Addiction Treatment for Veterans: Programs and Resources
Addiction Treatment for Veterans: Programs and Resources
You served your country. Now let someone serve you.
Key takeaway: Veterans experience substance use disorder at higher rates than civilians, often linked to combat trauma, chronic pain, and military sexual trauma. Specialized programs exist that understand these connections.
Why Veterans Are at Higher Risk
- Combat trauma and PTSD — Substances numb hypervigilance and intrusive memories
- Chronic pain — Service-related injuries often lead to opioid prescriptions
- Military sexual trauma — High rates of unreported assault drive substance use as coping
- Transition stress — Loss of identity, purpose, and community after separation
VA Treatment Options
- VA Substance Use Disorder Programs — Every VA medical center offers SUD treatment
- Residential rehabilitation — Domiciliary programs for veterans needing structured housing
- PTSD + SUD dual treatment — Integrated programs that address both simultaneously
- MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) — Buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone through VA
- Vet Centers — Community-based readjustment counseling (no VA enrollment required)
The VA’s substance use treatment page provides information on eligibility and enrollment.
Non-VA Options
Many community treatment providers specialize in veteran care. Search our directory and look for providers who list veteran-specific programming.
Find treatment for veterans.
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 then press 1. Text 838255. Chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
More Recovery Resources from Red Door
- Community Meetings Directory — Find AA, NA, SMART Recovery, Al-Anon, and Celebrate Recovery meetings
- Meetings Blog — Articles about recovery meetings and what to expect
- Peer Support Specialists — Connect with certified recovery coaches
- Harm Reduction Agencies — Naloxone, needle exchange, and overdose prevention
- Food Pantries — Free food assistance for those in need