3 Veterans Rehab Centers In Boston, MA (VA, Tricare)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Published on May 16, 2022

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff