10 Best Veterans Alcohol And Drug Rehab Centers

Veterans alcohol and drug rehab centers provide specialized addiction treatment designed for military service members and veterans who face issues related to their service. These facilities understand military culture, combat experiences, and issues like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and the difficulties of transitioning from military to civilian life that often contribute to substance use among veterans.

Treatment at veterans rehab centers addresses not only addiction but also service-related trauma, mental health conditions common among veterans, and the sense of purpose and camaraderie that many miss after leaving the military. Programs may include specialized therapies for combat trauma, peer support from other veterans who understand military experiences, and assistance navigating VA benefits and services. Many facilities employ veterans or staff with military backgrounds who can relate to service experiences, so veterans can feel supported by people who respect their service and understand what they’ve been through during and after their military careers.

This list has been ordered alphabetically

List Of The Top Rehab Centers For Veterans

Our team has selected the following rehab facilities for veterans based on accreditation status, Google ratings, client testimonials, and other accolades.

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.

Holistic 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 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, and aftercare.

2. 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, and individualized discharge planning.

3. 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

This program centers on transitional housing funded through the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV), with stays lasting up to 24 months designed to help veterans achieve housing stability while building life skills, income, and self-confidence. The residential program provides substance dependency counseling and therapy, AA/NA meetings, life-skills and parenting training, budgeting courses, educational assistance, crisis and suicide prevention services, peer mentorship, job readiness support, family strengthening services, and faith-based treatment options.

4. 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, and continuing care.

5. 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.

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

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.

6. 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.

7. 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:

• medical detox
• residential rehab programs
• partial hospitalization programs
• intensive outpatient programs
• sober living
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• dialectical behavior therapy
• process group therapy
• motivational interviewing
• medication-assisted treatment
• aftercare planning

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.

Those who are ready to transition from residential or day care programs will prepare an aftercare plan, which may include 12-step recovery meetings, sober living options, and an alumni network program.

8. 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.

Services 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 this facility 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

What To Look For When Choosing A Veterans Rehab Center

Selecting a veterans rehab center requires evaluating military-specific programming and how well the facility understands service member experiences. Understanding what to look for helps you find treatment designed for veterans rather than general programs that simply accept them.

1. VA-Approved or VA-Contracted Facility

• Some facilities are approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs or have contracts to treat veterans with VA coverage.
• Ask whether they accept VA benefits and are authorized VA treatment providers.
• Look for facilities experienced working with VA systems and understanding veteran benefits.

2. Staff with Military Background or Training

• Treatment is often more effective when staff understand military culture and can relate to service experiences.
• Ask whether therapists, counselors, or staff are veterans themselves or have military cultural competency training.
• Look for facilities where you won’t have to explain military life and can speak openly using military terminology.

3. Combat Trauma and PTSD Treatment

• Many veterans with combat-related trauma require specialized treatment alongside addiction.
• Ask about evidence-based PTSD therapies like prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy, or EMDR.
• Look for facilities with trauma specialists experienced treating combat veterans, not just general trauma.

4. Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness

• TBI from combat or training affects many veterans and can complicate addiction treatment.
• Ask whether staff understand TBI symptoms and how brain injuries affect treatment and recovery.
• Look for programs that can accommodate cognitive challenges and coordinate with TBI specialists when needed.

5. Military Sexual Trauma Services

• Both male and female veterans may have experienced military sexual trauma requiring sensitive, specialized care.
• Ask about their approach to treating MST and whether they have staff trained in this specific trauma.
• Look for facilities creating safe environments for discussing and treating military sexual trauma.

6. Peer Support from Other Veterans

• Being around other veterans who understand service experiences enhances treatment effectiveness.
• Ask about the number of veteran clients and opportunities for veteran-specific peer support groups.
• Look for programs where you’ll connect with other veterans, not be isolated among only civilian clients.

7. Service Branch and Era Considerations

• Veterans from different branches and eras have different experiences and may relate differently to each other.
• Ask whether they serve veterans from all service branches and eras or specialize in specific groups.
• Consider whether mixing Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan veterans works or if you’d prefer era-specific programming.

8. Reintegration and Purpose-Building

• Many veterans struggle with loss of mission and purpose after leaving military service.
• Ask about programs addressing identity, purpose, and transitioning to civilian life in recovery.
• Look for facilities that help veterans find new meaning and direction beyond military identity.

9. VA Benefits Navigation and Advocacy

• Understanding and accessing VA benefits can be confusing and complicated.
• Ask whether they have VA benefits counselors or advocates who help navigate the VA system.
• Look for facilities that assist with disability claims, healthcare enrollment, and accessing VA resources.

10. Treatment for Military-Specific Substance Use Patterns

• Substance use among veterans often relates to managing pain, sleep problems, or PTSD symptoms.
• Ask whether they understand how military experiences and injuries contribute to specific substance use patterns.
• Look for programs addressing why veterans use substances, not just the addiction itself.

11. Family and Relationship Therapy

• Military service affects families, and relationship problems often accompany veteran substance use.
• Ask about family therapy programs that understand military family dynamics and deployment impacts.
• Look for facilities that help repair relationships damaged by both military service and addiction.

12. Continuing Care and Veteran Community Connections

• The facility should connect you with veteran-specific support groups and VA resources after treatment.
• Ask about links to local veteran service organizations, VA outpatient care, and veteran recovery communities.
• Look for programs that help you maintain connections with veteran networks supporting long-term recovery.

Finding Veterans Treatment That Honors Your Service

Veterans alcohol and drug rehab centers provide specialized treatment recognizing that military service creates unique experiences, challenges, and needs requiring tailored approaches. Whether you’re dealing with combat trauma, service-related injuries, transition difficulties, or simply prefer treatment among others who’ve served, finding a facility that understands military culture while providing quality evidence-based care will support your recovery and help you build civilian sobriety while honoring your service and connecting you with veteran communities that understand your experiences.

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