Windansea Recovery

Veterans + First Responders Programs

Serving Those Who Serve Others

Veterans, active-duty military, and first responders dedicate their lives to protecting others. But the demands of service—exposure to trauma, long hours, high stress, and repeated crises—can take a heavy toll. Rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders are significantly higher in these populations compared to the general public.

At WindanSea Recovery in La Jolla, our Veterans + First Responders Programs are designed to address the unique needs of those who have served on the front lines. We combine trauma-informed clinical care with holistic healing in a supportive, coastal environment where privacy, dignity, and respect come first.

Why Specialized Programs Are Needed

Service members and first responders often face barriers to treatment, including:

Unresolved Trauma: Repeated exposure to combat, accidents, violence, or loss.
Stigma: Fear of being seen as weak or unfit for duty.
Dual Diagnosis: High prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and depression alongside addiction.
Chronic Stress: Physical and emotional exhaustion from constant readiness and responsibility.
Identity & Reintegration: Difficulty transitioning from service life back to civilian roles.

Generic treatment programs rarely address these complex layers. At Windansea, we’ve built a program specifically designed for the military and first responder community.

What Our Veterans & First Responders Programs Include

What Our Veterans + First Responders Programs Include

Trauma-Informed Care

Our clinicians are trained to work with PTSD and trauma-related conditions, using evidence-based therapies like:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (offered through select partners).

Dual Diagnosis Support

Because addiction and mental health often occur together, we address both conditions simultaneously. This integrated model reduces relapse risk and supports long-term stability.

Peer Connection + Support

We recognize the power of community. Veterans and first responders often connect more deeply when surrounded by peers who understand their experiences. Group therapy and support networks provide a sense of belonging and validation.

Holistic Healing

Healing from trauma and addiction requires addressing more than symptoms. We incorporate holistic therapies that restore balance and resilience:

Surf therapy, ocean walks, and coastal mindfulness.
Yoga, meditation, and breathwork to reduce stress.
Cold plunge therapy to strengthen mental and physical resilience.
Sound healing and other practices to calm the nervous system.

Family Involvement

Families of veterans and first responders often carry their own trauma and stress. Our family programs provide education, therapy, and support so loved ones can heal together.

Why Veterans + First Responders Choose WindanSea Recovery

Specialized Care: Clinicians trained in trauma-informed treatment.
Privacy & Dignity: Confidential care for those concerned about stigma.
Peer Connection: Opportunities to share experiences with others who “get it.”
Holistic Integration: Coastal healing and whole-person therapies.
Continuum of Care: Support from detox to aftercare.

The Benefits of a Luxury Treatment Experience

Windansea Recovery’s Veterans + First Responders Program is designed to honor the unique experiences and challenges faced by those who serve. Our program combines evidence-based therapies with trauma-informed care to address PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use issues often connected to high-stress professions. In addition to clinical treatment, we provide holistic practices like meditation, surf therapy, and mindfulness to restore balance and resilience. With a supportive peer community and personalized care plans, our program helps veterans and first responders heal, rebuild trust, and regain strength for life beyond service.

Trauma-Informed Care: Specialized support for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and related issues.
Evidence-Based Therapies: CBT, DBT, group therapy, and relapse prevention.
Holistic Healing: Yoga, meditation, surf therapy, and mindfulness practices.
Peer Support: Connection with others who understand the unique pressures of service.
Confidential, Respectful Environment: Privacy and dignity for every client.
Resilience Building: Tools to manage stress, prevent relapse, and thrive long-term.
Family Involvement: Education and therapy to strengthen home support systems.

Levels of Care Available

At Windansea Recovery, we design personalized treatment plans to meet each client’s unique needs.

Our treatment options may include:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Intensive therapy during the day while maintaining some independence.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Ongoing support for those transitioning back to daily life.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Addressing co-occurring mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or trauma.
Individual Therapy: to address personal challenges and create customized coping strategies.
Group Therapy: for peer support, accountability, and shared experiences.
Family Therapy: for family support, shared experiences, and long term growth.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): to identify and reframe negative thought patterns.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): to develop emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills.
Holistic Therapy: including meditation, yoga, cold plunge, surf therapy, and more to promote balance in mind, body, + spirit.
Relapse Prevention: Teaching clients to identify triggers and build coping strategies.
12-Step Recovery: Encouraging connection with a larger recovery community.

Treatment not only addresses the physical aspects of addiction but also explores the underlying emotional, psychological, and social factors that fuel alcohol abuse.

Ensuring Long Term Recovery

Recovery is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. Long-term success depends on ongoing care and healthy lifestyle changes.

At Windansea Recovery, we emphasize:

Sober living: Structured housing that reinforces accountability.
Sober companions: One-on-one guidance during the transition back into daily life.
Relapse prevention: Teaching clients to identify triggers and build coping strategies.
12-Step recovery: Encouraging connection with a larger recovery community.

Holistic practices like fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness to rebuild body and spirit.

With the right treatment and long-term strategies, individuals can break free from alcohol addiction and reclaim their lives.

Windansea Recovery: clinical expertise, holistic healing, deep respect

At Windansea Recovery, we believe those who serve deserve the highest level of care. Our Veterans + First Responders Programs combine clinical expertise, holistic healing, and deep respect for the sacrifices made by these heroes. We don’t just treat symptoms—we help restore purpose, strength, and hope.

If you or a loved one is a veteran or first responder struggling with addiction, trauma, or mental health challenges, Windansea Recovery is here to help. Our programs are designed with your unique needs in mind.

Call us at (619) 815-2555 or Contact Us Here

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At Windansea Recovery, we’re committed to being more than just a treatment center—we’re a trusted resource for anyone seeking insight, guidance, and hope on the path to recovery. Our blog features regularly updated articles on the latest developments in addiction treatment, recovery, and prevention. From expert perspectives to practical tools and inspiring stories, we provide valuable information to support individuals, families, and professionals in building healthier, more fulfilling lives.

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At Windansea Recovery, we believe that sustainable healing from addiction requires addressing the whole person—not just the substance use disorder itself. A holistic approach to addiction treatment recognizes that true recovery encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. While evidence-based therapies like CBT and medication-assisted treatment form the foundation of effective care, complementary, holistic practices can significantly enhance outcomes and provide individuals with a more comprehensive healing experience.

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For individuals managing depression with Lexapro (escitalopram), understanding the potential interactions with alcohol is crucial for both safety and treatment effectiveness. At Windansea Recovery, we often work with clients who have questions about medication interactions with substances like alcohol. This guide explores the relationship between Lexapro and alcohol, the risks of combining them, and why alcohol consumption can be particularly problematic for those with depression.

“Windansea's PHP Program helped me transition from inpatient care to everyday life without feeling overwhelmed. The structure and guidance made all the difference.”

“Windansea's IOP Program gave me the tools to stay sober while still showing up for work and family. The balance was exactly what I needed.”

“The medication-assisted treatment program took away the constant cravings and gave me the clarity to focus on my recovery. It’s been life-changing.”

“As a parent, I can’t thank Windansea enough. The intervention team helped us reach our son when we thought nothing else would. He’s now thriving in recovery.”

“Our family was falling apart before my brother entered treatment. Windansea not only helped him, but also gave us the support we needed to heal together.”