Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers for Veterans in California
Substance use disorders are not uncommon among American military Veterans. Among Veterans seeking medical care within the VA healthcare system for the first time, roughly 11% meet the criteria for a substance use disorder.
If you or someone you love is a Veteran seeking addiction treatment in California, please know that effective, evidence-based help is available and that recovery is possible.
This guide walks you and your family through why Veterans are at higher risk, the levels of care available, how VA benefits and insurance work, and how to take the first step.
Why Veterans Develop Substance Use Disorders
Several factors unique to military service can contribute to substance use, including the stress of deployment and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life after deployment1.
- Deployment.
- Challenges with reintegrating into life after deployment.
Additionally, the presence of other mental illnesses is strongly correlated with addiction. In fact, 93% of Veterans with a SUD also meet the criteria for a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or adjustment disorder.1
Recognizing Substance Use Disorders in Veterans
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) defines substance use disorder as a pattern of use resulting in “marked distress and/or impairment.”
Exhibiting 2 or more of the following qualifying symptoms over 12 months would result in a medical professional diagnosing someone with an SUD:2
- Using a substance for a longer period than intended or in larger amounts than intended.
- Unsuccessfully attempting or desiring to quit or reduce use of the substance.
- Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance.
- Experiencing strong cravings for the substance.
- Experiencing substance use to the extent that it interferes with responsibilities at home, work, or within the community.
- Continuing substance use despite a negative effect on personal relationships or social situations.
- Experiencing a reduction in social or recreational activities due to continued substance use.
- Putting oneself in potentially harmful situations due to substance use, such as driving or operating heavy machinery while under the influence.
- Continuing substance use despite knowing it has caused or worsened physical or psychological problems.
- Experiencing increased tolerance of the substance. In other words, using more of the substance to achieve the desired effects or experiencing blunted effects when using the same amount.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use of the substance is reduced or discontinued, or using the substance to avoid withdrawal.
Fortunately, substance use disorder can be managed and treated effectively through several evidence-based methods.4
Our Veteran Drug and Alcohol Addiction Hotline
American Addiction Centers offers a free, confidential addiction hotline just for Veterans. Admissions navigators are available 24/7 to answer questions or help find a drug and alcohol rehab for Veterans that meets your needs. AAC also works directly with Veterans Affairs to provide treatment to Veterans who wish to use VA benefits to cover the cost of rehab in California.
We also work with Veterans Affairs to provide treatment to Veterans wishing to use VA benefits to cover the cost of drug or alcohol rehab in California.
Levels of Care for Veterans in California, From Detox to Aftercare
Veterans in California have many options. The right plan depends on the severity of the substance use, whether you have been in treatment before, and whether you have a supportive home environment.
A doctor or mental health professional can help determine the level of care that fits, which may include one or more of the following:
Medical Detox: Medically supervised withdrawal management with 24-hour monitoring and medications to keep you safe and comfortable. Learn about medical detox.
Inpatient/Residential Rehab: 24/7 residential care with daily therapy, counseling, and structured programming. Explore inpatient rehab.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP): The most intensive outpatient level, with services most days of the week for several hours at a time. Read about PHP programs.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP): Generally three 3-hour sessions weekly, flexible around work, school, or family. Learn about IOP programs.
Standard Outpatient: Weekly or biweekly counseling for ongoing support and relapse prevention. View outpatient options.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): FDA-approved medications combined with behavioral therapy to ease withdrawal and reduce cravings. Explore MAT options.
Sober Living & Aftercare: Structured housing and ongoing support to sustain long-term recovery. Learn about aftercare.
Laguna Treatment Center in Orange County, California, offers evidence-based inpatient rehab, medical detox, and aftercare planning, plus a specialized treatment track for Veterans and first responders.
Sometimes the most appropriate treatment is not the closest facility, so it helps to weigh program quality, evidence-based therapies, aftercare, and patient reviews over proximity alone.
How Much Does Rehab Cost for Veterans in California?
The cost of treatment for Veterans depends on the type of care needed and the extent of your coverage. Many Veterans pay little or nothing out of pocket once VA benefits and insurance are applied. An AAC admissions navigator can help you evaluate your options and guide you through the process.
Can the VA Cover Rehab in California
Yes. VA Health Care includes benefits for mental health and substance use treatment, including outpatient and inpatient care. The exact amount covered depends on the type of treatment you need and whether you also have private insurance.
AAC admissions navigators can verify your benefits and help you understand what to expect to pay out of pocket. You can also explore the MISSION Act and Community Care program for care outside the VA.
Other Insurance Providers and TRICARE
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, private insurers are required to cover addiction treatment. Laguna Treatment Center is in-network with many large providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and TRICARE, the insurance provider for military service members, which also covers substance use treatment.
Your out-of-pocket share may include an annual deductible, copayments, or a coinsurance rate. Veterans with two plans, such as Cigna and TRICARE, can often use the secondary plan to supplement coverage by submitting to the primary insurer first.
Can a Veteran Go to Rehab in California Without Insurance?
Yes, for Veterans who do not have insurance, there are other ways to pay for substance use treatment. Many facilities accept cash or credit card payments, offer payment plans or other financing options, or have sliding fee scales. Other options may include asking a family or friend for a loan or taking one out from a bank.
Additionally, there are state-funded rehabs in California that provide free rehab to Veterans and others. And there are state programs like Medicare and Medicaid that may be able to cover all or at least part of the cost of treatment for Veterans who qualify.
The cost of treatment should never deter a Veteran from getting the help they need.
Why Choose American Addiction Centers?
At AAC, our addiction treatment centers specialize in helping people experiencing addiction to various substances, including alcohol, opioids, meth, cocaine, and more. Our facilities use a combination of behavioral therapies, medication therapy, and medically supervised detox to meet the needs of each patient.
Addiction centers such as Laguna Treatment Center in Aliso Viejo, California, offer 24/7 medical oversight in a comfortable residential environment with numerous amenities such as private rooms, a fitness center, and private rooms. Call to connect with a knowledgeable and compassionate admissions navigator, who can listen to your needs, answer your questions, explain your options, and help you begin your recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veteran Rehab in California
