Veteran Drug Rehab in Minnesota

Veterans throughout the state of Minnesota and are battling substance abuse. The good news is there are a number of treatment services and rehab programs located around Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and other cities to aid in recovery.

Veterans often face hurdles when they leave the military and need time to adjust to civilian life. Many leave active duty and have a hard time coping with a new way of life.

They sometimes turn to drugs or opioids and alcohol to manage pain, depression, or adjust to a new setting.

Addiction treatment programs can aid veterans in getting the help they may need for substance use disorders and mental health issues.

And there are many drug rehab centers that accept Tricare and other military insurance. Learn more here about special rehab programs for veterans in Minnesota, insurance options, and resources.

Transitioning from active duty to civilian life can be difficult for veterans to maneuver. Many times military members will struggle with alcohol addiction or drug abuse related to injury or trauma.

Their problems sometimes lead to addiction, and they often face mental health issues as well. Sometimes their obstacles lead to homelessness, or they suffer from chronic pain or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD.)

Substance use disorders can result from trauma in a veteran’s life. Many of the difficulties affect their mental health and result in co-occurring disorders.

Substance abuse facts for veterans include:

• Close to 20% of veterans binge drink.
• Many veterans have problems with binge drinking and drugs.
• Women veterans are more likely to have mental health issues such as depression.
• Close to 30% of veterans abuse illicit drugs.
• The number of veterans affected by physical, mental, and emotional issues has been on the rise in the last 10 years.
• A higher percentage of male veterans binge drink compared to women veterans.

Minnesota ranks in the top 10 in the nation for veteran binge drinkers. They are tied with Texas at number 6. However, they do not rank in the top 10 for veteran drunk driving.

Other facts on veterans in Minnesota:

• According to the U.S. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Minnesota ranks #24 in the veteran population.
• More than 320,000 veterans live in the state of Minnesota.
• More than 100,000 veterans in Minnesota receive disability benefits.
• There are two VA medical centers with hospital services located in Saint Cloud and Minneapolis.

Veterans and current military members do have a lifestyle that can severely affect their physical and mental health negatively.

Combat, deployment and the effects that come with each can cause veterans to become dependent on prescription drugs or alcohol in order to cope.

War, injuries, deployment, and other factors caused by stress often contribute to drug abuse in veterans and put them at higher risk of developing alcohol or drug addiction.

Veteran risk factors for substance abuse include:

• Unemployment
• Lack of healthcare
• Homelessness
• Need for pain management
• Mental health issues
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Mental or physical injury
• Relationship problems

Treatment centers in Minnesota offer a variety of treatment programs for veterans. Private rehab centers, state-funded programs, and VA medical centers offer many different programs for substance abuse and mental health problems.

The type of programs offered depends on what types of addiction the treatment facility focuses on.

Not all rehab centers offer both detox and substance abuse treatment programs, nor do they all treat mental health issues.

Many rehab centers focus on special programs for veterans that include a combination of treatment for both substance use and mental health at the same time.

Treatment therapies or programs veterans may find available in Minnesota include:

• Detoxification
• Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs
• Dual diagnosis programs
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Residential treatment
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine, naltrexone, or methadone
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Halfway houses
• Motivational interviewing
• Relapse prevention
• Aftercare

Substance abuse treatment for veterans can address drug use, alcohol abuse, mental health, or behavioral issues.

Mental health programs often address substance addiction and mental health problems at the same time. When two of these disorders occur together, it is known as a dual diagnosis.

Dual diagnosis treatment programs assist veterans in dealing with drug or alcohol addiction and mental health problems such as anxiety, anger, depression, and PTSD.

Treatment for co-occurring disorders includes individual and group counseling or therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.

Mental health disorders that often co-occur with substance use include:

• Anger
• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Sleeping problems
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Dual diagnosis counseling can include various therapies such as:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Group and individual therapy

Minnesota has many resources available to help veterans find the help they need for substance use and mental health disorders.

Minneapolis and St. Cloud have VA centers with hospitals, and there are other facilities located throughout the state for veterans.

These resources can assist veterans in their search for help with substance abuse:

• SAMHSA — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a confidential resource with an easy-to-use database to help veterans find treatment centers in the state of Minnesota.
• U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs — This database allows veterans to find an addiction treatment facility that highlights veteran-specific rehab programs directly through the VA
• Minnesota Department of Human Services — The Minnesota Department of Human Services aids families in finding substance use disorder treatment programs in the state.

Minnesota veterans and their families should consider certain qualities to look for when drug and alcohol rehab.

Qualities that should be found in reputable rehab programs include:

• Accreditations from prominent organizations
• High staff-to-client ratio
• Certified treatment providers
• High review ratings
• Success stories
• Evidence-based treatment programs
• Therapies that are specific to veterans

Cost is one of the greatest barriers for veterans who are seeking drug and alcohol treatment, but it doesn’t have to be. The following forms of insurance can cover the cost of rehab programs for veterans.

TRICARE is a military health care program providing benefits to military personnel and their families. Four main benefit plans are offered to active military members and veterans.

Your level of coverage for rehab programs and other healthcare services will depend on your individual plan.

VA health benefits often include alcohol, drug, and mental health care. Benefits are offered for substance abuse treatment programs and may cover inpatient and outpatient programs, along with counseling and mental health care.

Different veteran benefit plans determine what type of programs are covered and the cost of treatment.

Private insurance plans most often cover the cost of treatment for substance use disorders and mental health care.

Usually, luxury rehab programs won’t accept government health plans, and may only accept self-payment or private insurance.

Veteran programs may be offered at these facilities, but normally are only acquired with a private health care plan or out-of-pocket payment.

Insurance plans that are accepted in Minnesota include:

• Aetna
• Beacon
• Cigna
• Humana
• MultiPlan
• Magellan
• Veterans Affairs benefits
• UnitedHealthcare

In Minnesota, veterans may face many barriers on their road to recovery.

Some of the barriers veterans may encounter when seeking addiction recovery include:

• High cost of treatment
• Lack of support
• Stigma of being in recovery
• Alienation from family/children
• Inaccessible treatments
• Long waitlists

Many agencies and organizations in Minnesota offer veteran assistance for those who are battling substance use or mental health problems.

There are resources for people who need help finding employment, are homeless, want to further their education, or are facing financial burdens. Help is also available for veterans who need assistance in civilian life.

Organizations that offer assistance to Minnesota veterans:

• Minnesota Veteran Homes — This is the admissions and application process to the Minnesota Veterans Home for medical or clinical needs.
• Benefits and Resources — an outline of Minnesota state benefits for veterans and their families including health, financial, and other assistance programs.
• Minnesota Veterans Assistance Fund MVAF — The Minnesota American Legion established this program as a direct aid to veterans, military personnel, and their families.

Veterans and their loved ones can find the help they need in Minnesota if they are battling mental health or addiction problems.

Resources are available within the state to assist veterans who may be struggling to find the resources they need.

Contact our helpline for assistance in finding treatment options and programs available to veterans, military personnel, and their families.