3 Simple Ways for Veterans to Access Addiction Treatment
For Veterans struggling with an addiction to drugs and alcohol, there are treatment programs easily accessible. Unfortunately, even with free quality treatment available to our service member community, addiction stigma prevents most Veterans from seeking treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.
Still, the need for addiction treatment among Veterans is growing, just as it is among the general population.
The Need for Veterans to Access Addiction Care
According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, one in 10 Veterans treated at the VA after returning from Iraq and Afghanistan face problems with substances.
In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), found that in 2019:
- Close to 4 million Veterans had a mental illness and/or substance use disorder—an increase of 6.5 percent over the previous year.
- In the same study, 595,000 Veterans had opioid misuse, or almost 3 percent of all Veterans.
Meanwhile, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 65 percent of Veterans who enter a treatment program report alcohol as the substance they most frequently misuse — almost double that of the general population.
Three Key Steps to Access Addiction Treatment for Veterans
For Veterans and loved ones struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, there are simple steps that you can take to access quality treatment:
Many high quality treatment centers are contracted with the VA to provide specialized addiction care for Veterans. Let them know that you are interested in addiction treatment and recovery services. In fact, eligible VA patients can access care at Valley Hope Addiction Treatment and Recovery centers by obtaining a referral from VA.
2. Schedule and Complete a Consultation
Work with your local VA office to schedule and complete a mental health consultation. This process will inform whether you need an addiction treatment referral from the VA.
3. Begin Addiction Treatment with Your VA Referral
With an addiction treatment referral from the VA, Veterans can begin the journey to a life of recovery from drugs and alcohol.
Finding and accessing addiction care requires a proactive approach. By taking these steps, Veterans and their loved ones can find the resources to overcome addiction and move towards a healthier, happier future in recovery.
VA Referrals and Treatment Options for Veterans
Valley Hope partners with the VA to provide addiction treatment and recovery services through our nonprofit Veteran and Military Services Program. The program provides expert, compassionate, and responsive addiction treatment in an environment that understands and supports the unique experiences of Veterans and military families.
We provide residential addiction treatment in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. Our services are led by accomplished clinical and medical experts with decades of experience in addiction treatment and proven evidence-based therapies. Valley Hope Addiction Treatment and Recovery closely collaborates with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and caregivers to ensure our treatment model brings value to VA’s efforts to address each Veteran’s full range of healthcare needs.
Our holistic, collaborative approach is specifically designed to treat the co-occurring needs of Veterans suffering from addiction and other mental health diagnoses. Our dedicated treatment team is committed to life-changing care, working hand in hand with Veterans and their families to reclaim their lives from addiction and substance use disorder (SUD).
The patient experience at Valley Hope is designed to encourage focus on your healing, improve your sense of self-worth and prepare you with the essential skills and strategies needed to build and sustain long-term recovery.
At inpatient treatment centers, a typical daily schedule includes individual counseling sessions, classroom-style learning with fellow patients, small group therapeutic sessions, family therapy, 12 Step studies, relaxation and reflection time and recreational activities.
Valley Hope Addiction Treatment and Recovery is proud to help our heroes reclaim their lives from substance abuse. Learn more about our Veterans and Military Services addiction treatment admissions process.
Meet our Veteran Outreach Managers:
Colorado
T.J. served in the U.S. Army Infantry for eight years with active-duty service in Alaska, Germany, Kosovo, and a combat tour in Iraq. Following military service, he worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Readjustment Counselor for combat veterans transitioning out of the military and most recently served as the County Veterans Service Officer for Arapahoe County, Colorado.
[email protected]
Nebraska
Joshua is an Air Force Veteran, born and raised in the Omaha area. He has spent the better portion of the last decade working in Development and Marketing roles for Non-Profits in the Omaha Area. Joshua is a storyteller at heart and is drawn to causes that he believes need a stronger voice in the community.
[email protected]