Veteran Drug Rehab in Michigan

Veterans in Michigan and nationwide face higher rates of substance abuse than the general population. Michigan veterans may have trauma or emotional distress related to combat that leads them to abuse substances.

Veterans looking for detox, outpatient care, or inpatient treatment in Michigan do have options. Many treatment centers offer specialized veterans programs. You may be able to use your VA or TRICARE benefits to cover the cost of treatment.

Treatment programs for veterans in Michigan should include evidence-based practices and offer care that encompasses all the challenges of being a veteran.

There are many reasons why veterans tend to have higher rates of substance use disorders than other populations.

The stresses of military service, combined with the challenges faced by many veterans, such as poverty, homelessness, and mental health concerns, contribute to the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse.

Substance abuse statistics for veterans include:

• Cannabis use disorders increased by more than 50% From 2002 to 2009 among veterans in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system.
• More than 9% of veterans report experiencing severe pain, which puts them at higher risk for opioid use disorders and opioid pain reliever overdoses.
• Veterans are both more likely to use alcohol and more likely to use alcohol heavily than non-veterans.
• About one out of every five veterans in substance abuse treatment are also homeless.
• Veterans who are diagnosed with both a substance use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to have other conditions such as schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and seizures.

There are over 670,000 veterans living in Michigan, of which 5.6% are women. The median household income for veterans in Michigan is less than $54,000/year, which is less than the national average of nearly $62,000.

Almost 40% of veterans in Michigan served during the Vietnam era, while another 25-30% served during peacetime only.

About 45% of veterans in Michigan are 65 years of age or older. The percentage of Michigan veterans using VA health care is lower than the national average.

It is not a coincidence that veterans tend to have higher rates of substance abuse than the general population.

Risk factors that make substance abuse more likely for retired military service members:

• Low employment rates and trouble finding work
• Homelessness
• High rates of disability
• Mental health disorders
• Physical and psychological trauma sustained during service
• Behavioral health issues
• Chronic pain
• Trouble connecting with friends and family after deployment

Veterans looking for substance abuse treatment services in Michigan will have many options available to them.

One of the first decisions you will make as you enter rehab will be whether to attend inpatient or outpatient treatment. There are also levels of care within both inpatient and outpatient, such as detoxification, intensive outpatient (IOP) , and aftercare.

Drug and alcohol treatment programs specifically designed for veterans can also be found in Michigan. A trusted healthcare provider can perform an assessment to help you determine which level of care is right for the issues you are facing.

Some treatment services that you might find in veterans’ rehab programs include:

• Residential treatment (short-term or long-term)
• Outpatient programs
• Group therapy
• Individual therapy including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• 12-step programs
• Sober living homes
• Special programs for veterans
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Detox
• Methadone treatment

People with substance use disorders often have separate mental health disorders. This is called a co-occurring disorder or a dual diagnosis.

People with dual diagnoses have different needs for treatment than those with just a substance use disorder. Dual diagnoses are common in veterans who enter drug and alcohol rehab.

Common mental and behavioral health disorders that co-occur alongside substance abuse include:

• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Panic disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Dual diagnosis treatment programs are designed to treat each disorder separately while also treating the individual as a whole person.

Medications, behavioral therapy, and group therapy are all common elements of co-occurring disorder treatment plans.

People looking for substance abuse treatment facilities that offer care programs for veterans need to know where to look for programs.

Veterans’ drug rehab centers might be offered through the VA. Other times, private treatment centers offer specialized programs for veterans.

Whether you live in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, or anywhere else in the state, you shouldn’t be too far from an accredited treatment center for veterans.

Use the following online resources to find veterans rehab centers for yourself or a loved one:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — This website offers a massive database of alcohol and drug treatment centers that are certified and use evidence-based treatment approaches.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — The VA website offers a state-by-state database of medical centers and rehab facilities that offer specialized treatment programs for veterans. Many of these programs accept military insurance and you can find both inpatient and outpatient services on the website.

When looking for substance abuse or mental health treatment, you will come across many different options. Unfortunately, some treatment centers do not have good success rates or reputations.

Look for the following signs that the treatment center you’re interested in is trustworthy:

• Accreditations from the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
• Professional memberships and certifications
• Low relapse rates in alumni
• Positive client testimonials
• High Google rating
• Use of evidence-based treatment practices
• High staff-to-patient ratios
• Availability of specialized veterans programs

One of the major barriers to treatment for veterans and others is cost. Although substance abuse treatment can be expensive, you likely have options available to help with the cost.

Almost all treatment centers accept major health insurance plans. Many rehab centers, especially those that offer specialized programs for veterans, will accept TRICARE insurance, VA benefits, or other military health insurance plans.

TRICARE is a low-cost health insurance option that is only available to members of the military and veterans.

Your coverage limits and out-of-pocket costs will depend on a variety of factors including the details of your service, your income, and more.

If you have health benefits through the VA, you might be able to use them to pay for some or all of your rehab program costs.

VA benefits vary from person to person, so be sure to check your coverage limits, premium, and out-of-pocket costs before committing to treatment.

If you have Medicare, Medicaid, or a private health insurance plan, there are treatment programs in Michigan that will accept your insurance.

Health insurance plans in Michigan that you can use to pay for treatment include:

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Blue Care Network of Michigan
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
• Health Alliance Plan
• Priority Health
• Mclaren Health Plan
• Physicians Health Plan
• UnitedHealthcare Services
• Aetna
• Total Health Care

Veterans might face obstacles when it comes to seeking or receiving treatment for substance use disorders in Michigan.

Lack of adequate mental health care, long waitlists, and a lack of support from loved ones can make it difficult for veterans to get the help that they need.

There can also be a stigma around seeking treatment among active duty and retired military members.

Fortunately, many resources are available to Michigan veterans to make treatment more accessible.

If you are a Michigan veteran in search of payment assistance, homelessness support, housing, substance abuse treatment, or other services, the following organizations can offer help.

The top resources for veterans in Michigan include:

• Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency — The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) offers a variety of resources to veterans in the state. You can use their website to find the veteran service office closest to you, which can assist you in getting the help you need.
• Michigan Veterans Foundation — This non-profit agency offers transitional housing to homeless veterans as a way of breaking the cycle of homeless living. They have other resources available for veterans as well.
• Downriver for Veterans — This non-profit agency offers a food pantry and clothing for veterans in need as well as other resources.

If you or a loved one are a veteran in need of substance abuse treatment in Michigan, there are options available, and it is never too late to get help for your addiction.

Call our helpline today to begin your pathway to recovery. Our treatment specialists can connect you with the best and most convenient treatment center to meet your needs.