Veterans and Military Families: What Addiction Help Does the VA Offer?

Military families often don’t know which door to try first: the VA, a Vet Center, TRICARE or a private program. A wrong first call can cost weeks, so start here.

What treatment does the VA offer for substance use?

VA care can start with a screening by a primary care provider and go all the way to a residential program. In between are short-term outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient treatment and medically managed detox.¹ The VA also prescribes medications, including methadone and buprenorphine for opioid addiction and medicines that reduce cravings, and offers marriage and family counseling, self-help groups and relapse prevention.¹ It treats related conditions like PTSD and depression as well;¹ see integrated care for addiction and mental health. These line up with the levels of care on our treatment hub, though what’s offered varies by location.

If your loved one drinks heavily or takes sedatives, they shouldn’t stop suddenly without medical advice; here’s why.¹¹

Who can get VA care, and what if they aren’t enrolled?

Veterans need to apply for VA health care before using its substance use services.¹ Eligibility depends on service history, discharge status and other factors, so don’t assume they won’t qualify.⁶ They can apply online at VA.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center or clinic.⁵

An other-than-honorable discharge doesn’t always rule out help. VA says veterans can be connected with mental health care no matter their discharge status,³ and they can apply for a discharge upgrade or ask for a Character of Discharge review.⁶

If the VA can’t provide care within its drive-time or wait-time standards, it may pay a community provider instead.⁷ The veteran needs approval from their VA care team before that first visit, with a few exceptions such as urgent care.⁷

What are Vet Centers?

Vet Centers are VA community counseling centers. Counseling is free and private, for individuals, groups, couples and families, and includes substance use assessment and referral.³ Eligible veterans, service members and family members can walk in without being enrolled in VA health care.³ Serving in a combat zone is one way to qualify.¹ For a veteran who is wary of the VA, this is often an easier first step.

Does TRICARE cover addiction treatment?

Yes, when treatment is medically or psychologically necessary.⁴ That includes inpatient detox and stabilization, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and regular outpatient care, office-based opioid treatment, and opioid treatment programs with medication.⁴

The catch is preauthorization. Rules differ by plan, and TRICARE won’t pay for a service that needed preauthorization if nobody got it,⁴ so check with your regional contractor before admission.

If the person is on active duty, their care runs through the military health system instead. Ask their military medical team early how a substance use referral works and what their command will be told.

Where can military families get support for themselves?

Coaching Into Care is a free, confidential VA phone service. Licensed psychologists and social workers help family and friends find their way around the VA and work out how to help the veteran.² Military OneSource, a free Defense Department service, connects military families with support day or night,³ and the SAMHSA Helpline (1-800-662-4357) gives free, confidential treatment referrals.⁸ The communication skills behind family coaching are laid out in the CRAFT approach.

What should we ask the VA, TRICARE or a program?