Resources for Veterans

Treatment for co-occurring illness and addiction at American Addiction Centers is tailored to veterans, and the following resources on this page can answer questions that veterans and their families have about substance abuse and treatment.

Guides for Veterans

American Addiction Centers (AAC) has resources and guides to help veterans and their loved ones understand the effects and treatment options for alcohol and drug abuse. These guides will provide answer to your questions about the effects of substance abuse and treatment options tailored to veterans.

Substance Abuse in the Reserve and National Guard

Substance Abuse Among Service Members Substance abuse is an issue in the military. Studies indicate significant numbers of alcohol use disorders among both active duty service members and veterans, with alcohol use being more prevalent than that of illicit drugs.1 Though problematic substance use may develop as a result of several factors, there are many […]

VA Community Care Network Program Guide & FAQs

Stigma Impacts Substance Abuse and Mental Health Care in Veterans

Stigma in the Military Stigmas are attitudes and behaviors surrounding certain aspects of a person that may be perceived as bad—such as mental health issues—that can be demoralizing to that person.2 Stigma may exist in a variety of contexts. These different contexts can include:2,9,10 Self-stigma—thoughts of oneself may lead to feeling ashamed or unconfident in […]

Veteran’s Family Caregivers

Being a Family Caregiver You may not know that the help you provide your veteran loved one is “caregiving.” If you are a member of a veteran’s family, extended family, or a close friend, and you provide any of the following supports, you are a caregiver:3 Assistance with showering, getting dressed, eating, or using the […]

Substance Abuse in the Air Force

Substance Abuse in the Air Force Addiction is a pattern of substance use making it difficult to function in daily life.1 Veterans are at increased risk for addiction.2, 3, 4 Common substances that airmen and veterans abuse are alcohol and prescription medications.2, 5 Alcohol Abuse Air Force service members have the lowest rates of heavy […]

Challenges of Transitioning from Active Duty to Civilian Life

Transition Challenges Service members transitioning from active duty to civilian life can have challenges that affect many areas of their lives. For example, while veterans are often excited and thankful to be returning home to their loved ones, they may find it difficult to relate and connect to others who have not experienced life in […]

The Salute to Recovery Program

We believe the road to recovery is a unique journey for each patient. Our treatment team understands that life in service can put individuals at a higher risk for developing substance abuse and mental health disorders.

The Salute to Recovery Program was created with these unique challenges in mind and is dedicated to military veterans and first responders whose lives have changed and become unmanageable due to alcohol or drug abuse and mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Program Locations

2465 East Twain Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89121

DesertHopeTreatment.com

4110 Davie Road Extension Hollywood, FL 33024

RecoveryFirst.com

12012 Boyette Road Riverview, FL 33569

RiverOaksTreatment.com

american addiction centers photo

1171 107th Street Grand Prairie, TX 75050

GreenhouseTreatment.com

Self Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Many veterans and their families have questions about substance use, treatment options, and mental health issues. Here are a few answers to frequently asked questions.

Why do veterans turn to drugs and alcohol?

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.

Does the VA offer rehab?

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.

Is substance abuse a VA disability?

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.

What will the VA pay for?

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.

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

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.

What are the common addictive medications prescribed to veterans?

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.

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

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.