Veterans Drug Rehab Centers In Connecticut (VA, Tricare)

Substance use disorder is a major concern among veterans due to the stress of overseas deployments, traumatic events witnessed in combat, and strains on interpersonal relationships.

The unique experiences of veterans require specific treatment services for vets with issues around substance abuse. Services may include PTSD therapy and other mental health services.

In Connecticut, there are several resources for veterans in need of drug or alcohol rehab treatment.

These services may be accessed through the Veterans Administration (VA), private treatment facilities, and state-run rehab centers.

Connecticut Veterans Rehabilitation Centers

The following rehabilitation centers were chosen based on their accreditation status, Google reviews, client testimonials, and services specific to issues faced by veterans.

Learn about top veteran rehab centers in the U.S.

1. APT Foundation, New Haven, Connecticut

APT Foundation offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT), residential care, and vocational services for veterans with substance use disorders.

This addiction recovery center is unique in that both primary care and psychiatry services are embedded within substance abuse services. APT staff is trained in trauma-informed treatment and care.

This drug and alcohol rehab center is backed by:

• licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health
• Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation
• a 4-star Google rating

Veterans may be able to access free and low-cost care through Tricare (military insurance), Medicaid, Medicare, or private health insurance plans.

2. McCall Center for Behavioral Health, Torrington, Connecticut

This outpatient treatment program offers MAT, trauma-related counseling, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and more for veterans seeking addiction rehab.

McCall Center features accreditation from CARF and a 4-star rating on Google. Veterans may access care at this facility through Tricare or other federal funding for substance use treatment.

3. Wheeler Clinic, Plainview, Connecticut

Wheeler Clinic is an outpatient rehab facility that offers evidence-based services for veterans including MAT, cognitive behavioral therapy, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and more.

This treatment center offers counseling that helps veterans manage stress and anxiety from their wartime experiences, and dual diagnosis care for co-occurring disorders.

Wheeler Clinic is backed by accreditation from the Joint Commission, positive client testimonials, and a 4.2-star rating on Google.

Substance Abuse And Addiction Among Veterans

While the United States armed forces has a zero-tolerance policy for illicit drug use among active-duty personnel, binge drinking rates are exceedingly high compared to the general population.

About half of military personnel report that they feel that seeking help for their mental issues may negatively affect their career. After discharge from active duty, many veterans turn to alcohol and drugs to cope with their trauma.

Studies have shown that one in 10 veterans are diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Marijuana accounts for the vast majority of illicit drug use, with 3.5 percent of veterans report using cannabis regularly.

Alcohol abuse rates are substantially higher for veterans than their civilian counterparts, with 56.6 percent of veterans using alcohol on a regular basis and 7.5 percent admitting to heavy use of alcohol.

Factors That Impact Substance Abuse Among Veterans

Among veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, 63 percent with substance abuse issues also meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a condition that’s triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic or terrifying event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and uncontrollable thoughts.

While PTSD is a major contributor to substance use disorders among veterans, there are several other reasons veterans may develop an addiction to alcohol and drugs.

Factors that contribute to addiction may include:

• family history of substance abuse
• co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders
• issues with sexuality or gender identity
• peer pressure
• a past history of drug and alcohol use

It’s important to seek the help of a health care professional if you or a loved one have a history of substance abuse.

Without proper care, veterans are at much higher risk of suicide, overdose, and developing other mental or physical ailments.

What Addiction Treatment Options Are Available For Veterans Through The VA?

The VA provides free services to qualified military veterans seeking treatment for alcohol misuse and addiction.

Rehabilitation programs at the VA may include:

• IOP
• short-term or long-term inpatient treatment
• individual, group, or family counseling
• medically managed detoxification
• buprenorphine or methadone maintenance
• continuing care and relapse prevention

Veterans who want to use the Veterans Administration for substance abuse treatment must first apply for VA health care.

Drug And Alcohol Treatment Programs Covered By Tricare

Tricare is a health care program for active duty service members, family members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, and survivors.

Tricare-authorized providers are located throughout Connecticut in military hospitals and clinics, and hospitals in the civilian network of Tricare-authorized providers.

In a rehab program that accepts Tricare, eligible veterans may receive an array of evidence-based treatments including MAT, medical detox, counseling, and more for little to no cost.

Connecticut Veterans Rehab FAQs

Learn answers to commonly asked questions about drug rehab services for veterans in Connecticut.

❓ Does The VA Offer Free Rehab Treatment?

✔️ Yes, eligible veterans may receive free inpatient and outpatient care.

❓ How Do I Know If I’m Eligible For VA Healthcare?

✔️ To check your eligibility status, you can call the VA or visit the nearest VA hospital in your area.

❓ How Much Does Tricare Cost?

✔️ Tricare has a number of different plans with specific costs and coverage. To find out more, you can visit the Tricare website and compare and contrast the various plans available.

Find A Drug Rehab Center For Veterans

Finding a rehab center that caters to the needs of veterans may be stressful, but this process is made easier when you call our helpline.

Our team can answer your questions about drug and alcohol addiction, and assist you in finding a treatment provider in your area.

Select a city to find a veterans rehab center near you:

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

Published on April 14, 2022

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff