Veteran Drug Rehab in Montana

Many veterans are living with alcohol and drug addiction. Some of the greatest risk factors for addiction among veterans are the high-risk lifestyle that comes with working in the military and trauma from combat.

For veterans living in Montana who are seeking help for a substance use disorder, there are many different treatment options available. Many of these treatment programs are partially, if not fully, funded by military insurance like TRICARE, VA benefits, and private health insurance.

Treatment options can include inpatient and outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), several forms of therapy, and other evidence-based treatment options.

Learn about the rates of substance abuse in veterans, programs for veterans in Montana, addiction treatment centers near you, resources for finding help, and more.

Veterans and military service members are often placed in situations that can be highly traumatic and stressful, leaving them with both psychological and physical wounds.

Veterans face many other risk factors, including mental health issues, which is why substance abuse issues are so prevalent in the military and among veterans.

Veteran substance abuse rates include:

• Approximately 1.1 million veterans meet the criteria for substance use disorders.
• More than 20% of veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder also have a substance use disorder.
• Over 80% of veterans battle alcoholism.
• One in four veterans abuse illicit drugs such as methamphetamines.
• In a seven-year time span, marijuana use increased more than 50% in veterans.
• 13% of veterans who received opioids for pain management developed an opioid use disorder.
• More than 10% of veterans admitted to drug and alcohol rehab centers said they were entering for a heroin addiction.
• Veterans living with a substance use disorder are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than non-veterans.

According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently 89,275 veterans living in Montana. This means veterans make up over 10.5% of the Montana adult population.

In Montana, there are 54,280 veteran occupied homes. Unfortunately, 13,484 veterans are living in homes that have one or more problems with quality, crowding, or cost. An estimated 165 veterans are actually living without a home.

These numbers are alarming, due to the fact that housing instability, and the financial stress of trying to maintain a residence, can be major stressors that lead to substance abuse.

Alcohol and drug abuse is prevalent among veterans and those still actively serving in the military, for numerous reasons.

The risk factors only increase if veterans were in high-stress situations, such as seeing combat, or facing a difficult deployment while in the military.

Other risk factors for veterans developing a SUD can include the following:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Chronic pain
• Co-occurring mental disorders
• Physical and psychological wounds as a result of being in war
• Disability ratings
• Homelessness and housing instability
• Difficulty finding and maintaining employment
• Difficulty reconnecting with family and friends

If you or a loved one are seeking alcohol and drug rehab centers in Montana, you may have noticed there are many different treatment options to choose from. You may first want to decide if you need long-term or short-term treatment, before deciding which program is best for you.

Other treatment options include inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, as well medical detox and counseling services.

Treatment services you can expect to find in addiction treatment programs for veterans include:

• Medical detoxification
• Inpatient programs
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Outpatient programs
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Methadone therapy
• Transitional housing
• Sober living
• 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous
• Special programs for veterans
• Aftercare

If you or a loved one are a veteran trying to get help for a substance use disorder, you may feel more comfortable in a veteran program. These programs are often run by other veterans who understand the unique challenges and struggles you may be facing.

It is not uncommon for those who are dealing with drug and alcohol addiction to also be struggling with mental health issues. This is called a dual diagnosis, and can often lead to self-medicating.

Dual diagnosis programs work to treat the underlying problems, which make the chances of a successful, lasting recovery much higher.

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

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

Common forms of treatment for co-occurring disorders usually include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), individual and group counseling, support groups, and other evidence-based treatments.

Other options for treating a dual diagnosis include prescription medications that help with depression, anxiety, and other common co-occurring disorders.

Substance abuse treatment programs can often be found in most Montana healthcare systems. There are many substance abuse treatment facilities in major cities, including Billings, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula.

Resources for locating special drug and alcohol rehab programs for veterans include:

• SAMHSA — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers an extensive and searchable database of substance abuse treatment centers in each state, as well as other resources.
• U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs — This database of drug and alcohol addiction treatment facilities offers specialized veterans rehab programs directly through the VA.

When you or your loved one is considering addiction treatment programs in Montana, it is important to make sure that any rehab facility you are considering is reputable and of high quality.

There are veterans who prefer to speak and work with people who understand their situation more clearly. These specialized veterans programs are often run by people who are educated on the unique stressors that veterans may face.

Signs of a quality veterans rehab program include:

• Accreditations, usually through the Joint Commission or CARF
• Certifications
• Evidence-based treatment options
• High success rates
• Positive client testimonials and reviews
• Specialized programs for veterans
• Low doctor-to-patient/staff-to-client ratios

Affordability should never stand in the way of getting the help you need with a substance use disorder. Veterans have access to many resources that can help partially, if not completely, cover the cost of drug and alcohol rehab.

Veterans will find that most rehab programs are covered under military insurances like TRICARE, VA benefits, private health insurance plans, and self-pay.

TRICARE is a type of insurance that is exclusively for active duty military personnel and veterans. It works much the same way that Medicaid and Medicare do for civilians.

The amount of coverage a veteran can expect to receive will vary depending on the case, and numerous other factors.

Former military members who are eligible for VA health benefits will find that most, if not all, of their rehabilitation costs are covered under their VA benefits.

The amount of coverage that each veteran receives is going to be dependent on their case, and will also be subject to many other factors. Veterans will find that most inpatient and outpatient treatment programs are covered by their VA benefits.

If you or a loved one decide that you would like to begin your journey to recovery in a private or luxury rehab facility, you may find that they do not accept military insurances, TRICARE, or VA benefits.

These rehab centers often accept most major private health insurances, self-pay, financing options, and payment assistance on a slide-fee scale.

Although there are many avenues to treatment, there are many veterans who feel unable to access these resources.

Some of the barriers that veterans may face when seeking substance abuse treatment:

• Lack of adequate mental healthcare
• Lack of support from friends and family
• Lack of financial resources or funding
• The stigma of seeking help
• Long waitlists

Fortunately, there are many resources and programs that are designed specifically to help veterans overcome these barriers they may be facing to substance abuse recovery.

Veterans who live in Montana have access to organizations that help with housing, education, job placement, mental and physical health services, financial support, and more.

Montana veterans have access to the following resources:

• Billings Vet Center — The Billings Vet Center has a number of different resources for veterans in need, including mental health care, physical health care, and many other services.
• Fort Harrison VA Medical Center — This VA medical center offers multiple medical healthcare options, mental healthcare options, special programs for LGBTQ+, women’s health care, and a helpline number.
• Montana Department of Veterans Affairs — The Montana VA has a multitude of resources for veterans, including financial support, job placement, housing assistance, education, mental and physical wellness, and more.

When you are ready to take the next step in your journey to recovery, it is important that you know you are not alone, and that there are many resources waiting to assist you.

To find an alcohol and drug abuse treatment facility near you, call our hotline today. An addiction specialist is waiting to speak with you and help you take the next step.