Referring a Veteran to Alcohol and Drug Rehab
Substance misuse and addiction can take a toll on a Veteran and everyone in their life. When a Veteran you care about is struggling with addiction or substance misuse, it can be difficult to know how to help. Luckily, there are steps you can take to refer a Veteran to drug and alcohol rehab so they can get the help they need.
Understanding Veteran Referrals to Drug and Alcohol Rehab
If you are helping a Veteran find drug and alcohol rehab, this may involve researching and contacting various drug rehabs for Veterans. You may provide the Veteran with information, such as how to get in touch with the rehab, identify helpful websites or phone numbers, let them know the types of services the rehab offers, and perhaps even offer to call the rehab on behalf of the Veteran you care about. You may even suggest visiting rehabs together, which can help your Veteran feel more at ease about the process.
Referring a Veteran to rehab can be a potentially life-saving intervention, because it can encourage them to get necessary assistance to address the problem they are struggling with, whether that means addiction or co-occurring disorders like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Keep in mind that these conditions can become worse if left untreated, and using substances can worsen symptoms of mental health conditions.1
Anyone who cares about a Veteran can refer them to Veteran addiction treatment, including:
- Family members.
- Friends.
- Caseworkers.
- Employers, employees, or coworkers.
- Employee assistance program (EAP) counselors.
- Social workers.
- Mental health counselors.
Reasons Why Veterans May Not Seek Care on Their Own
Veterans who are struggling may not seek addiction treatment for a variety of reasons. Some might not want to admit that they have a problem, or they might feel embarrassed or ashamed about seeking help.
Some of the common reasons Veterans often don’t reach out for help include:
- Stigma, which refers to incorrect or unfounded beliefs and thoughts about people with substance use disorders, such as the idea that people who use drugs or alcohol are dangerous or criminals.2,3
- The cost of treatment, which might seem prohibitive, especially if a Veteran doesn’t fully understand their insurance and payment options. American Addiction Centers (AAC) works with the Veterans Administration (VA), and we are a part of the VA’s Community Care Network, which means we can provide quality addiction treatment to Veterans that is often covered by the VA.4
- Limited access to treatment, such as if a Veteran lives in a rural area or another location with few or no treatment centers.2
- Fear of withdrawal symptoms, which they may not realize can be effectively treated with medications and various interventions to help ensure their safety and comfort.5,6
This is why drug rehab referrals for Veterans from loved ones can be especially helpful. Putting in the time and effort to research rehabs can help a Veteran feel supported and cared for, which may motivate them to take the next steps toward their recovery.
How Does the Referral Process Work For Veterans?
If you’re wondering how to refer to rehab, you can follow these simple steps:
- Call us directly at to speak with one of our Veteran Liaisons, who can help you understand the entire treatment process and help a Veteran get started with their recovery today. Our Veteran Liaisons are Veterans and Veteran-connected staff members who understand what your loved one is going through.
- Fill out our contact form, and one of our Veteran Liaisons will contact you to hear about your loved one’s situation and discuss their treatment needs.
- We will check the Veteran’s enrollment status with the VA, and if they’re not yet enrolled, we can help them start the process.
- After enrolling with the VA, you or your loved one will arrange a mental health consultation with your loved one’s primary care provider, which can sometimes be conducted virtually. The scheduling process typically takes between 2-4 weeks, and we will stay in touch with you throughout this period to offer ongoing support and guidance.
- If the VA can provide treatment, your loved one may receive care at the VA. Regardless of whether a person is treated with us or not, we are committed to helping you and your loved one access necessary care. If the VA doesn’t have available capacity, we’ll support you in finding the appropriate Community Care Partner to support your loved one’s recovery.
- If the VA suggests receiving care via a Community Care Partner, such as AAC, our Veteran Liaisons can facilitate your loved one’s admission through a VA referral. We can help coordinate travel arrangements, provide a packing list, and offer any additional support your loved one requires to ensure a smooth journey to treatment. Don’t worry if you don’t have a VA referral—we also accept commercial insurance.
Why Choose American Addiction Centers for the Veteran in Your Life?
AAC understands the unique needs of Veterans, and our Veteran Liaisons know what it’s like to be in your loved one’s shoes. They are either Veterans themselves, family members of Veterans, or have otherwise worked closely with Veterans, so they understand the challenges that you and your loved one are facing.
AAC is a Community Care Partner that works closely with the VA. This means that we are well-equipped to help you and your loved one navigate the VA and get referrals to treatment, regardless of whether your loved one enters treatment at one of our facilities.
AAC offers a variety of addiction treatment options, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We are also a leading provider of PTSD treatment for Veterans, including trauma-informed care, as well as treatment for other co-occurring disorders that Veterans often struggle with, like anxiety or depression.2
Our individualized treatment plans are customized to each Veteran’s unique needs, so the specific treatments and therapies your loved one will receive can depend on their situation, needs, and the substance(s) they use.7
When you’re ready to reach out, we’ll be ready to assist you. Call us at to speak with a Veteran Liaison today. You can also view our treatment centers and instantly verify your insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ
1. Do VA benefits cover alcohol and drug rehab?
Yes, VA benefits cover alcohol and drug rehab.8 Learn more about paying for rehab with VA benefits.
2. Are rehab referrals confidential?
Yes, all rehab referrals and discussions are confidential, and any private patient information is protected by HIPAA.9
3. What is the process for getting a VA referral for rehab?
Call us to have a confidential discussion of your loved one’s circumstances and situation, and we can help you understand more about getting a VA referral for rehab. Our Veteran Liaisons can support you and your loved one throughout the entire process.
4. What type of addiction treatment do you offer?
After a thorough assessment, we’ll discuss our treatment recommendations with you and your loved one so you know what you expect. Your loved one may enter various levels of care, such as:6