Veterans may develop substance use disorders (SUDs). Some of the contributing factors for substance abuse among veterans include experiencing traumatic events in the military, severe life stressors, or pre-existing mental health disorders.
SUDs among veterans may involve binge drinking, prescription opioid abuse, or illicit drug use. In recent studies, nearly 30 percent of veteran suicides were preceded by alcohol or drug use.
There are several programs throughout the state of Vermont designed to address the specific needs of veterans. These facilities offer services such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), outpatient treatment, and counseling services.
Vermont Veterans Rehabilitation Centers
The drug and alcohol rehab programs listed below were chosen based on qualifications such as client testimonials, accreditations earned, Google reviews, and other accolades.
Find top veterans rehab centers in the U.S.
1. Brattleboro Treatment, Brattleboro, Vermont
Brattleboro Retreat is a non-profit mental health and addiction treatment center that provides evidence-based services for veterans and people from all walks of life.
Treatment options may include:
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- 12-step programs
- outpatient treatment
- PTSD counseling
- relapse prevention
This rehab facility is backed by Joint Commission accreditation, positive reviews on Google, and excellent client testimonials.
Location and contact information:
1 Anna Marsh Ln.
Brattleboro, VT 05302
(802) 257-7785
2. Howard Center, Burlington, Vermont
Howard Center is an outpatient rehab program that offers treatment services such as intensive outpatient programs (IOP), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), CBT, and more.
Features of the Howard Center include:
- Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation
- Centers of Excellence (COE) accreditation
- Certificate of Recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
Veterans can pay for treatment at Howard Center using health insurance programs such as Tricare (military insurance), Medicaid, Medicare, and government-backed grants for drug rehab.
Location and contact information:
855 Pine St.
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 488-6100
3. White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont
This treatment facility is designed to address the unique needs of veterans and their families, and is backed by a 4.6-star Google rating and positive client testimonials.
Treatment programs available here include:
- inpatient treatment
- drug and alcohol detox
- MAT using buprenorphine and methadone
- individual and group counseling
Here, qualified veterans can receive free treatment through the VA health system. If they’re not qualified for VA healthcare, they may be able to use private health insurance or self-payment.
Location and contact information:
163 Veterans Drive.
White River Junction, VT 05001
(802) 295-9363
Drug And Alcohol Abuse Among Veterans
Veterans returning from overseas deployments or retired veterans may develop alcohol or drug addiction to cope with traumatic experiences.
Facts regarding substance abuse in veterans:
- 20 percent of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also have a SUD.
- One in 10 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars develop addictions to alcohol or drugs.
- Veterans with PTSD tend to choose alcohol as their coping mechanism of choice, with over 50 percent of vets with an SUD reporting episodes of severe binge drinking.
If you or a loved one are a veteran and misuse alcohol or drugs, a treatment program in Vermont will provide the services you need for long-term recovery.
Find out the scope of substance abuse in veterans.
Factors That Contribute To Substance Abuse Among Veterans
There are several factors that may influence the development of addiction in veterans. While genetic disposition for addiction may play an important role, there are many additional variables that can make the issue worse.
Other factors that contribute to addiction include:
- exposure to combat
- sexual assault
- co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder
- inability to adjust to civilian life
- interpersonal relationship issues
Co-occurring disorders are particularly prevalent in veterans, with mental illness diagnoses three to four times higher in veterans with substance abuse issues.
Treatment Programs Available To Veterans Through The VA In Vermont
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has treatment centers throughout the nation that provide evidence-based care to veterans with SUDs.
Treatment services through the VA include:
- short-term outpatient counseling
- motivational interviewing
- residential care
- intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- medically monitored detoxification
- self-help groups
- dual diagnosis treatment
- relapse prevention
Rehabilitation services through the VA can be utilized after getting a primary care provider. To get access to these services, veterans must first apply for VA health care.
Vermont Drug And Alcohol Rehab Services Covered By Tricare
Tricare is a federally backed health insurance plan that’s available for retired veterans, their dependents, surviving family members, and active-duty military personnel.
Tricare typically only covers procedures deemed essential such as inpatient services, IOP, detoxification, MAT, and partial hospitalization programs, among others.
While Tricare doesn’t typically cover unproven treatments, some holistic therapies may be covered if they’re already a part of a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment plan.
Vermont Veterans Rehab FAQs
The following information may help you find a veterans treatment program in Vermont.
❓ Does The VA Provide Free Drug Abuse Treatment To Veterans In Vermont?
✔️ Yes, eligible veterans can receive free inpatient and outpatient treatment at a VA center.
❓ Does Every Veteran Qualify For Tricare Coverage?
✔️ No. Only retired veterans, their family members, and former spouses may be eligible for Tricare coverage.
❓ Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits Because Of A Substance Use Disorder?
✔️ Veterans that developed alcohol use disorder as a direct result of service-related injury may be eligible for disability benefits.
Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment For Veterans In Vermont
For more information about substance abuse treatment for veterans in Vermont, call our helpline today. Our team can help you find a treatment provider that fits your needs.
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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.
- Benefits.gov — Veterans Alcohol and Drug Dependence Rehabilitation Program
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/307#:~:text=The%20Department%20of%20Veteran's%20Affairs,%2C%20rehabilitation%2C%20and%20psychiatric%20care. - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) — Prescription Drugs and National Opioid Crisis
https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/ - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Substance use treatment for Veterans
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/substance-use-problems/ - 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/