Veteran Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Massachusetts
If you’re a Veteran or the loved one of a Veteran struggling with substance use and addiction, treatment can help. In Massachusetts, there are treatment options that offer specialized programs for Veterans. In fact, of the nearly 400 substance use treatment centers in the state, over 150 of them have specialized programs for Veterans.1
You may be able to find a quality program near where you live, but you should also remain open to the idea of traveling a little farther from home since removing yourself from what’s familiar also takes you away from your potential triggers–people, places, and situations.
Here, we’ll explore the specific challenges that many Veterans face in accessing treatment for substance use disorder, the various levels of treatment available to you, and how the Veteran specialists at American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help you begin your recovery journey.
Challenges Veterans Face in Accessing Treatment
Veterans who struggle with addiction face challenges getting the help they need. Studies indicate that many don’t think they need treatment; others think they can handle the problem independently.2 For those who recognize that they need help, reasons for not getting it include limited access to treatment, gaps in insurance coverage, stigma, fear of negative consequences, and a lack of confidential services.3
The caring team of Veteran specialists at AAC understands these challenges. That’s because AAC’s Veteran specialists are either Veterans themselves, the spouse or partner of a Veteran, or have worked for years with the Veteran population. They will listen to your needs and concerns, answer your questions, and explain the options available to you through the addiction treatment program for Veterans at AAC.
Additionally, besides the specialized treatment program for Veterans, all AAC treatment centers offer co-occurring disorder treatment. Co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often occur together. An integrated treatment approach that addresses both disorders simultaneously has shown to be more effective than treating the conditions separately.
Treatment Options Available for Veterans in Massachusetts
There are multiple levels of care available in Massachusetts rehab centers for Veterans. To determine the most appropriate level for your needs, you should consult your primary care physician or mental healthcare provider, who can evaluate your situation and work with you to create a treatment plan that may involve one or more of these levels. AAC provides various levels of care, including:4
- Medical detox. Many treatment programs begin with a period of medically managed detoxification, which involves interventions to help you safely and comfortably rid your body of substances and prepare you to continue with a more comprehensive addiction treatment plan.
- Inpatient rehab. Once detox is complete, you may transition to a residential program or inpatient care, where you will live for the duration of treatment, which generally includes evidence-based therapies; psychoeducation; medication (if necessary); mutual-help groups; adjunctive therapies; and round-the-clock access to doctors, nurses, and other addiction treatment specialists.
- Outpatient rehab. Outpatient care, which varies in levels of intensity and hours spent in treatment each week, may be an entry point into the continuum of care for you, may be where you start following detox, may be a transitional step down from a more intense level of care, or a step up from a less intensive program. While the services provided are similar or even identical to those offered in inpatient programs, you return home or to a sober living residence at the end of treatment sessions.
- Aftercare. Also called ongoing care, aftercare involves continuing services and programs beyond the formal treatment period to support your recovery. Aftercare may include a combination of services, including ongoing therapy, a stay in a sober living home, 12-Step meetings, and alumni networks and events.
Several factors determine the level of care that’s right for you, including the severity of your addiction, the type of support network you have at home, your insurance coverage, and more.
Additionally, because no two addictions are the same, your treatment plan should be individualized to meet your unique needs.
Addictions We Treat
The AdCare treatment centers in Massachusetts offer programs to treat a wide range of substance use disorders, including (but not limited to):
- Alcohol.
- Heroin.
- Fentanyl.
- Prescription opioids and other drugs.
- Marijuana.
- Methamphetamine.
- Cocaine.
- Benzodiazepines.
As previously mentioned, it is not uncommon for Veterans who have a substance use disorder to also have a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions.5 All AAC facilities, including the AdCare treatment centers in Massachusetts, provide co-occurring disorder treatment, which means the disorders are addressed simultaneously instead of separately.
Cost of Rehab for Veterans in Massachusetts
Many factors impact the cost of your addiction treatment, including the levels of care that you need, the duration of your treatment, the location of the facility you choose, the amenities offered, and more.
In Massachusetts, AdCare is an approved non-VA medical provider in the VA’s community care network. This means that if you’re unable to access addiction treatment at a VA facility, you may be able to use your VA benefits to get treatment through a community care provider such as AdCare.6
Additionally, AdCare is an in-network treatment provider with many major insurance companies.
If you’re ready to learn more about how to use your VA benefits and/or private insurance to begin your recovery with AdCare or another AAC treatment center, reach out today at to learn more about using your benefits to begin addiction treatment.
Does the VA Cover Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
Yes, the VA covers drug and alcohol rehab for Veterans and, in some cases, for Veteran spouses and survivors. Several factors may impact the amount of coverage you receive for substance use disorder treatment through the VA, including other insurance coverage that you may have, the length of your treatment, and whether you choose to attend rehab at a VA facility or a community care provider.7
Will I Lose My VA Benefits if I Seek Treatment?
No, you will not lose your VA benefits by seeking addiction treatment.8 The VA supports Veterans seeking care for substance use disorder and offers a wide range of resources to help you get the care you need to find lasting recovery.
If you’re unsure about how to use your VA benefits to get the treatment you need, the Veteran specialists at AAC can help. Call to connect with an AAC Veteran specialist who can help you navigate using your benefits for treatment.
Other Payment Options for Veterans
Not sure whether you’ll be able to get full coverage for your drug and alcohol addiction treatment through the VA? Don’t worry—you’ve got options. Some Veterans use other insurance to cover their addiction treatment. If your VA benefits do not cover the full cost of your addiction treatment, you can stack your insurance plans if you have coverage through another provider.
AAC accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including (but not limited to):
If you don’t have insurance, you can still get the care you need to begin the recovery process. A lack of funds should never stop you or any Veteran you know from getting substance use treatment. In addition to options like self-pay with cash, credit cards, or debit cards, you may also want to talk with friends, family, or a financial institution about a loan for treatment.
Additionally, many rehab centers offer financing options or sliding fee scales, which means your cost is determined by your income and ability to pay.
Our Veteran Team Is Here to Help You Find Treatment in Massachusetts
If you’re a Veteran struggling with substance use and addiction or you care about a Veteran who is, AAC can help. AAC operates treatment centers throughout the United States, offers the complete continuum of care, and has a specialized treatment program for Veterans. Additionally, AAC’s team of Veteran specialists understand the unique challenges you face. Call and share your story with them. The Veteran specialists can answer your questions, explain your options, verify your benefits, and help you begin your journey to recovery.