Veteran Drug Rehab in New Jersey

Many veterans are currently living with substance use disorder as a result of their time in the military. The military lifestyle can be stressful, and trauma and stress are risk factors for substance abuse.

If you or a loved one are a veteran seeking alcohol and drug addiction treatment in New Jersey, there are many options available for you. Treatment programs can include inpatient or outpatient treatment, medication-assisted treatment, dual diagnosis treatment, and more.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs often helps veterans find and pay for mental health and substance abuse treatment. TRICARE, a military insurance, may also assist in paying for treatment.

Learn more about veterans rehab programs, treatment resources, and insurance below.

Veterans and active duty military personnel are at a higher risk for developing alcohol and drug addictions than other demographics due to the stress and trauma that comes with service.

Deployment in the military is linked to smoking, drinking, drug abuse, and increased risky behaviors. Veterans are 56.6% more likely to abuse alcohol than active duty servicemen, and 65% of veterans entering treatment report alcohol as their main reason.

Substance abuse rates in Veterans also include:

• 1.1 million veterans in America meet the criteria for a substance use disorder.
• One in four veterans struggle with illicit drug abuse.
• Four in five veterans reported having problems with alcohol use.
• One in 13 veterans said they have problems with both illicit drugs and alcohol.
• Veterans who have seen high levels of combat are more likely to use alcohol for self-medication (26.8%) compared to others (17%).
• 30% of veteran suicides were preceded by the use of drugs and/or alcohol.
• 20% of veteran deaths could be attributed to risky behavior influenced by drugs or alcohol.

In New Jersey, there are 338,012 veterans, including 26,562 female veterans and 311,449 male veterans. The average annual income for a veteran in New Jersey is $74,300 compared to $82,545, the average income of civilians in New Jersey.

In addition, 70,503 veterans live in houses with major structural issues, and 595 veterans are reported to be homeless in New Jersey. Unemployment, housing issues, and homelessness have been linked as stressors that can cause substance abuse.

And 16% of veterans have a service-related disability. Veterans who get injured are often given pain medication, which can lead to opioid addictions. Veterans face several risk factors for substance abuse, but there is help and hope for recovery.

Military veterans are more susceptible to substance abuse and co-occurring disorders due to the high levels of stress they must face to do their jobs.

If a veteran or active duty service member has been deployed and seen action, their chances of developing an addiction increase.

Factors that increase the chance of substance abuse in veterans:

• Injuries received while a service member
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Difficulties readjusting to home life
• Difficulty finding and maintaining a job
• Housing problems and homelessness
• Co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety

If you or a loved one are a veteran searching for a treatment facility in New Jersey to begin your recovery journey, you have many options. From inpatient programs to outpatient programs, there is an alcohol and drug rehab center for you.

There are many different treatment programs available, including the following:

• Medical detoxification
• Inpatient/residential treatment
• Partial hospitalization programs
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Outpatient programs
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone and other medications
• 12-step programs
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Peer support groups
• Relapse prevention counseling
• Aftercare treatment

There are also special programs and treatment options for veterans in search of recovery for substance abuse and mental health issues.

Many veterans develop an alcohol and/or drug addiction as a way to self-medicate. Veterans who have been deployed and have seen action often develop mental health issues.

When someone has a mental illness in addition to a substance use disorder, it’s called a co-occurring disorder.

Some of the more common co-occurring disorders in veterans include:

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

Therapy for co-occurring disorders generally includes trauma-informed care and therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). There are other therapy options as well, including individual, group, and family therapies.

Studies have shown that talk therapy can be useful in the treatment of mental illness and drug and alcohol addictions.

Another valuable tool for treating mental health issues is the use of medication, such as antidepressants and antianxiety medications.

If you or a loved one are looking to get help, there are different options available to you. Major cities will have more in-person resources for veterans, including hospitals and medical centers, and there are online search options as well.

Online resources for locating a treatment facility in New Jersey:

• SAMHSA: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers an online tool that helps locate recovery centers and rehab programs in your state.
• New Jersey Veterans Affairs: The Veterans Affairs office in New Jersey has an online portal that allows you to control your healthcare and find treatment services in your area.
• New Jersey Veterans Network: This organization provides veterans with resources to find housing, employment, mental health and substance abuse therapy, and groups to connect with other veterans.
• Military Installations: is an official military website that offers New Jersey-specific resources for veterans and active duty military members.

Choosing recovery is an important first step in the right direction. When you are looking for a drug and alcohol treatment program, there can be many options to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you?

Important things to look for when choosing an addiction treatment facility in New Jersey:

• Accreditation and certification from reputable sources, such as The Joint Commission
• Favorable ratings and reviews from people who have been through the program
• Evidence-based treatment for dual diagnosis and substance abuse
• A high staff-to-client ratio for quality care
• Special programs for veterans

Cost is often a major factor in whether someone seeks drug and alcohol addiction treatment. The good news is veterans have health insurance options.

Drug and alcohol treatment facilities generally accept Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, funding through the VA, and usually offer private pay options.

TRICARE is a military-specific health insurance program that provides benefits for active duty military, veterans, spouses, and family members of military personnel.

TRICARE has an online tool you can use to see if your substance abuse treatment could be covered, at least partially.

Most veterans will qualify for health benefits through the VA. These benefits can cover inpatient and outpatient treatment at community hospitals and veteran hospitals.

The VA does have resources specifically for mental health treatment, and alcohol and drug addiction recovery.

Private and luxury treatment facilities may not accept Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or VA benefits. These types of addiction treatment programs will usually take most major health insurance plans.

Self-pay, financing, and payment assistance plans may also be available.

Unfortunately, while treatment and recovery may be available, there are sometimes barriers for veterans who are seeking to move beyond their substance use problems.

Some of the most common barriers that veterans face when seeking treatment include:

• A lack of support from friends, family, and coworkers
• Long waitlists and full treatment centers
• A lack of funding or insurance
• The stigma of seeking substance abuse and mental health help
• A lack of access to mental health treatment
• Not understanding the treatment programs available to them
• Mistrust of the mental health and substance abuse health care systems

If you or a loved one are a veteran ready to seek help, there are organizations in New Jersey that assist veterans with homelessness, healthcare, employment, finances, and more.

Some of the most prominent resource organizations for veterans in New Jersey are:

• Community Hope helps homeless veterans find homes and connect them with resources to help them recover from mental health problems, substance abuse issues, unemployment, and more.
• Middlesex County has a Veterans Services department that provides veterans with resources for housing, employment, and assists veterans in signing up for veteran-specific insurance.
• Project H.E.L.P. offers veterans a list of organizations in New Jersey that assist with dental, mental health and substance abuse help, housing assistance, employment, and more.

If you or a loved one are looking for a drug and alcohol rehab program in New Jersey, you have many choices, and we can help.

When you are ready to look for a rehab facility in New Jersey, call our helpline phone number today to get in touch with our addiction treatment specialists.