Key Takeaways
- The VA provides comprehensive substance use disorder treatment for eligible veterans, including detox, residential rehabilitation, outpatient programs, and medication-assisted treatment.
- Veterans do not need to have a service-connected disability to access VA addiction treatment; eligibility is based on military service and enrollment in VA healthcare.
- VA Substance Use Disorder programs are available at VA medical centers nationwide and include specialized tracks for combat veterans, women veterans, and veterans with co-occurring PTSD.
- Veterans can combine VA benefits with private insurance or community resources for maximum flexibility in accessing addiction treatment.
- Trust SoCal welcomes veterans and works with VA benefits and private insurance to help veterans in Orange County access the treatment they need.
VA Addiction Treatment Benefits for Veterans
Veterans of the United States Armed Forces face elevated rates of substance use disorders compared to the general population. Combat exposure, military sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life all contribute to higher rates of alcohol and drug addiction among veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes these risks and provides comprehensive addiction treatment benefits through the VA healthcare system.
VA substance use disorder treatment is available to veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, regardless of whether their addiction is related to their military service. This is an important distinction because many veterans assume they need a service-connected disability rating to access addiction treatment. In reality, VA healthcare enrollment, which is available to most veterans who served on active duty, is sufficient to access substance abuse treatment services.
The VA offers treatment across the full continuum of care, from screening and early intervention through residential rehabilitation and long-term aftercare. VA addiction treatment programs incorporate evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and specialized trauma-focused therapies for veterans with co-occurring PTSD.
VA Healthcare Enrollment and Eligibility
To access VA addiction treatment, you must first be enrolled in VA healthcare. Enrollment is based on your military service history, discharge status, and other eligibility factors. Understanding the enrollment process and your priority group helps you anticipate wait times and cost-sharing responsibilities.
Who Is Eligible
Most veterans who served on active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard and who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for VA healthcare enrollment. National Guard and Reserve members who were activated for federal service may also be eligible. Recent combat veterans are eligible for enhanced VA benefits for five years following their separation from service.
VA enrollment is organized into priority groups based on factors such as service-connected disabilities, income level, and special circumstances like combat exposure or former POW status. Your priority group affects cost-sharing for certain services, but substance abuse treatment is generally available to all enrolled veterans with minimal or no copayments.
How to Enroll
You can apply for VA healthcare enrollment online at va.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, by mail, or in person at your local VA medical center. The application requires your military service information, financial information, and insurance details. Processing typically takes one to two weeks, after which you can begin accessing VA services including addiction treatment.
If you need addiction treatment urgently and are not yet enrolled in VA healthcare, contact the VA crisis line at 988, then press 1, or go to your nearest VA emergency department. Veterans in crisis can access immediate care while enrollment is processed. Additionally, recent combat veterans may access VA mental health and substance abuse services without formal enrollment for the first year after separation.
VA Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs
The VA operates substance use disorder treatment programs at VA medical centers throughout the country, including several facilities in Southern California. These programs provide specialized care designed specifically for the veteran population, incorporating military cultural competence into every aspect of treatment.
Outpatient Programs
VA outpatient substance abuse treatment includes individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and intensive outpatient programs. These services are available at VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics. VA outpatient programs are well-suited for veterans with stable living situations who can maintain their daily responsibilities while attending treatment sessions.
The VA also offers Substance Use Disorder clinics that provide structured outpatient programming combining therapy, psychiatric services, and peer support. These clinics operate during regular business hours and provide a comprehensive treatment experience without requiring residential admission.
Residential Rehabilitation Programs
VA residential rehabilitation treatment programs provide 24-hour structured care for veterans who need a more intensive level of treatment. These programs typically last 28 to 90 days and include individual and group therapy, skills training, family involvement, and discharge planning. VA residential programs are located at select VA medical centers and may require travel depending on your location.
Domiciliary care is another residential option available through the VA for veterans who are homeless or who lack a stable living environment. These programs combine substance abuse treatment with housing, vocational services, and other supportive services that address the broader needs of veterans in recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
The VA provides medication-assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders, including Suboxone, naltrexone, and other FDA-approved medications. VA MAT programs combine medication with behavioral therapy and are recognized as the gold standard for opioid use disorder treatment. These services are available through VA primary care and behavioral health departments.
The VA has been a national leader in expanding access to MAT, recognizing the effectiveness of medication-based approaches for opioid addiction. Veterans can access MAT through their VA primary care provider, a VA substance abuse treatment program, or through community care referrals when VA services are unavailable within accessibility standards.
Community Care: VA-Funded Private Treatment
The VA Mission Act expanded veterans' access to community care, allowing eligible veterans to receive treatment at VA-approved private facilities when VA services are not available within accessibility standards. Under the community care program, the VA authorizes and pays for treatment at non-VA facilities, including private addiction treatment centers.
You may be eligible for community care for addiction treatment if the VA cannot provide the needed service, the nearest VA facility is too far from your home, or wait times for VA treatment exceed established standards. Community care referrals must be approved by the VA before treatment begins, though emergency situations may allow for retroactive authorization.
Trust SoCal in Fountain Valley works with veterans who are exploring both VA and private treatment options. For veterans who qualify for VA community care, our admissions team can assist with the referral and authorization process. For veterans with private insurance in addition to VA eligibility, we can verify both coverage sources to maximize benefits. Call (949) 280-8360 to discuss your options.
If VA wait times for addiction treatment are long, ask your VA care team about a community care referral under the MISSION Act. You may be eligible to receive treatment at a private facility like Trust SoCal with the VA covering the cost.
Specialized Programs for Veteran Populations
The VA offers specialized treatment tracks that address the unique needs of specific veteran populations. These programs recognize that veterans are not a monolithic group and that effective treatment must account for the specific experiences and challenges each veteran brings.
Combat veteran programs integrate addiction treatment with trauma-focused therapies for PTSD, moral injury, and other combat-related conditions. These programs use evidence-based approaches like prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy alongside substance abuse treatment, addressing the interconnection between trauma and addiction that is common among combat veterans.
Programs for women veterans address the unique experiences and treatment needs of female service members, including military sexual trauma, gender-specific health concerns, and the challenges of being a minority within military culture. Homeless veteran programs combine addiction treatment with housing, employment, and social services to address the complex needs of veterans experiencing homelessness.
Taking the First Step
If you are a veteran struggling with substance abuse, you have earned access to comprehensive treatment through your military service. The VA provides multiple pathways to care, and private treatment centers like Trust SoCal offer additional options that can complement or supplement VA services.
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the process alone. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 988 (press 1) for immediate support. Your local VA medical center can schedule a substance abuse assessment, and private treatment centers can verify your benefits and explain your options in a single phone call.
Trust SoCal in Orange County welcomes veterans and understands the unique challenges that military service creates. Our clinical team includes therapists trained in military cultural competence and trauma-informed care. Whether you access treatment through the VA, private insurance, or a combination, we are here to help. Call (949) 280-8360 for a confidential conversation about your recovery options.
Kristin Stevens, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
