60-Day Rehab for Veterans

If you’re a Veteran struggling with addiction, a 60-day treatment program can help you start the path to recovery. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect during a 60-day drug and alcohol rehab program, choosing the right program to meet your needs, using your VA benefits outside the VA healthcare system, and more.

What Is a 60-Day Rehab Program?

A 60-day drug and alcohol rehab program is an addiction treatment program that lasts for 2 months (or 60 days).

This longer-term treatment helps remove patients from the distractions of daily life and provides a safe, substance-free environment where they can focus on recovery.¹

For some people, a 60-day drug rehab program may primarily involve inpatient or residential treatment, where patients live on-site and have access to around-the-clock support.

For others, it can involve different levels of care, including detox, inpatient, and various types of outpatient treatment. In this case, the patient may transition to different levels of care as they progress through the program.

Upon admission, your treatment team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your individual needs.

What Happens During a 60-Day Drug Treatment Program?

During a 60-day drug treatment program, patients go through various steps designed to take them through the continuum of care. These steps may include the following:

Intake. This consists of a screening and evaluation process, where patients receive a brief assessment to determine the most appropriate types of treatment and therapy for their individual needs.²

Detox. For many, medical detox is often the first step in the recovery process. This step helps ensure patient safety and comfort as the body rids itself of toxins like drugs and alcohol, and also helps prepare patients for more comprehensive addiction treatment.²

Behavioral therapy and counseling. Behavioral therapy is the foundational aspect of a 60-day treatment program. Whether it’s 1-on-1 counseling or group therapy, this is where patients learn to address and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that drive their addictions.^1,2

Aftercare. Addiction treatment doesn’t end once rehab is over. Quality programs start aftercare planning on Day 1, making sure patients have the resources and support to sustain recovery as they transition out of rehab and back into their regular lives.³

How Much Does 60-Day Drug Rehab Cost?

The cost of a 60-day drug rehab program varies. Every case is different and may depend on some or all of the following factors:

• Level of care
• Individual treatment needs
• Type of rehab facility and location
• Insurance coverage
• Length of stay

The cost of addiction treatment can be defrayed by using VA benefits and other health insurance coverage for drug or alcohol rehab.

In some cases, patients may have to pay their deductible or co-pay upfront. For Veterans, the out-of-pocket amount can vary based on income level and disability rating, and whether the disability is connected to their military service.⁴

Will the VA Cover 60-Day Addiction Treatment?

The type and extent of addiction treatment covered by the VA vary based on a person’s individual needs.⁷

Services that may be covered by the VA include:⁵

• Medical detox.
• Treatment medications, such as methadone and buprenorphine.
• Counseling and therapy.
• Short-term outpatient treatment.
• Intensive outpatient treatment.
• Residential rehab or inpatient addiction treatment.
• Continuing care and relapse prevention.

These services may be received through the VA healthcare system. Or if there are no available providers in your local community, the VA may allow you to get addiction treatment at a facility outside the VA.

This care is paid for by the VA using the community care network. A community care provider (CCP) is a private service provider approved by the VA. All American Addiction Centers (AAC) facilities are authorized CCPs. ⁶

However, before a Veteran can receive treatment from a CCP, it must first be approved by the VA.⁶

Other Veteran Benefits & Coverage

It is possible to use other insurance coverage along with your VA rehab benefits. Other insurance options may include Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE, as well as private health insurance.

Here is an overview of each.

Medicare. If you are age 65 or older, you may have Medicare benefits. When seeking a 60-day rehab program, be sure to tell the admissions navigator that you have this insurance, too. Medicare Part A and Part B can help cover services from a non-VA facility.⁷

Medicaid. You can also use your Medicaid coverage along with VA benefits.⁸ Some addiction treatment centers may accept Medicaid, so be sure to notify the admissions team if you plan to use this type of insurance. It could help defray out-of-pocket costs.

TRICARE. TRICARE has expanded its mental health and substance abuse benefits for Veterans, allowing members to utilize services through them.⁹ TRICARE has a west and east region.

Private insurance can also be used with your VA benefits and may help cover some of the costs not covered by the VA. The extent of this additional coverage will depend on the specific plan.⁸

When contacting a prospective facility, be sure to let the admissions navigator know about all the insurances you have, so they can help you determine how to combine and maximize your benefits.

How Do I Find 60-Day Rehab Programs Near Me?

To find a 60-day rehab program near you, contact us at . One of our admissions navigators can help you find a treatment center that’s convenient and meets your individual needs.

American Addiction Centers has one of the largest networks of drug and alcohol rehab facilities in the nation, and every one of our locations offers specialized programming for Veterans.

How Do I Know I Need 60-Day Rehab?

It’s normal to wonder if a 60-day inpatient rehab program is the right choice for you—or whether you even need a rehab program at all.

But if you’ve lost control of your drug or alcohol use, professional addiction treatment can help you get back on track.

Here are some signs that your substance use may have become problematic (as defined by the American Psychiatric Association):¹¹

• Increasing the amount of the substance or using it for longer than intended.
• Unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce use.
• Spending significant time getting, using, or recovering from substance use.
• Experiencing a strong desire or craving to use the substance.
• Failure to meet responsibilities at home, work, or school due to substance use.
• Using substances despite their negative effect on social and personal relationships.
• Giving up once-important social or recreational activities due to substance use.
• Repeatedly using substances in physically unsafe situations, such as driving.
• Continued use despite its worsening effect on existing physical or psychological problems.
• Tolerance, or needing more of the substance to achieve the same desired effects.
• Developing withdrawal symptoms after stopping or reducing use.

A 60-day rehab program may be ideal for you. However, some people may need something shorter, such as a 30-day inpatient rehab program, while others may wish to stay longer in a 3-month addiction treatment program.

While any amount of time spent in addiction treatment can be beneficial, industry leaders like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasize the importance of remaining in treatment for an adequate amount of time. The appropriate duration depends on the severity of the patient’s problems and specific needs.¹

Research indicates that most people struggling with addiction need at least 90 days of treatment to stop or substantially reduce their substance use.¹ This can involve different levels of care, including inpatient, outpatient, or both.

How Do I Choose the Best 60-Day Veteran Rehab Program?

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing the best 60-day Veteran rehab program for you.