Questions about addiction treatment

Question 1

Accepted Answer

Military veterans face a range of factors that may contribute to substance abuse. Some who struggle with PTSD, depression, or other mental health conditions may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with those issues. Others may establish a habit of heavy drinking or drug use while on active duty that carries into their civilian life. Each person’s substance use stems from unique individual factors, which is why treatment programs include behavioral therapies to address co-occurring mental health disorders, as well as coping mechanisms to help the patient successfully overcome cravings and sidestep any triggers.

Question 2

Accepted Answer

Veterans can receive treatment for drug or alcohol addiction through the VA directly or through a VA Community Care partner, depending on their healthcare needs and circumstances. Community Care partners are rehab providers that are separate from the VA but will accept veteran patients who are eligible for the Community Care program. In most cases, veterans must receive approval from the VA before receiving rehab care from a Community Care provider.

Question 3

Accepted Answer

Substance abuse in veterans may qualify as a VA disability depending on the severity of the substance use disorder, when it was diagnosed in relation to the vet’s time of service in the military, and other co-occurring mental of physical conditions such as PTSD or a debilitating injury. Vets will need to contact their VA directly to determine if their situation qualifies for disability benefits.

Question 4

Accepted Answer

The level of healthcare coverage provided by the VA depends on a number of factors, including the patient’s VA disability rating, income level, and military service record. While the VA is committed to providing certain services for free, others may require a copay. When utilizing a community care partner for services such as addiction treatment, the community care partner bills a third-party administrator or the VA directly so that no payment is required out-of-pocket.

Question 5

Accepted Answer

This varies, but overall the process typically takes about 3 weeks. Once a veteran has decided to go to rehab, they’ll first need to go to their local VA center for a mental health consult and wait for confirmation that they are eligible for rehab treatment coverage. Once they are confirmed to be eligible, there is insurance documentation that needs to be completed and sent for billing, and from there the rehab center manages the admissions process.

Question 6

Accepted Answer

When veterans return from combat, they may be prescribed a wide range of medications to treat various conditions related to their service, such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Unfortunately, many of the medications prescribed for these conditions can lead to physical and psychological dependence, ultimately adding addiction to the list of conditions the veteran faces. Opioid painkillers are widely recognized to be addictive substances, but other medicines like benzodiazepines (Xanax) that are commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety are also highly addictive despite their lower media profile. Overall, it’s important that veterans take their medications exactly as prescribed by their doctor, and to reach out for help as soon as they suspect they may have a problem.

Question 7

Accepted Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly debilitating condition that affects all aspects of a person’s life. Symptoms can range from nightmares and unpleasant memories, to flashbacks, panic attacks, insomnia, and extremely heightened reactions to everyday stimuli. Without early medical intervention, people with PTSD may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the symptoms they experience. Over time this pattern can lead to substance use disorder and require treatment at a drug or alcohol rehab facility that can also address the PTSD that led to the patient’s addiction in the first place.

Resources for Veterans

Guides for Veterans

The Salute to Recovery Program

Program Locations

Self Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do veterans turn to drugs and alcohol?

Does the VA offer rehab?

Is substance abuse a VA disability?

What will the VA pay for?

How long does it take to get approved for rehab through the VA?

What are the common addictive medications prescribed to veterans?

What’s the correlation between PTSD and drug or alcohol addiction?