Why Trust Recovery Guide Substance use disorder is an unfortunate reality for many veterans who use drugs and alcohol to cope with past trauma, mental illness, and other life stressors.
In Buffalo, NY, there are several rehab programs that offer treatments designed specifically for veterans and their unique needs.
Evidence-based services may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification, trauma-related therapy, case management services, and more.
Buffalo, NY Veterans Rehabilitation Facilities
Our team has chosen the following rehab centers for veterans based on criteria such as Google ratings, accreditation status, licensure, and positive testimonials from past clients.
1. Best Self, Buffalo, New York
Best Self offers mental health and substance use disorders services to veterans in an outpatient treatment environment.
Treatment programs may include:
- MAT
- relapse prevention
- counseling services
- telehealth therapy
- aftercare
Top features of this rehab facility include Council on Accreditation (COA) accreditation and positive testimonials from past clients.
Location and contact information:
951 Niagara St.
Buffalo, NY 14213
(716) 884-0700
2. Horizon Health Services, Buffalo, New York
Horizon Health Services offers outpatient services as well as residential treatment for veterans at their Freedom Village campus.
Veterans can use Tricare (military insurance) coverage or Medicaid at this facility.
Treatment options include:
- MAT
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- relapse prevention
- motivational interviewing
- 12-step programs
This treatment facility is backed by positive client testimonials and a 3.9-star Google rating.
Location and contact information:
77 Broadway
Ste. 100
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 834-6401
3. Spectrum Health, Buffalo, New York
At Spectrum Health, veterans can receive outpatient methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone treatment, CBT, trauma-related counseling, and more.
Veterans may utilize Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare coverage at this facility to receive low or no-cost care.
Spectrum Health is backed by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYSOASAS) and is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).
Location and contact information:
1280 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14209
(716) 884-5797
Drug And Alcohol Use Disorder Among Veterans
The scope of substance use disorders in the veteran community is vast. Veterans experience high rates of drug and alcohol use disorder due to a number of contributing factors.
Facts regarding substance use disorders (SUDs) among veterans include:
- More than 20 percent of veterans with PTSD also have SUD,
- Almost one in three veterans seeking treatment for SUD also has PTSD.
- About one in 10 returning combat veterans seen in the VA are misusing drugs or alcohol.
- Alcohol use disorder accounts for 80 percent of SUDs among veterans.
- Marijuana is the most common illicit drug used by veterans.
Factors That Affect Drug And Alcohol Addiction In Veterans
There are several factors that may contribute to use of drugs and alcohol in veterans. These factors may include environment, genetic disposition, past substance use, and more.
Other contributing factors include:
- co-occurring mental health disorders such as PTSD, depression, or bipolar disorder
- a family history of drug or alcohol misuse
- experiences during military service
- living in a household where substance use disorder is occurring
- a past history of abusing drugs and alcohol
- chronic pain or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Veterans seeking addiction recovery can find free services at their local VA facility.
Treatment Programs Available Through The VA In Buffalo, NY
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers veterans an array of treatment options for substance use disorder.
Addiction treatment services through the VA include:
- medically monitored detoxification
- intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- PTSD counseling
- short-term residential treatment
- outpatient clinics
- support groups for young adults
- mental health care services
- family therapy
- aftercare
- primary care services
- psychiatry services
- community living centers
- case management services
The Buffalo VA Medical Center is a healthcare facility that provides inpatient and outpatient treatment as well as special programs for women veterans, combat veterans, vets with HIV/AIDS, and veterans who are homeless.
To sign up for VA medical care, veterans must first apply at the VA.gov website or by visiting their local VA office.
Treatment Services Covered By Tricare
Tricare is a health insurance program run by the federal government. Veterans are eligible for Tricare if they retired from the military or if they’re the dependent of a retired military member.
Addiction treatment programs covered by Tricare include partial hospitalization programs (PHP), opioid treatment, counseling services, detox, and more.
Buffalo, NY Veterans Rehab FAQs
The frequently asked questions below may help you narrow your search for a veterans drug rehab program in Buffalo, NY.
Does The VA Provide Residential Rehab Services?
Yes. Veterans can find both residential treatment and outpatient care through the VA.
Who Is Eligible For Tricare Insurance Coverage?
Tricare insurance is designed for retired veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, active duty military, their family members, and other eligible dependents.
Is Alcoholism Considered A Disability Through The VA?
If the alcohol use disorder is a result of a service-related injury, it may be considered a disability at the VA.
Can Veterans Successfully Recover From Benzodiazepine And Alcohol Dependence Simultaneously?
Yes, but polysubstance dependence involving alcohol and benzodiazepines requires careful medical management, as they can both cause potentially fatal withdrawal seizures.
Medical detoxification safely manages withdrawal from both substances simultaneously.
Once medically stable, veterans address psychological dependence on both substances through integrated treatment.
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work For Substance Use Disorder?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps veterans identify and change thought patterns and behaviors contributing to substance use.
Treatment teaches recognizing triggers and automatic thoughts leading to use, challenging distorted thinking like “I can’t handle stress without substances.”
It also helps develop healthier coping strategies for managing emotions and situations, and problem-solving skills for navigating challenges without substances.
CBT is present-focused and goal-oriented, and it provides practical skills that are immediately applicable.
Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment For Veterans
Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.
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.
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- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — PTSD: National Center for PTSD
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/substance_abuse_vet.asp - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — VA Western New York healthcare system
https://www.va.gov/western-new-york-health-care/ - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Find Treatment
https://findtreatment.gov