while on active duty. Unfortunately, this leads them toward dependence on substances such as alcohol, drugs, opioids and other prescription medications.
Some sobering statistics:
Our compassionate and caring team at OC Revive provides a range of services specifically tailored to support the unique needs of our veterans, not only for their substance use issues, but more importantly, their trauma and other mental health issues, so that they can return to civilian life and find fulfillment through other avenues.
Whether it’s the aftereffects of the high-stress environment during active duty, or traumatic reintegration into civilian life, studies among veterans show higher rates of substance abuse and addiction. Combined with the fact that there is a stigma against seeking treatment among military personnel, many veterans do not seek help. The unfortunate impact of this is that veterans are significantly affected by critical issues related to addiction and mental health.
Most commonly abused substances by veterans:
Most common mental health issues affecting veterans:
The good news is that when veterans receive proper diagnosis and treatment, their rates of recovery are significantly higher than the general population. Dual diagnosis is an important step toward uncovering co-occurring disorders with addiction and related mental health issues such as trauma, depression and anxiety.
OC Revive offers the following services that can greatly aid the unique challenges that veterans encounter with substance use and abuse, as well as their impact on mental health.
Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe people who suffer from both mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD). People who suffer from dual diagnoses often struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder. They may also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, or other mood disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Treatment for dual diagnosis should address both the mental health condition and the substance use disorder in parallel. Experienced clinicians and therapists can effectively treat dual diagnosis using therapy, medication, and aftercare.
According to American Addiction Centers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a valuable treatment tool for trauma as well as addiction. At OC Revive we use CBT extensively as part of our therapeutic treatment services. We also use other evidence-based practices such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Enhancement and Interviewing as options.
Group Therapy is another treatment modality that’s particularly effective in veterans. Because veterans typically don’t share their experiences they had during active duty, they suppress their emotions and try to cope using substances. Group Therapy provides a safe space for them to receive understanding, empathy and compassion as they work through their challenges and issues. Confidentiality is an integral part of group therapy, and therefore it can help provide a sense of belonging while they learn how to reintegrate back into civilian life.
The key to recovery success is long term support. This is even more true in the case of veterans battling a range of uniquely challenging issues. At OC Revive, we offer several types of outpatient programs such as Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Outpatient Programs (OP). Our outpatient programs offer flexible scheduling options so that veterans can participate even as they transition out into civilian life.
Interested in working with us for your recovery? Do not hesitate to reach out to ask about our variety of services and treatment programs. You can also schedule a tour of our comfortable, drug free facilities. We work with a wide range of insurance providers, so that you can find the treatment that is most beneficial for you. Verify your insurance.
I began my journey to recovery back in 2011 when i moved to California from New York.Along with my recovery and beginning a new way of life, I began to develop a heart for others struggling with sobriety.My journey to California was filled with many trials and lessons learned, but most of all, personal growth. I truly believe I would not have found success if I didn’t come to California.
I first opened an adult treatment center, California Prime Recovery(CPR) as a way to work with those struggling on a daily basis. Over the last 3 years, CPR has evolved into someting much more impactful and beautiful than i could’ve ever imagined. I have come to realize that my own happiness and growth depends on being involved in the lives of others in recovery. Helping people through recovery is a cornerstone of many 12 step programs, and it has become the most important aspect of personal life. Giving back to those still suffering is the only way not to lose what you have gained.
Throughout this journey, and by mentoring many adolescents, I realized i wanted to offer more to teens who were struggling just as i was. This is when i decided to start OC Revive. I had built many wonderful relationships throughout my professional journey and found two others who shared the same vision, and passion that i had for the youth. It didn’t take long for myself, Tyler Michaelis, and Derek Walsh to turn our dream into a reality. We are committed to providing the best possible treatment for adolescents and truly believe “their future is our collective responsibility”.
As Co-Founder & COO of OC Revive, Derek has a wealth of personal and professional experience dealing with the issues faced by today’s troubled teen. Throughout High School and College, Derek struggled with peer pressure, learning challenges, and substance abuse. Working with the support of family and friends, Derek set out to conquer those obstacles and find a richer, more fulfilling life.
On 15 October 2012, Derek overcame his own substance abuse problem and dedicated himself to help others work through their own addiction. A year later, Derek began a new journey and started his career in the recovery industry. Throughout his career, Derek has worked his way through numerous roles at top-rated treatment centers. While working at those treatment centers, Derek began to see a pattern that those struggling individuals would’ve benefited immensely from receiving earlier in life.
Derek decided that he wanted to be a part of the solution, and find a way to address those issues at an earlier age. He concluded that there needed to be interventions before adulthood, and he didn’t want to see anyone going through the same cycle that he did. That was when he and Tyler Michaelis decided to start OC Revive, to make sure teens get the help they need to find a purpose that leads them to a life of happiness and success.
Derek attended college at Orange Coast College and Santa Barbara City College.
Brittany joins the OCR team with over 15 years of experience in the Mental Health adn Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings. Brittany has been supervising Associate Marrige and Family Therapists and Associate Social Workers for almost 6 years and works in compiance and auditing to ensure that treatment centers are up to par with biling regulations. Brittany has worked with young adults and adolescents for most of her career.
Brittany earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at California Baptist International University. Brittany enjoys working with adolescents and young adults and believes that ever single person has the ability to set goals and meet them, even when they can’t see it themselves. Brittany loves spending time with her family, traveling, good coffee, and being outdoors.
Patrick is amental health and addiction professional that has a passion for recovery and helping others. He was inspired and encouraged by his mentors to work with individuals and families that have been affected by mental health issues, alcohol and drug addiction. He ahs been working in the field of addiction recovery for 19+ years and is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Patrick is also certified in Adult and Adolescent Anger Management. His Career in addiction treatment began in 2001 at the Betty Ford Center i Rancho Mirage CA. as an Addiction Specialist working on the inpatient campus and is the co-creator of Betty Ford Center’s “Young Adult Track” specializing in work with 18-25 year old Patients. he also excelled in working with addicted and impaired professionals in the “Replase and Recovery Program”.
Patrick transitioned to Orange County in 2011 where he accepted a position as the Program Director for Orange County Recovery Services. Patrick is a gifted lecturer, group facilitator and counselor with a pssion for reocery that has been an active recovery member for over 25 years.
Anthony is an Orange County local and has been a great addition to the Oc Revive team. Since 2015, Anthony has been working in the substance abuse field and has also pursued his drug and alcohol counseling license. Since being with Revive Anthony has established a relationship within the School Districts and serves as a voluntary speaker for substance abuse awareness in the community. By sharing his personal testimony, he has excelled in gaining trust and building rapport with others. He always seems to have a smile on his face and brings a positive vibe wherever he goes. With that being said, Anthony is very passionate about the work that he does and goes above and beyond to provide our struggling youth the care that they so desperately need.
Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.
April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.
In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families
Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.
April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.
In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families
