Drug and alcohol abuse is an unfortunate reality among thousands of veterans afflicted with substance use disorders (SUD) in the United States.
Some of the risk factors for developing substance abuse among vets include traumatic experiences they may have had on active duty, co-occurring mental illness, and financial stressors.
Burlington, VT features several addiction treatment programs designed to meet the unique needs of veterans and help them reach lasting sobriety.
Burlington, VT Veterans Rehab Centers
The following rehab facilities were chosen by our team based on their qualifications.
Top features of these veterans rehab centers include:
- nationally recognized accreditations
- positive client testimonials
- high Google ratings
- certifications and licensure
- awards and other accolades
1. Howard Center, Burlington, Vermont
The Howard Center offers intensive outpatient programs (IOP), MAT, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and relapse prevention for veterans and their loved ones.
This facility features qualities such as high ratings on Google, a partnership with United Way, and recognition as a Center of Excellence from Vermont Care Partners.
Location and contact information:
855 Pine St.
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 488-6100
2. River Rock Treatment, Burlington, Vermont
River Rock Treatment is a drug rehab and mental health treatment program. IOP and partial hospitalization programs (PHP) offer 12 hours per week of individualized care.
Best features of this treatment facility include:
- Joint Commission accreditation
- a 5-star Google rating
- excellent testimonials from past clients
Location and contact information:
125 College St.
5th Fl.
Burlington, VT 05401
(888) 308-2624
3. South Burlington Vet Center, Burlington, Vermont
Here, veterans can receive services including individual and group counseling, CBT, detox, and other evidence-based treatments for addiction.
This location also helps veterans in their transition back to civilian life with career counseling, mental health services, and other programs.
The South Burlington Vet Center is backed by a 5-star rating on Google.
Location and contact information:
19 Gregory Dr.
Ste. 201
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 862-1806
Rates Of Drug And Alcohol Abuse In The Veteran Community
These facts reflect the scope of substance use disorders (SUDs) among veterans:
- 80 percent of veterans with a SUD use alcohol as their substance of choice.
- One in 13 veterans with a SUD misuse both illicit drugs and alcohol.
- Over 595,000 veterans currently have an opioid use disorder (OUD).
- Marijuana accounts for 8.7 percent of all substance use among vets.
- Methamphetamine and cocaine misuse among veterans has increased over the past year.
Risk Factors For Developing Drug And Alcohol Addiction In Veterans
There are several factors that may contribute to veterans turning to drugs and alcohol including life stressors, genetics, and experiences while in the military.
Risk factors include:
- co-occurring mental health disorders
- homelessness
- a family history of addiction
- environment
- peer pressure
- traumatic brain injury (TBI)
One of the most common factors that influences addiction in veterans is the development of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD).
PTSD may arise after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as combat exposure or a sexual assault.
Vets with PTSD may have flashbacks, night terrors, and intense, disturbing thoughts related to their experience.
Addiction Treatment Services Available Through The VA In Burlington, VT
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides veterans with an array of substance abuse treatment options free of out-of-pocket costs.
Treatment approaches at the VA may include:
- inpatient treatment
- motivational interviewing
- outpatient treatment
- medically monitored detox
- individual, group, and family therapy
- medication assisted treatment (MAT) using buprenorphine
- support groups
- day treatment
- anger management training
- counseling services
- case management and aftercare services
- telehealth therapy
- dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
The VA also offers special programs for combat veterans, women veterans, and homeless vets.
To receive benefits through the VA, veterans can visit their local VA medical center, apply on the VA.gov website, or call the VA phone number.
Substance Use Treatment Covered By Tricare
The Tricare insurance program is run by the U.S. Department of Defense. It covers retired veterans, their family members, and other dependents, active duty members, Medal of Honor recipients, and others.
Drug and alcohol addiction treatment covered by Tricare may include services such as partial hospitalization programs (PHP), opioid treatment, MAT, residential treatment, and detox.
Burlington, VT Veterans Rehab FAQs
The useful information below may help you narrow your search for a veterans rehab center.
Does The VA Offer Inpatient Rehab Programs?
The VA provides both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.
Do All Veterans Qualify For Tricare Coverage?
Only veterans that have retired from military service are covered by Tricare.
What If I Don’t Qualify For VA Benefits Or Tricare Insurance?
Veterans can receive free and low-cost treatment by enrolling in Medicaid or Medicare health insurance, private insurance, or by attending a state-funded or faith-based rehab center.
Find Addiction Recovery Services For Veterans In Burlington, VT
Call our helpline today for more information on rehab programs for veterans in Rutland, Brattleboro, Bennington, or Burlington.
Our team can answer your questions, and help you or your loved one locate a treatment provider that will address your unique needs.
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 (NIDA) — 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 — Substance Use Disorder Treatment
https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/SubstanceUseDisorderTreatment - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — South Burlington Vet Center
https://www.va.gov/south-burlington-vet-center/#referral-services