Armed forces personnel face a number of issues when they return to civilian life. Often, veterans cope with stresses experienced during active duty through the use of illicit substances and alcohol.
Veterans with substance use disorders may find a range of treatment programs in Boston, MA to treat issues such as drug and alcohol addiction, mental health disorders, and more.
Due to the unique challenges veterans face, addiction treatment programs for veterans are often focused on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), support groups, detox, and more.
Boston, MA Veterans Rehabilitation Facilities
The following rehab programs feature services designed for veterans and have qualifications such as nationally recognized accreditations, high Google ratings, positive testimonials, and other accolades.
1. Boston Medical Center (BMC), Boston, Massachusetts
The outpatient treatment services available at BMC can be accessed by veterans through Tricare (military insurance), Medicaid, and private health insurance plans.
Drug and alcohol rehab services include:
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- detoxification
- counseling services
- aftercare
The top qualities of this treatment facility include Joint Commission accreditation, high ratings on Google, and positive client testimonials.
Location and contact information:
725 Albany St.
Boston, MA 02118
5th Floor, Ste. 5B
(617) 414-4123
2. Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts
At Fenway Health, veterans can find outpatient drug and alcohol rehab services such as detox, CBT, trauma-related therapy, relapse prevention, and more.
Features of this treatment center include:
- accreditation from the Joint Commission
- recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
- a 2020 LGBT Healthcare Equality Leader
Location and contact information:
142 Berkeley St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 247-7555
3. Health Care Resource Centers (HCRC), Boston, Massachusetts
Here, veterans may receive several different evidence-based treatments for substance abuse through Tricare, government grants, Medicaid, or Medicare.
Addiction treatment options include:
- MAT using methadone or buprenorphine
- individual, group, or family counseling
- opioid detoxification
- aftercare services
HCRC is backed by accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), excellent client testimonials, and a 4.1-star Google rating.
Location and contact information:
23-27 Bradston St.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 318-6480
Drug And Alcohol Addiction In Veterans
Cases of illicit or prescription drug use and alcohol abuse typically increase among veterans in the months and years after they leave the service.
Marijuana is responsible for the vast majority of drug use among veterans, with 3.5 percent reporting use over a one-month period.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) was much more common, with 56.6 percent using alcohol regularly and binge drinking reported among 7.5 percent of veterans.
When veterans enter a treatment program, they report alcohol as the substance they misuse the most, with 65 percent of veterans reporting alcohol abuse.
Factors That Influence Substance Abuse In Veterans
There are several factors that contribute to drug and alcohol abuse among veterans including overseas deployments, mental illness, combat exposure, and stressors associated with civilian reintegration.
Perhaps the most common contributing factor is the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as depression.
PTSD occurs when a person is subjected to extremely traumatic situations. In the months and years after the incident, people may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and a strong need to avoid any situations that may trigger memories of the event.
At a rehab program for veterans, you will likely find PTSD counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other services to learn how to cope with PTSD symptoms.
Treatment Programs Available Through The VA In Boston, MA
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has medical facilities throughout the country that provide substance use disorder services to veterans in need.
Treatment services offered through the VA include:
- medically managed detoxification
- group therapy
- outpatient clinics
- family therapy
- dual diagnosis programs
- intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- marriage and family counseling
- self-help groups
- residential treatment
- relapse prevention
Veterans who wish to receive addiction treatment through the VA must first apply for VA health care. This can be accomplished through mail correspondence, the VA.gov website, or by visiting your nearest VA medical center.
Boston, MA Veterans Rehab FAQ
The frequently asked questions listed below may help you find a veterans treatment program in Boston, MA that fits your needs.
Does The VA Offer Free Rehab For Veterans?
Yes. Qualifying veterans may get substance abuse treatment at the VA free of charge.
Are All Veterans Qualified For Tricare?
Only retired veterans, survivors, and dependents of retired veterans may qualify for Tricare.
What If I Don’t Qualify For Tricare Or VA Health Services?
Veterans can also receive treatment through government-issued grants, Massachusetts Medicaid, private health insurance, and self-payment.
Addiction Treatment Services Covered By Tricare
Tricare is a federally operated health insurance program designed for retired veterans, their dependents, active duty members, and other qualifying individuals.
Tricare covers addiction treatments that have been proven effective for substance use disorders such as inpatient services, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), IOP, psychotherapy, and more.
Find A Drug And Alcohol Rehab Program For Veterans In Boston, MA
If you or a loved one are a veteran and need addiction treatment, there are several rehab centers in Boston, MA that provide evidence-based inpatient or outpatient services.
Call our helpline today for more information about veteran drug rehab programs. Our team can assist you to get help from a treatment provider in your area.
Article resourcesAddiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Substance Use and Military Life DrugFacts
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-military-life - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Find Treatment
https://findtreatment.gov/ - Tricare — TRICARE Can Help if You Have a Substance Use Disorder
https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/BenefitUpdates/Archives/05_26_2020_TRICARE_Can_Help_if_You_Have_a_Substance_Use_Disorder - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Substance use treatment for Veterans
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/substance-use-problems/