Veteran Drug Rehab in Indiana

Many veterans across the country struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. Service injuries, the highly stressful lifestyle, and many other factors put them at high risk of mental health issues, substance use disorder among them.

There is help for veterans looking for rehab, though. Rehab facilities in Indiana offer plenty of options for veterans, and some are covered by TRICARE or VA health insurance benefits.

If you or a loved one is a veteran looking for substance abuse treatment, you can find inpatient, outpatient, and detox care programs in the state.

Find out about specialized veterans rehab programs in Indiana, health insurance for veterans, resources for veterans in the state, and more.

Veterans and military personnel frequently experience high-stress, dangerous circumstances while serving, which often results in both mental and physical health issues.

Substance misuse is not uncommon among veterans, since mental health conditions and other challenges associated with military work are frequently risk factors for alcohol and drug abuse.

Some rates of alcohol and drug addiction among veterans include:

• About 10% of veterans have a substance abuse disorder, a rate slightly higher than the general population.
• Almost 27% of veterans have reported using illicit drugs.
• Heroin use accounted for more than 10% of veteran admissions to alcohol and drug treatment facilities.
• More than two-thirds of veterans report chronic pain, increasing their risk of opioid addiction.
• The most-often misused substance among veterans is alcohol; 65% of veterans who seek addiction treatment state that alcohol is their primary drug of choice.

About 400,000 military retirees are living in the state of Indiana, out of which 5.6% of them are female. A similar percentage of veterans in the state are unemployed, which is higher than the national average of 5.3%.

There are also about 700 homeless veterans in the state. Unemployment, homelessness, and other factors are contributors to substance use disorders.

Fortunately, Indiana has 27 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. These are used by around 28% of the state’s veteran population for VA health care, which is above the national average.

The risk of and rate of alcohol and drug addiction among veterans is greater than that of the general population.

Substance misuse among veterans is influenced by various factors, including trauma, stress during and after work, and more.

Some of the risk factors that contribute to substance abuse among veterans include:

• Physical injuries, disabilities, and psychological trauma sustained in tours
• Chronic pain
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety disorders
• Homelessness
• Difficulty finding work after retirement
• Isolation and difficulty getting back to civilian life

Veterans who want to overcome alcohol addiction or drug dependency can get assistance from various treatment centers.

Addiction treatment facilities employ evidence-based techniques such as counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and various support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Other treatment programs veterans may be able to access include:

• Long- and short-term residential treatment
• Alcohol rehab
• Drug and alcohol detox
• Outpatient services
• 12-step sessions
• Individual and group therapy
• Therapy for family members
• Relapse prevention programs and aftercare services
• Transitional living homes
• Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs
• Medical detoxification
• Behavioral therapy programs such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Some drug rehab centers even provide specialized programs created especially for retired military personnel.

Veterans facing drug misuse difficulties also frequently battle with mental or behavioral health problems.

A dual diagnosis is the condition of having a drug abuse problem alongside mental illness. The disorders often affect each other — poor mental health contributes to substance abuse, and an addiction may worsen an existing mental illness.

Common co-occurring disorders among veterans include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Personality disorders

Dual diagnosis treatment considers both substance abuse and mental illness to identify how these issues feed into each other. A treatment program consisting of medication and therapy is then tailored to the individual to alleviate both disorders at the same time.

Rehab facilities and most major hospitals in Indiana have substance abuse treatment programs you can try. For veteran-focused help, VA medical centers offer specialized drug and alcohol treatment programs for retired military personnel.

You can find substance abuse treatment nearby, whether you live in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Marion, Bloomington, or any other city within the state.

Some resources to help you find rehab facilities near you include:

• SAMHSA — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a database of credible addiction treatment centers, including those in the state of Indiana.
• U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs — The VA website also has a database of rehab facilities in the VA healthcare system you can search through, including listings in Indiana.
• Indiana Government Division of Mental Health and Addiction — The Indiana government has a database of certified facilities within the state.

To find the best rehab facilities, you must know what to look for and what to avoid in a rehab center. Good treatment facilities are characterized by high-quality service and a good reputation.

Some qualities to look for in veteran rehab programs include the following:

• Accreditations and certifications, such as from CARF, SAMHSA, and the Joint Commission
• Positive reviews and client testimonials
• A broad spectrum of evidence-based treatment options
• High success rate
• Aftercare and relapse prevention services
• Low staff-to-client ratio

Some facilities also offer veteran-oriented programs, so you might also look out for those.

You can always find treatment plans that fit your budget for rehab, whether you’re looking for self-pay or insurance coverage alternatives. 

Veterans can take advantage of insurance plans such as TRICARE and VA health benefits, which can help finance substance abuse treatment. State Medicaid or Medicare plans and private insurance may also be used to cover the cost

TRICARE, a military insurance plan from the Department of Defense, can be used to cover substance abuse treatment, dual diagnosis treatment, medication, and other expected rehab costs.

If TRICARE doesn’t cover you, you can find out whether you’re eligible for VA health benefits. VA health coverage includes residential and outpatient treatment, medication, and other costs

Some facilities accept neither TRICARE nor VA health benefits, especially luxury facilities. If you want to enroll in such facilities, check with your private health insurance carrier to learn whether they cover substance abuse rehab.

Veterans in Indiana and around the nation face challenges that may make accessing the right addiction treatment programs difficult.

Military retirees encounter barriers to recovery, such as waiting lists for veterans treatment programs, inadequate financing, stigma associated with seeking substance abuse help, homelessness, and insufficient finances to attend the programs.

Luckily, Indiana veterans have access to resources and organizations that can assist in removing these obstacles and getting them the care they require.

A number of organizations offer aid to veterans who need help with employment, homelessness and housing, mental health care, transition to civilian life, financial support, and other issues.

Resources for veterans facing substance abuse issues in Indiana include:

• Indianapolis Mobile Vet Center — provides one-on-one support to veterans and their families, including counseling, referrals to services they might require, and help transitioning to civilian life.
• INvets — INvets is a nonprofit organization partnered with the state of Indiana that provides former service members career-building resources and connects them to employers in the state.
• HVAF of Indiana, Inc — supports at-risk and homeless veterans, including housing and employment assistance, to help them recover and be self-sufficient.

For additional resources, the Indiana state government has a veterans’ resource hub containing a wide variety of important information, from legal support to education financial aid.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you or a loved one are a veteran facing substance abuse in Indiana and need help.

When you’re ready to begin your recovery, contact our helpline right away. Our experts can assist you in locating the most suitable treatment facility that fits your needs near you.