Veteran Drug Rehab in New Hampshire

Veterans face unique challenges stemming from their military service. Exposure to traumatic experiences, physical injuries, and high-stress situations can contribute to substance abuse, mental health issues, and co-occurring disorders.

Thankfully, treatment options are available for veterans in New Hampshire who are battling substance use disorders. Various resources and residential treatment centers in New Hampshire can provide veterans with the level of care they need.

Healthcare options such as TRICARE, VA health benefits, and private insurance plans may help to cover the cost of treatment and help them return to sober living.

Alcohol and drug addiction rates are higher among veterans than in the civilian population. Due to their exposure to distressing events, veterans are at an increased risk of developing substance abuse issues.

Substance abuse rates among veterans can vary, but in general, there is a recognized need for targeted treatment and support.

Rates of drug and alcohol addiction in veterans include:

• 1.1 million veterans battle with some form of substance use disorder (SUD).
• 25% of those veterans with SUD have used or are currently using illicit/illegal drugs.
• 80% of veterans with SUD use alcohol.
• Over 20% of veterans with substance abuse challenges meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Veterans with PTSD are more likely to binge drink and use tobacco products.
• Over 10% of veterans are battling opioid abuse.

Homelessness among veterans is a concern, too, since it can exacerbate addiction and mental health problems.

Overall, about 10% of veterans may face substance abuse in combination with related mental health issues.

According to New Hampshire Employment Security, there were approximately 90,000 veterans living in the Granite State in 2021. This means that 9,000 veterans may be currently battling with substance abuse.

As of 2023, about 113 veterans in New Hampshire are experiencing homelessness, comprising about 1 out of every 15 homeless Granite Staters.

The alarming number of drug-related deaths in New Hampshire is particularly distressing. That is, 30.3 out of every 100,000 state residents died from a drug overdose in 2020. Opiate use and overdoses are much higher in the state’s population compared to the national average.

Altogether, these conditions pose potentially life-threatening risks for veterans with substance use issues in New Hampshire.

Veterans face a unique set of risk factors that may make them more susceptible to substance abuse.

Some risk factors for veteran drug and alcohol use include:

• Traumatic experiences: Exposure to combat, violence, and other distressing events during military service can contribute to substance use as a coping mechanism.
• PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder is common among veterans and can increase the likelihood of substance abuse.
• Chronic pain: Injuries sustained during service can lead to long-term pain, which may result in opioid misuse.
• Mental health disorders: Co-occurring mental health conditions can exacerbate substance abuse issues.
• Adjustment challenges: Some veterans may turn to substances to cope with a difficult, isolating transition back to civilian life.
• Homelessness and unemployment: Financial and housing instability can contribute to substance use disorders among veterans.

It’s worth mentioning that substance abuse sometimes begins as early as during service in the military. They then carry this issue into civilian life.

There are a number of addiction treatment programs available for veterans in New Hampshire. These programs can vary in terms of their length, intensity, and cost.

Some of the most common types of addiction treatment programs for veterans include:

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Medical detox programs
• Short-term or long-term rehabilitation
• Alcohol rehab and similar alcohol treatment
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• Group therapy
• 12-step programs
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Whether inpatient or outpatient treatment is necessary depends on the severity of the addiction and the level of care the individual requires. Outpatient programs in particular may be helpful for veterans who are employed but do not want to take too much time off work while in recovery.

People with substance abuse issues typically also have co-occurring mental health issues. This is known as a dual diagnosis.

Dual diagnosis programs address both the substance use disorder and the underlying mental health condition that likely caused it.

Mental health conditions that dual diagnosis programs typically treat are:

• Panic disorders
• PTSD
• Mood disorders (e.g., depression and bipolar disorder)
• Neuroses (e.g., generalized anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder)
• Addiction-forming behaviors

These programs utilize therapies specially geared toward identifying and resolving the root cause of substance abuse, such as trauma therapy, CBT, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

Practitioners may prescribe medications in combination with psychotherapy to streamline the recovery process.

Online resources can help you or a loved one connect with crucial support for recovering from drug abuse or mental illness.

Some resources for veterans seeking addiction treatment in New Hampshire:

• SAMHSA: SAMHSA offers a treatment locator in its government portal. Services are sorted by their specialization, from drug abuse to behavioral health.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: You can search for local treatment facilities in the VA health benefits network by entering your location (for example — Manchester, NH 03104).

Using these resources, veterans in New Hampshire can find accredited substance abuse treatment centers in cities such as Manchester, Concord, Nashua, Keene, and Derry.

The quality of care that you or your loved one receives is a top priority. A negative experience or a poorly managed program could hinder the recovery process.

When searching for a veterans rehab program, consider the following qualities:

• Accreditation and certification
• Low staff-to-client ratio
• Positive reviews from previous clients
• Evidence-based treatment options
• Testimonials demonstrating alumni’s ongoing sobriety and wellness

For veterans who want a more personalized experience, they may want to seek specialized programs that are either tailored to recovering veterans or are conducted by fellow veterans.

Though it shouldn’t be the case, financial circumstances often prevent access to recovery.

The good news is that even if veterans aren’t enrolled in an individual insurance plan, they can typically receive health benefits through TRICARE and the VA. The insurance options they provide can go toward covering rehab costs and related forms of care.

Similar to Medicare and Medicaid, TRICARE is a military insurance program that provides healthcare coverage for addiction treatment services to active-duty and retired service members and their families.

Coverage includes detoxification, inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and various therapies.

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers eligible veterans a range of health benefits, covering substance abuse and mental health treatment options.

Services are accessible through VA medical centers or VA-approved community providers.

VA medical centers often provide specialized programs to address the unique needs of veterans struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Under the Affordable Care Act, individual insurance plans typically cover addiction treatment services, including aftercare.

Coverage varies based on the specific plan. Most plans provide benefits for therapy, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and detox.

Not all drug rehab centers accept TRICARE or VA health benefits, so veterans seeking care may have to rely on private insurance to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.

Veterans may face several barriers when seeking substance abuse recovery. Although some can be preemptively addressed, others are more difficult to fully control.

Examples of barriers to addiction treatment veterans may experience are:

• Waitlists for treatment programs: High demand for services may result in wait times for available programs, which is less than ideal for veterans who need assistance right away.
• Limited access to mental health care: Mental health services are sometimes difficult to access, especially in rural areas.
• Financial constraints: The cost of treatment may prohibit some veterans from accessing the recovery programs and human services they need, especially veterans without insurance coverage.
• Stigma surrounding addiction: Shame, embarrassment, and the negative social perception of addiction may prevent some veterans from seeking help.

Preemptively addressing these challenges can help ensure that veterans receive the support they need to achieve lasting recovery and improved well-being.

A number of agencies and organizations in New Hampshire can assist veterans with both active and preventative measures against substance use disorders.

Some resources for veterans in the state include:

• State of New Hampshire Division of Veterans Services — This state agency offers assistance with benefits that veterans are entitled to by law.
• Harbor Homes Veterans FIRST Program — Veterans in New Hampshire can access an exhaustive network of support through this program. Available services include affordable housing, employment, mental health support, and substance use treatment.
• New Hampshire Employment Security — NHES provides veterans and eligible spouses with priority assistance for job search assistance, referrals, training, and similar employment assistance.

If you or a loved one is a veteran in New Hampshire who is facing substance abuse, you’re not alone — help is available. It’s not too late to start looking.

Reach out to our helpline when you’re ready. We’ll connect you with local treatment facilities to begin your journey toward recovery.