11 Best Veterans Alcohol And Drug Rehab Centers

Alcohol and drug abuse is a grave health concern faced by many veterans, especially those who struggle with post-traumatic stress (PTSD) disorder following service. In fact, one in 10 veterans who returned from recent wars struggled with drug and alcohol abuse.

While this health concern is a growing issue among veterans, treatment is available throughout the nation.

Many rehab facilities now offer specialized programs for veterans or provide veteran-only treatment for addiction, substance abuse, and co-occurring mental health disorders.

The following list of the 11 best veterans alcohol and drug rehab centers in the U.S. may serve as a guide to treatment facilities that offer veteran-specific or veteran-friendly treatment.

These rehab facilities aim to provide services that address issues faced by many veterans. Substance abuse treatment can help veterans reach and maintain a substance-free life as they learn to manage substance abuse and mental health issues alike.

This list has been ordered alphabetically

Top Rehab Centers For Veterans

1. Black Bear Lodge, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia

Black Bear Lodge offers evidence-based treatment accredited by the Joint Commission and serves individuals from the state of Georgia and around the world. Veteran-friendly treatment is available through Black Bear Lodge.

Treatment here is evidence-based and includes motivational interviewing (MI) in order to include veterans in treatment and help them feel supported as they achieve recovery goals.

Holistic health is the main focus here, with the ultimate goal of helping each veteran achieve health of the mind, body, and spirit.

To this end, available services include:

• nutritional education
• mindfulness
• fitness
• recreational therapy
• team-building exercises
• social skill-building
• addiction treatment education
• art therapy
• experiential therapy
• yoga

To provide a comprehensive recovery experience, this rehab facility also provides a wealth of evidence-based and traditional treatment methods, such as the following:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• individual, family, and group therapy
• gender-separate groups
• LGBT-friendly groups
• Professionals group
• sub-acute detox
• relapse prevention planning
• aftercare

2. California Palms Addiction Recovery Campus, Youngstown, Ohio

The California Palms Addiction Recovery Campus is accredited by the Joint Commission and has earned certification from the Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services board for treatment standards.

This rehab facility provides specialized rehab programs for veterans and military personnel. Long-term residential treatment is veteran-specific and customized to the needs of each veteran.

This means treatment length is determined by veteran need and recovery progress. Upon admission, each veteran is assessed to address any and all health needs. Long-term care may involve counseling, a number of therapies, and other treatment services.

Methods utilized in long-term residential treatment for veterans include:

• 12-step principles
• addiction education
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• family therapy
• other behavioral therapies
• individual and group therapy
• medication management
• occupational therapy
• recreational therapy
• movement therapy
• music therapy
• physical therapy

This rehab center accepts a number of veterans insurance programs and Medicaid, including:

• Humana Military
• Tricare
• Triwest
• Veterans Choice
• VA Community Care
• VA Mission Act
• CareSource
• Buckeye Health Plan
• Molina Healthcare
• Paramount Advantage
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

3. Ed Thompson Veterans Program, Queens, New York

The Ed Thompson Veterans Program in Queens is accredited by OASAS and offers men-only residential and medication-assisted treatment for veterans.

Residential treatment length is determined according to individual needs and the facility has room for up to 50 male veterans at a time.

Which services a veteran will need are determined on a case-by-case basis, but may include the following:

• 12-step-based lectures
• anger management training
• HIV prevention education
• case management
• family reunification therapy
• individual and group therapy
• on-site medical care
• Seeking Safety
• moral reconation therapy
• recreational therapy
• vocational support services

This same facility also offers a women’s veterans program through Samaritan Village, Inc. in Ellenville, New York. This program serves female veterans, with treatment grounded in trauma-informed care.

Services here include many of the same as the men’s program, but also include services that may address many issues specific to women and veterans, such as:

• gender-specific care
• intensive case management
• trauma-informed care
• prolonged exposure therapy
• health and wellness services
• MST and PTSD services
• individualized discharge planning

4. Emmanuel House, Detroit, Michigan

This facility began as a one-bedroom townhouse in 1997 serving homeless and drug-addicted individuals.

Emmanuel House has now served over 3,000 individuals, with room for up to 120 individuals at a time across its programs.

Emmanuel House aims to help any and all who are homeless, addicted, or who need help rebuilding their lives in one way or another. Their clientele is 92 percent veterans and homeless individuals.

Rehabilitation programs available to veterans here include:

• transitional housing program
• substance abuse recovery and assistance program
• housing assistance
• mental health programs
• emergency shelter program
• dual diagnosis treatment

The core of treatment here is transitional housing, which is funded through the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV). The ultimate goal of this program is to help veterans achieve housing stability while increasing skills, income, and self-confidence and awareness.

A residential program, transitional housing can last for up to 24 months for each veteran and offers the following services:

• AA/NA meetings
• substance dependency counseling and therapy
• life-skills training
• parenting courses
• budgeting courses
• educational assistance
• crisis and suicide prevention
• intervention services
• peer mentorship and coaching
• job readiness and employment support
• family strengthening services
• faith-based treatment

Family involvement is strongly encouraged here to foster a strong support system for veterans. Each veteran also receives customized and ongoing case management to afford them the greatest opportunity for a successful recovery outcome.

5. The Farley Center, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Farley Center provides JCAHO-accredited treatment. Specialized treatment tracks are available to not only veterans, but active-duty service members, reserve military personnel, and their families.

Addiction treatment takes on a comprehensive approach and includes both evidence-based therapy and a variety of pharmacotherapies (medication-assisted treatment).

This facility aims to help veterans and service members by addressing issues which are unique to these groups of people.

Staff, counselors, clinicians, and physicians have experience treating the following:

• altered family dynamics
• emotional stress of duty: combat exposure, injuries, and violence
• issues related to full-time military service
• multiple or prolonged deployments
• the transition back to civilian life

To further hone treatment, rehab programs are separated into adult and young adult programs, with the young adult program serving those ages 18 to 25.

All programs are individualized and include a variety of treatment methods such as:

• activity therapy
• experiential therapy
• mandala therapy
• group and individual therapy
• continuing care

6. Heroes’ Mile, DeLand, Florida

This unique alcohol and rehab center was designed by veterans for the treatment of veterans. Here, those who have served can find comprehensive addiction treatment programs which offer evidence-based treatment methods.

Heroes’ Mile takes into account the many issues veterans may be facing, including PTSD, military-induced trauma, military sexual trauma, and other psychological issues borne out of their time of service.

Each veteran who comes to treatment here will meet one-on-one with a treatment specialist to create a treatment plan that is specific to their needs. Detox services are available for those who need them.

Rehab programs here follow a 12-step approach and may include the following therapies:

• veteran-specific individual therapy
• counseling
• art therapy
• eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• group therapy
• family services
• recreational therapy
• nutritional treatment components
• job-readiness preparation and training

7. Phoenix House New York, Hauppauge, New York

Phoenix House New York offers specialized treatment for veterans and military personnel which is CARF-accredited. Residential treatment is the main form of care here.

While each veteran’s treatment stay is determined according to their needs, treatment stays can last from one week up to a year or more, if needed. Treatment through the Hauppauge Center is gender-specific for men only.

Services available to veterans here include:

• clinical assessment
• individual and group counseling
• co-occurring disorder treatment
• case management
• individual discharge planning

In addition, all veterans within Phoenix House New York programs have access to additional support and recovery services. These include Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood programs. Staff also provides relationship education, parenting workshops, and debt and financial services.

8. Recovery First Treatment Center, Hollywood, Florida

Recovery First Treatment Center provides specialized veterans rehab programs that are dually accredited by CARF and the Joint Commission.

Treatment here includes a full spectrum of care, including the following rehab programs:

• medical detox
• residential rehab programs
• partial hospitalization programs
• intensive outpatient programs
• sober living

Trauma-informed care here serves veterans as well as first responders. Gender-specific care is available, as well as specialized mindfulness-based and spiritual tracks.

Programs are tailored to each veteran who enters treatment. Which methods will be included in his or her program is determined according to their addiction severity, mental health needs, and recovery progress.

Available therapies and treatment services include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• process group therapy
• motivational interviewing
• medication-assisted treatment
• aftercare planning

Those who are ready to transition from residential or day care programs will prepare an aftercare plan, which may include12-step recovery meetings, sober living options, and an alumni network program.

9. Ridgeview Ranch Treatment Center, Altadena, California

Ridgeview Ranch Treatment Center is a veteran-approved alcohol and drug rehab center offering CARF-accredited treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Treatment is evidence-based and includes a continuum of care. The Veterans Program is specialized to meet the treatment needs many veterans face.

Available rehab programs for veterans include:

• medically supervised detox
• residential drug and alcohol rehab programs
• partial hospitalization programs
• outpatient rehab programs
• dual diagnosis rehab programs

Residential treatment for veterans is short-term, lasting between 30 and 60 days. Following detoxification, residential treatment involves group and individual counseling, therapy, and around-the-clock medical care and support.

In partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), veterans still have access to on-site housing and support from staff. However, treatment is less intensive, with therapy and counseling occurring three to five days per week.

Outpatient programs are for those veterans who are not in need of intensive treatment and who may benefit from supportive services. Such services include individual and group therapy, counseling, and relapse prevention skill-building.

Within all rehab programs, veterans have access to dual-diagnosis treatment. This means any veterans who struggle with PTSD or other mental health issues, or another substance use disorder, can find effective treatment here.

10. St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment And Recovery Centers, Saranac Lake, New York

The St. Joseph’s residential program for veterans offers a specialized treatment with an integrated, holistic approach. This facility is accredited by OASAS.

Treatment begins with a clinical assessment, which determines the course and length of stay.

Rehab programs are individualized, but may include:

• evaluations
• addiction and prevention education
• individual counseling
• specialized group therapy
• pastoral care/spiritual services
• recreational activities
• yoga
• Tai Chi
• family therapy and addiction education

In addition, St. Joseph’s strives to provide supportive services to veterans, such as co-occurring mental health treatment, a statewide support network, gender-specific treatment for women, and legal support services.

Aftercare planning begins soon after veterans begin treatment to ensure continued recovery progress.

Aftercare plans may include a stay at a Guest House from six to 12 months for transitional living or referral to continued care.

11. Volunteers Of America, Camden, New Jersey

Volunteers of America was established in 1896 in Philadelphia and became incorporated in 1985. Today, the program operates 44 separate locations providing community assistance including programs for housing assistance and behavioral health.

Home For The Brave, a specialized veterans program, is offered in the Camden, New Jersey location. This program is a 30-bed, low-demand transitional housing program for single, male veterans.

Veterans may reside at this facility for up to two years. During their stay, they may work toward a number of goals, including addiction recovery, improving mental health, finding stability, establishing education or employment, and more.

The core focus of treatment here is both trauma-informed care and harm reduction, as well as providing supportive housing and services to homeless veterans in need. This program also partners with the VA liaison and other veterans’ service providers.

Services provided to veterans at Home For The Brave include:

• around-the-clock access to onsite support from staff
• connection to veterans benefits
• enrollment in the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP), funded by the Department of Labor
• financial planning, budget, and tenant education
• support in healthcare enrollment and obtaining ID
• referral services for substance abuse treatment and mental health care

Choosing The Ideal Veterans Rehab Program For You

Veterans may need drug and alcohol treatment at higher rates than the general population.

That is why it’s so important that each veteran find a rehab program that is right for them.

As you review treatment options, here are some factors to help you find the veteran rehab program that is right for you or a loved one:

• whether the rehab program is veteran friendly or veteran-specific
• if the rehab center accepts VA health care benefits or other types of insurance coverage
• if the treatment center offers payment plans or other forms of assistance
• what other resources the rehab facility offers for veterans, such as help with housing or employment
• whether the treatment center is open during COVID-19
• if the rehab center offers long-term continuing care options

Finding Drug And Alcohol Treatment For Veterans

Veterans in the U.S. struggle with drug and alcohol abuse at alarmingly high rates. The very best aid veterans can receive is through specialized drug and alcohol rehab programs.

Select a state to find a rehab center for veterans near you:

• Colorado rehab centers for vets
• Veteran rehab centers in Texas

Select a nearby city to find a Connecticut rehab center for veterans:

• Bridgeport, CT
• New Haven, CT
• Stamford, CT

Select a city to find a Massachusetts rehab center for veterans:

• Boston, MA
• Brockton, MA
• Cambridge, MA
• Canton, MA
• Fall River, MA
• Lowell, MA
• Lynn, MA
• New Bedford, MA
• Quincy, MA
• Springfield, MA
• Worcester, MA

Choose a city below to find a veterans rehab center in Maine:

• Bangor, ME
• Lewiston, ME
• Portland, ME

Select a city below to find a New Hampshire rehab center for vets:

• Concord, NH
• Manchester, NH
• Nashua, NH

Choose a city below to find a New Jersey veteran rehab center:

• Jersey City, NJ
• Newark, NJ
• Paterson, NJ

Select a city below to find a New York veteran rehab center:

• Buffalo, NY
• New York City, NY
• Rochester, NY

Select a city below to find a rehab center for vets in Ohio:

• Cincinnati, OH
• Columbus, OH
• Toledo, OH

Choose a city below to find a Rhode Island rehab center for vets near you:

• Cranston, RI
• Providence, RI
• Warwick, RI

Select a city below to find a Vermont veterans rehab center:

• Burlington, VT

Updated on August 10, 2021

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff