If you or someone you know is in crisis right now: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). For a possible overdose or any medical emergency, call 911. For help finding treatment, the SAMHSA National Helpline is free and open 24/7 at 1-800-662-4357.
Veterans: call 988 and press 1, or text 838255, to reach the Veterans Crisis Line, 24/7.
The short answer
Veterans can get addiction treatment through the VA, which offers care from outpatient programs to residential rehabilitation, and in some cases through community providers paid for by the VA. Service members and their families may have TRICARE coverage. Start by contacting your local VA medical center, a Vet Center or the SAMHSA helpline.
What the VA offers
The VA offers services for veterans with substance use problems, with care ranging from outpatient programs to more intensive residential settings. Services can include:
- Assessment and counseling
- Intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs
- Detox and withdrawal management
- Medication for opioid, alcohol and tobacco use disorders
- Residential rehabilitation treatment programs (RRTPs), including domiciliary care, which are intensive live-in programs
- Dual-diagnosis care for substance use together with PTSD, depression or other conditions
- Peer support
- Telehealth, which can make care easier to reach
Many VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics offer addiction treatment, even if they lack a specific program.
Who is eligible
VA mental health care is generally available to enrolled veterans, and veterans in crisis can receive care regardless of enrollment status. To check eligibility and enrollment, call the VA Health Eligibility Center at 1-877-222-8387, or contact your local VA medical center. (See [Does Insurance Cover Rehab? How to Check Your Benefits Step by Step].)
Vet Centers
Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling for veterans and service members and are often a less formal entry point. Many offer counseling for issues that affect recovery, such as combat trauma. Ask about eligibility and what services your local Vet Center provides.
Community care through the MISSION Act
The VA MISSION Act of 2018 lets veterans receive care from non-VA community providers when the VA cannot deliver care within drive-time and wait-time standards. To request community care, contact your VA care team and ask for a community care consult.
Important: residential substance use treatment was historically left out of the drive-time access standards, and lawmakers have proposed bills to change that, so check the current rules. Ask your VA team directly whether you can be referred to a community program for residential care.
Community providers must be part of the VA’s Community Care Network to receive referrals, so ask any program you are considering whether it participates. (See [How to Find a Legitimate Rehab Center: Accreditation and Red Flags].)
TRICARE and military families
TRICARE covers mental health care, including outpatient therapy, psychiatric services, substance use treatment and inpatient care for eligible service members, retirees and families. Check your plan for network rules and referrals.
Other options
- SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) and FindTreatment.gov for non-VA programs. (See [How to Use FindTreatment.gov and the SAMHSA National Helpline].)
- Medicare and Medicaid, if you qualify. (See [Does Medicare Cover Rehab? Parts A, B and D Explained] and [Does Medicaid Cover Addiction Treatment? How It Works by State].)
- Veterans service organizations, which can help with benefits and access.
- Peer support groups for veterans.
- Free and low-cost programs. (See [Free and Low-Cost Rehab Options Without Insurance].)
Why treatment often needs to address more than substance use
Many veterans live with PTSD, depression, chronic pain, sleep problems or the effects of a brain injury. Substance use may have started as a way to cope. Look for programs that treat both. (See [Dual Diagnosis Treatment: When Addiction and Mental Health Overlap].)
How to get started
- Call the VA or your local medical center and say you want help with substance use.
- Ask for an assessment and about outpatient, residential and medication options.
- If wait times or distance are a barrier, ask about community care.
- If you are in crisis, call 988 and press 1.
- If you need help right away, see [How to Get Into Rehab Fast: Same-Day and Next-Day Admission Options].
If you are a family member
You can call on your veteran’s behalf, learn about VA family services and support them in seeking help. (See [How to Talk to a Loved One About Addiction Without Pushing Them Away].)
Frequently asked questions
Does the VA treat addiction?
Yes. The VA offers care from outpatient programs to residential rehabilitation.
Can I use community care for rehab?
Sometimes. The MISSION Act allows community care when the VA cannot meet access standards. Ask your VA team about residential treatment.
What is the Veterans Crisis Line?
A 24/7 service. Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
Does TRICARE cover rehab?
Yes, TRICARE covers substance use treatment, with plan rules.
Do I need to be enrolled in VA health care?
Generally yes for VA mental health care, though veterans in crisis can get care regardless of enrollment.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mental Health and Substance Use Problems. mentalhealth.va.gov
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Community Care. va.gov/communitycare
- SAMHSA. FindTreatment.gov and National Helpline. samhsa.gov
This article is for general information only and is not medical or legal advice. VA programs and eligibility change, so confirm details with the VA.