Veterans & Addiction: Drug & Alcohol Rehab Resources for Veterans

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 1 in 10 Veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD), slightly more than the general population.¹

If you’re a Veteran who is struggling, or if you know someone who is, help is available. Learn more about Veterans and addiction, including treatment options and other resources below.

Veterans and Addiction

Veterans face unique challenges, such as combat exposure, deployment, and reintegrating into civilian life. These challenges are linked to an increased risk of substance use disorder (SUD), a complex medical condition characterized by uncontrollable substance use despite the harmful consequences.^1,2

Among Veterans seeking first-time care with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), around 11% meet the criteria for SUD. Many Veterans also meet the criteria for co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).¹

Veterans and Alcohol Addiction

For many Veterans, military service and recreational culture involve moderate to heavy alcohol use. Rates of heavy alcohol use, binge drinking, and associated alcohol-related problems have also been shown to be higher among those exposed to combat.³ Alcohol misuse refers to consuming alcohol in an amount, frequency, manner, or situation that could harm the person drinking or those around them.⁴

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most common form of SUD among military personnel.¹ According to NIDA, 65% of Veterans entering a treatment program report that alcohol is the substance they misuse the most, nearly double that of the general population.¹ AUD is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive alcohol use despite negative consequences.⁴

A Culture of Alcohol Misuse in The Military

Military culture and the stresses associated with military life may play a role in the increased risk of alcohol misuse and addiction in Veterans as well as active-duty military members.¹

Alcohol is easily available on military bases, it is accepted among military members to drink alcohol and alcohol is often used as an unhealthy coping tool among military personnel.¹⁶

The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that 65% of Veterans who enter treatment programs report that alcohol is the substance they use most, which is almost double the rate found in the general population.¹

Different factors may play a role in alcohol misuse in the military, including gender and service period. For example, 5% of all Veterans had a past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD), but 8% of post-9/11 Veterans had an AUD.¹⁷ AUD is also reported to be more common among male than female Veterans, with 10.5% current AUDs among male Veterans, compared to 4.8% current AUDs among female Veterans, according to one study.¹⁸

Veterans and Drug Addiction

Drug misuse refers to the use of a drug in high doses or in inappropriate situations that can lead to health or social problems.² Over time, ongoing drug misuse can lead to the development of an SUD.²

Many military personnel and Veterans also face problems related to prescription drug misuse. Opioid use disorder (OUD) among military personnel often begins with an opioid prescription following an injury during deployment.¹

Unfortunately, chronic pain is more prevalent among Veterans, with severe pain being 40% greater in Veterans compared to the general population.⁵ Chronic pain can contribute to new or worsening mental health conditions, including SUD, and can put Veterans at an increased risk for an accidental opioid overdose.^1,5

According to NIDA, illicit drug use rates often increase when military personnel leave the service.¹ Among Veterans, the most commonly misused illicit drugs are marijuana, heroin, and cocaine, respectively.¹

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Addiction Among Veterans

The relationship between mental health conditions such as PTSD and addiction is bidirectional.⁶ This means that Veterans with PTSD may have an increased risk of developing an SUD and vice versa.⁶

According to NIDA, Veterans with an SUD commonly meet the criteria for other mental health disorders like PTSD.¹

A study by the VA explored different theoretical models on the relationship between PTSD and addiction. The self-medication model states that people use substances to alleviate PTSD symptoms, such as nightmares and sleep disturbances.

The susceptibility model states that long-term substance use can inhibit trauma processing, while the mutual maintenance model suggests that using substances to relieve PTSD symptoms can perpetuate or worsen them because it interferes with the emotional processing of trauma.^6,7

Mental Health Stigma & Veterans

For those struggling with mental health conditions or SUD, stigma is a serious problem that can increase the risk of suicide among Veterans.^1,8

Stigma refers to a set of negative attitudes and stereotypes that can create barriers to treatment and worsen mental health conditions.⁹ Mental health stigma among Veterans is harmful because it can prevent Veterans who need help from seeking it.¹

Addiction Treatment & Recovery Resources for Veterans

Veterans struggling with substance use and other mental health issues should know that treatment can help them manage these conditions and improve their daily functioning and mental and physical well-being. The treatment process varies but may include a combination of behavioral therapy, counseling, medication, peer support groups, and substance use monitoring.¹⁰

Many Veterans may also benefit from co-occurring disorder treatment, which can help address the complexities of SUD that co-occurs with another mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.¹⁰ Specialty treatment programs can also be beneficial. Some facilities offer programs created for Veterans, which can help address their unique needs.

Medical Detox

For many people, treatment starts with medical detox. This process can help patients through the withdrawal period, which can be dangerous or uncomfortable depending on the specific substances a person uses.

Patients are monitored by medical professionals and may receive medications as needed to help manage symptoms or complications if they arise.¹⁰

Inpatient/Residential Treatment

Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs take place in hospitals, medical clinics, or other treatment facilities. With these programs, patients live on-site and receive treatment in a structured environment.¹¹1

Outpatient Treatment

With outpatient addiction programs, patients attend treatment at a facility on a set schedule but live at home or in a type of recovery housing. These programs can vary in duration and intensity. For example, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) requires 9 to 20 hours of treatment per week and a partial hospitalization program (PHP) requires 4 to 8 hours of treatment daily.¹¹

Aftercare

Also referred to as continuing care, rehab aftercare describes ongoing recovery, relapse prevention, or abstinence maintenance measures taken beyond the initial formal treatment period (e.g., check-ups, individual and group therapy, mutual help groups, sober living).¹²

VA Addiction Treatment Programs

The VA oversees the largest integrated healthcare system in the U.S., providing healthcare services to Veterans.¹³ Those struggling with SUD and co-occurring disorders enrolled in the VA’s healthcare program have access to a comprehensive range of services.

What Substance Use Services Does the VA Cover?

VA Veterans’ insurance coverage for addiction treatment may include:¹⁴

• Medical detox.
• Drug substitution therapies (e.g., methadone).
• Nicotine replacement or other medicines for stopping tobacco use.
• Residential treatment.
• Outpatient treatment.
• Marriage and family counseling.
• Self-help groups.
• Continuing care and relapse prevention.
• Co-occurring disorder treatment.
• Special programs for Veterans with specific concerns, including women Veterans, returning combat Veterans, and unhoused Veterans.

How to Use VA Coverage for Drug & Alcohol Rehab

If you’re a Veteran who wants to use VA coverage for addiction treatment, start by verifying that you are enrolled in the VA’s healthcare program.¹⁴ After you’ve applied, you can contact your primary care provider (PCP), or, if you don’t yet have a provider, call the VA’s hotline.

Start Your Recovery

No one has to face addiction alone—help is available, and the right program can make a meaningful difference in your life or your loved one’s.

Use Recovery.com to explore treatment centers near you. You can compare programs, learn about the services they offer, and connect directly with facilities to find the best fit.

Taking the first step may feel overwhelming, but with the right support, lasting recovery is within reach.