The unique and oftentimes stressful experiences of military personnel may eventually lead to substance abuse after leaving the service.
Nearly half of military service members have reported that the stigma related to addiction treatment has prevented them from getting the help they need.
Veterans may utilize a range of resources to get assistance with drug and alcohol addiction including VA health services, Tricare (military insurance) coverage, and nonprofit organizations designed to help veterans achieve sobriety.
New York Veterans Rehabilitation Centers
The following rehab facilities in New York that offer care for veterans were chosen based on criteria such as accreditation status, positive client testimonials, high Google ratings, and more.
Learn about top veteran rehab centers in the U.S.
1. Bath VA Medical Center, Bath, New York
Eligible veterans may receive an array of evidence-based addiction services such as group and individual counseling and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) at Bath VA Medical Center.
This inpatient rehab center helps veterans deal with substance abuse, homelessness, mental health issues, and unemployment. In some cases, a referral may be needed to receive care here.
Bath VA Medical Center is supported by excellent testimonials from past clients and a 3.9-star Google rating.
Location and contact information:
76 Veterans Ave.
Bath, NY 14810-0810
(607) 664-4000
2. Hope House, Albany, New York
Veterans may receive gender-specific substance abuse treatment at Hope House through Tricare, Medicaid, and private health insurance plans.
Treatment options available here include:
- intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- aftercare services
Hope House features a 3.9-star Google rating and is licensed by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
Location and contact information:
573 Livingston Ave.
Albany, NY 12206
(518) 482-4673
3. Huther Doyle, Rochester, New York
Veterans can receive dual diagnosis care, detoxification, MAT, and trauma-related counseling at this treatment center.
Huther Doyle is backed by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Services (OASAS), positive testimonials, and high Google ratings.
This treatment facility accepts Tricare, state block grant funds, Medicaid, and private insurance to pay for their evidence-based services.
Location and contact information:
360 E. Ave.
Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 325-5100
Drug And Alcohol Addiction In Veterans
One out of every 10 veterans who have been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan develops an alcohol use disorder. Many veterans develop the condition as a co-occurring disorder to PTSD or depression.
While illicit drug abuse is not as prominent as alcoholism, many veterans turn to substances such as marijuana and prescription drugs to cope with the trauma of deployments or other stressors in their lives.
In a 2017 study of veterans, those that received a high dose of opioid painkillers were twice as likely to attempt suicide as those who were on a low dose or no dose.
Due to the potential for life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, it’s highly encouraged that veterans seek the help of health care professionals before attempting to quit using substances cold turkey.
Factors That Affect Substance Abuse Among Veterans
There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of addiction and untreated substance use disorders (SUDs) among veterans.
Factors may include:
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- family history of substance abuse
- limited access to treatment
- gaps in health insurance coverage
- fear of negative consequences
- environmental factors
Treatment Options Available To Veterans Through The VA In New York
Veterans may receive both inpatient and outpatient treatment through the VA for drug and alcohol addiction.
Some of the treatment programs through the VA may include:
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- medically monitored detox
- family therapy
- dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
- group therapy
- intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
To access these services, you must first apply for VA health care. Once you have a VA primary care provider, they can help you get screened for mental health issues or substance abuse.
Substance Abuse Treatment Services Covered By Tricare
Tricare is a federally operated health insurance program for active-duty military members, their dependents, retired veterans, and other eligible veterans.
Substance use disorder treatment through Tricare may include office-based opioid treatment, psychotherapy, residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and more.
Some of these covered services are available through telehealth services. Due to COVID-19, more services such as telemedicine may be covered.
New York Veterans Rehab FAQs
The frequently asked questions below may help you find a veterans treatment program.
❓ Does The VA Provide Free Drug And Alcohol Rehab?
✔️ Yes, eligible veterans may receive treatment at the VA free of out-of-pocket costs.
Learn more about free rehab centers.
❓ Are All Veterans Eligible For Tricare Benefits?
✔️ No, only retired veterans or dependents of a retiree can receive Tricare health benefits.
❓ What If I’m Not Qualified For VA Or Tricare Benefits?
✔️ Veterans may still receive substance use disorder treatment through a nonprofit organization, or through government-run health insurance programs such as Medicaid or Medicare.
Learn about rehab centers that accept Medicaid.
Find A Drug Rehab Center For Veterans In New York
Call our helpline today for more information on treatment programs for substance use disorders designed for veterans. Our team can put you on track for long-term addiction recovery.
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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 — 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.mil — 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/