Maine Drug Rehab Centers For Veterans (VA, Tricare)

Many veterans have issues related to drug and alcohol use due to PTSD and other service-related experiences, as well as pre-existing mental health disorders.

In Maine, there are several resources available for veterans seeking help. These may come in the form of health insurance plans such as Tricare (military insurance), Medicaid, or programs available through Veterans Affairs (VA).

Vets can also find addiction treatment through private drug and alcohol rehab centers located throughout the state of Maine and elsewhere in the United States.

Maine Veterans Rehabilitation Centers

The following rehab facilities were chosen by our team based on the quality of care, level of care offered, nationally recognized accreditations, Google reviews, and more.

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

1. Liberty Bay Recovery Center, Portland, Maine

Liberty Bay offers short-term and long-term residential treatment programs, as well as 30- to 45-day partial hospitalization programs (PHP) for veterans with substance use disorders.

Treatment options at this rehab facility include:

• intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• medically monitored detox
• trauma-related therapy services
• telemedicine
• 12-step programs
• buprenorphine and naltrexone treatment for opioid addiction
• aftercare services

This treatment program is backed by accreditation from the Joint Commission, evidence-based treatment services, high Google ratings, and excellent client testimonials.

Here, veterans can utilize Tricare or private health insurance to pay for treatment services.

2. VA Maine Healthcare System, Augusta, Maine

The VA medical center in Augusta, ME offers an outpatient chemical dependency recovery program as well as day hospital programs for PTSD.

Eligible veterans may receive evidence-based care at this rehab center if they qualify for VA health benefits, are current Tricare beneficiaries, or use Medicare insurance.

3. Wellspring, Bangor, Maine

Wellspring offers a gender-specific residential treatment program that lasts four to six months. Services provided here include therapy, living skills development, and continuing care.

Veterans also have the option of entering the Infinity House, which is a 10-bed inpatient program for pregnant women and parenting mothers.

This rehab center features a 4-star rating on Google as well as backing from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

Drug And Alcohol Addiction Among Veterans

Veterans face substance abuse at higher rates than civilians, largely due to issues they experienced during their time in service, as well as post-service issues.

According to surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, almost one out of every three veterans seeking treatment for substance abuse also has PTSD.

Combat veterans are particularly susceptible to binge drinking. About one in 10 veterans that return home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan develop an alcohol use disorder.

Factors That Affect Substance Abuse Among Veterans

Drug and alcohol use has become a concern among veterans for several decades. There are many factors that may lead to substance use disorders, and not all of them are related to their time in the military.

Factors that influence substance abuse may include:

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• untreated mental health disorders
• genetic predisposition to addiction
• past history of substance use as a child or teenager

Statistically, PTSD is the most prominent cause of veteran-related substance abuse. Choosing a treatment program with trauma-related counseling is one of the best ways to start the healing process.

VA Addiction Treatment Options Available For Veterans In Maine

There are several treatments available through the VA that are effective for most people experiencing drug or alcohol addiction.

Evidence-based therapies are some of the most effective options, and may include services such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and motivational enhancement therapy (MET).

The VA also offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which helps reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and reduce the risk of serious withdrawal reactions.

Common MAT medications include:

• buprenorphine (Suboxone), injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol), or methadone for opioid addiction
• disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate for alcohol use disorder (AUD)
• nicotine replacement therapy

Studies have shown that behavioral therapy combined with MAT provides the best chance of recovery for veterans addicted to opioids, alcohol, methamphetamine, and other substances.

Drug And Alcohol Treatment Programs Covered By Tricare

Tricare is a health insurance plan that covers most if not all of the cost of health care services for active duty members, retirees, family members, and eligible veterans.

Treatment options covered by Tricare include:

• behavior analysis
• cognitive rehabilitation therapy
• family counseling
• long-term care facilities
• drug testing
• MAT
• psychotherapy
• nursing home care
• psychoanalysis
• residential and outpatient treatment

Typically, Tricare only covers medically necessary services, but in some circumstances, it may cover services integrated into your treatment plan such as recreational and art therapy.

Maine Veterans Rehab FAQs

The frequently asked questions below may help you narrow your search for a veterans rehab center.

❓ Is Residential Treatment Free Through The VA?

✔️ Yes, substance abuse treatment services are free through the VA for qualifying veterans.

❓ Are All Veterans Eligible For Tricare Coverage?

✔️ Some veterans may be eligible for Tricare if they retired from the military or were discharged for a medical disability. Contact Tricare for more information on their treatment plans and pricing.

❓ Are There Long Waitlists To Get Help Through The VA?

✔️ The VA may have long waitlists due to staffing shortages and other issues. Some people may be eligible for vouchers to receive prompt care outside of the VA system if needed.

❓ What If I Don’t Have Tricare Or Qualify For VA Benefits?

✔️ Veterans may still receive services through nonprofit organizations, government grants for substance abuse treatment, and state-run health insurance plans such as Medicaid.

Find Drug Rehab Treatment For Veterans In Maine

Call our helpline today for more information on drug and alcohol use. Our team can help you or your loved one get on track to long-term sobriety.

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

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

Published on April 14, 2022

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff