Substance Abuse Rehab for Veterans

The rate of substance abuse among veterans is increasing over time

In the last 10 years, the number of veterans who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD) has increased, meaning that more are using illegal drugs or using alcohol in excess. Non-medical prescription drug usage and binge drinking are becoming especially problematic. For example, 35% of service members in 1998 reported binge drinking regularly compared to 47% in 2008.

As you can see in the table below, the number of diagnoses grew for veterans between 2008 and 2010. For instance, there was an increase of nearly 60,000 substance abuse diagnoses relating to alcohol in that time frame.

The female veteran suicide rate is on the rise

The number of veterans committing suicide has increased for both men and women since 2001. A 2016 study by the VA shows that while the overall rate of suicide is lower for women, it is growing much more rapidly than for men. It’s especially problematic for female veterans who aren’t eligible for VA benefits. Likewise, female veterans have a higher rate of prescription drug abuse than their male counterparts, and a much higher rate of sexual abuse while serving in the military.

Homelessness is often caused by substance abuse

Homelessness has been shown to be linked to substance abuse as both the cause and result. Veterans who abuse substances may be more likely to experience homelessness due to the legal and work-related problems that come with a substance use disorder.

Veterans have a higher suicide rate than civilians

According to the VA, veterans have a higher suicide rate than civilians – an estimated 22 veterans die from suicide every day and even more consider it. Not only do some vets use drugs to avoid suicidal thoughts, but substance abuse also increases suicide rates.

The VA benefits package covers all substance abuse treatment at the VA

While VA health benefits are not an insurance plan, they do cover substance abuse treatment at the VA, including counseling, medication, therapy, and various programs.

To get into a substance abuse program, veterans should:

• Be enrolled in the VA Health Care System: You can apply for enrollment into the VA Health Benefits program by going to their website and then calling or sending in an application. Quickly find out if you are eligible for VA benefits using their Health Benefits Explorer, a quick series of questions to determine eligibility.
• Contact your local VA and ask for their mental health department: When you get through to the department, ask about their substance use disorder services and options. If you do not know where the closest VA is, call the VA hotline to find out: 1-800-827-1000.

If your local VA doesn’t provide substance use disorder (SUD) services, go to the SUD program locator, which includes an interactive map that has all of the SUD programs in the U.S.

Click your state from the list below, then input your zip code to find rehabs near you

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York State
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

VA health benefits cover treatment provided in the VA

While veterans with VA health benefits can receive full substance abuse treatment, the VA specifies that any health care needs not directly resulting from military service may require a copay. Substance use disorder is usually completely covered, but in some circumstances, a copay may be necessary.

The Community Care program provides healthcare benefits outside of the VA facilities

VA benefits do not include services outside of the VA. However, the Community Care program offers healthcare benefits outside of the VA for those unable to reach a VA facility. However, any care must be pre-authorized by the VA.

There are non-profit organizations that may be able to help with payments

• Veterans Healing Initiative: This is the only nonprofit in the U.S. specifically dedicated to helping veterans access substance abuse programs. Their hotline is (855) 247-8500.
• Operation Homefront: This non-profit company is dedicated to helping veterans in whatever manner they may need, including financial assistance that could allow veterans to enter treatment if they need to.
• Veterans Resource Centers of America: This organization is a community-based veterans service agency serving a handful of western states including California, Nevada, and Arizona. They help veterans find affordable housing and possibly mortgage-free options as well as providing other services that could help offset a veteran’s monthly expenses.

Payment assistance options are available for those who qualify

You can use the "low-cost” filter on our database tool to find state-funded treatment centers that usually offer some form of payment assistance, such as income-based fees, scholarships, and other financial aid.

For more information, read our guide on The Cost of Rehab

If you need help, start by taking one of the following steps:

• Speak with your current VA healthcare contact
• Call the VA hotline and find out what services are available near you. Their number is 1-800-827-1000.
• If you want to find services outside the VA, use our database to find suitable rehabs near you