Veterans are at significant risk for substance use disorders (SUDs). The prevalence of SUDs in veterans is typically influenced by their experiences while serving, deployments, and other stressors in their lives.
Despite efforts by the VA and other agencies to address the problem, rates of substance abuse, particularly alcoholism, continue to rise among veterans.
There are several treatment programs available for veterans in Rhode Island that address the specific needs of vets. Rehab services may include detox, trauma-related counseling, and residential care.
Rhode Island Veterans Rehabilitation Centers
Rhode Island is home to several drug and alcohol rehab facilities. The following programs were chosen based on accreditation status, high Google ratings, testimonials, and other accolades.
Learn about top veterans rehab centers in the U.S.
1. Behavioral Health Group (BHG), Middletown, Rhode Island
BHG offers outpatient treatment options for veterans seeking care through Tricare, Medicaid, Medicare, or government-issued grants.
Treatment programs may include:
- detoxification
- intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone treatment
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- 12-step programs
- relapse prevention
This treatment center is backed by accreditation from the Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and LegitScript certification.
Location and contact information:
26 Valley Rd.
Ste. 201-202
Middletown, RI 02842
(401) 946-0650
2. CODAC Behavioral Health, Cranston, Rhode Island
CODAC Behavioral Health is a non-profit organization that offers treatment, recovery, and prevention services for veterans or their loved ones with substance use disorders.
Features of this rehab center include:
- CARF accreditation
- Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council (SUMHLC) member
- positive client testimonials
Treatment services at CODAC may include detox, motivational interviewing, trauma-related counseling, and aftercare services.
Location and contact information:
1052 Park Ave.
Cranston, RI 02910
(401) 461-5056
3. VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island
The VA Providence Health care system provides an array of inpatient and outpatient treatment services to veterans, their families, and caregivers.
Treatment programs include:
- 24-hour residential care
- IOP
- detoxification
- aftercare services
- dual diagnosis treatment
The top qualities of this treatment facility include a 3.9-star Google rating, evidence-based services, and excellent testimonials from past clients.
Location and contact information:
830 Chalkstone Ave.
Providence, RI 02908-4738
(401) 273-7100
Substance Use Disorders In Veterans
The most prevalent type of substance abuse among veterans is binge drinking. Among veterans seeking care within the VA health care system, approximately 11 percent meet the criteria of a SUD.
Compared with the general population, drug and alcohol abuse is far more common among male veterans than female veterans. Nearly 11 percent of male veterans experience alcohol use disorders as opposed to 4.8 percent of female veterans.
While alcohol accounts for the majority of addiction issues among veterans, misuse of prescription opioids is on the rise as well.
Opioids are prescribed to veterans to address issues such as chronic pain and headaches related to PTSD. Over an eight-year period, opioid prescriptions increased from 17 to 24 percent of pain meds issued by VA doctors.
Factors That Contribute To Substance Abuse In Veterans
There are a number of variables that contribute to substance use disorders among veterans. Substance use addictions do not occur overnight but may be exacerbated by the following factors.
Genetic Disposition
Genetics is one of the most influential causes of substance abuse. As of yet, researchers have not determined how addiction is passed on through the generations.
A family history of addiction does not mean that you’re guaranteed to have an issue with drug or alcohol misuse. Oftentimes, these disorders are amplified by co-occurring mental health issues.
Co-Occurring Mental Disorders
Veterans may be at a higher risk for addiction if they developed a mental disorder in the military, or had a pre-existing mental health issue such as bipolar disorder or depression.
Oftentimes mental health conditions affect people’s ability to cope with their symptoms, and as a result, they turn to substances such as drugs and alcohol to alleviate the pain.
Trauma
Many veterans experience trauma during their tenure in the military either from wartime experiences, sexual assaults, or other disturbing occurrences.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may include flashbacks, recurring nightmares, panic attacks triggered by memories, and actively avoiding triggering environments and situations.
Treatment Programs Offered Through The VA In Rhode Island
Veterans covered by VA health insurance may receive substance abuse, mental health, and co-occurring disorder care at VA hospitals or clinics in Rhode Island.
Treatment services through the VA may include:
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- support groups for war veterans
- medical detoxification
- group therapy
- dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
- long-term care at an assisted living facility
- nursing home care
Those who qualify for VA care can get free veterans services, however, due to the high demand, programs near you may have a long waiting list.
Drug And Alcohol Rehab Services Covered By Tricare
Tricare is a federally run health insurance program designed for military personnel, dependents, retired veterans, and eligible family members.
Treatment services covered by Tricare almost always have to be deemed medically necessary. Any experimental or holistic care will likely need to be paid for out-of-pocket.
Services through Tricare may include outpatient and inpatient treatment, medication-assisted treatment, mental health services such as psychotherapy, and much more.
Rhode Island Veterans Rehab FAQs
The following information may help narrow your search for a veterans rehab center in Rhode Island.
❓ Are All Veterans Eligible For VA Health Care?
✔️ All veterans may receive services through the VA, but not every veteran will qualify for free treatment. Contact your local VA hospital for more information on eligibility requirements.
❓ Is Alcohol Use Disorder Considered A Disability By The VA?
✔️ If alcohol addiction occurred due to a service-related injury or PTSD you may be eligible to receive disability benefits.
❓ Is Inpatient Drug Rehab Available Through The VA?
✔️ Yes, the VA healthcare system provides both residential and outpatient addiction treatment.
Find A Substance Abuse Treatment Program In Rhode Island
If you or a loved one are addicted to drugs or alcohol, help is available in the form of evidence-based treatment at a rehab center near you.
Call our helpline for more information. Our team can answer questions about issues related to veteran substance abuse, and assist you in finding a treatment provider in your area.
Select a city to find a veterans rehab center near you:
Published on April 18, 2022
Addiction 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 of Health (NIH) — Substance use disorders in military veterans: prevalence and treatment challenges
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5587184/ - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Find Treatment
https://findtreatment.gov/ - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — VA Providence health care
https://www.va.gov/providence-health-care/
