Veteran Drug Rehab in North Dakota

If you or a loved one are a veteran seeking substance abuse recovery in North Dakota, there are many treatment options available to you. Many of these treatment options are covered by military insurance, such as TRICARE and VA health benefits.

Some of the options you may find include inpatient and outpatient treatment, medical detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), several counseling options, as well as support groups, and other resources.

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

Active duty military service members and veterans have often been exposed to situations that are highly traumatic and dangerous, which can leave them with long-lasting psychological and physical injuries.

Mental health issues and other factors can be triggers for veterans and military personnel, which can cause them to turn to drugs and alcohol as a form of self-medication.

Veteran substance abuse rates include:

• There are approximately 1.1 million veterans who meet the criteria for substance abuse.
• Alcohol is the substance that veterans most struggle with, as 80% of veterans with a substance use disorder are struggling with alcohol.
• Male veterans are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder than female veterans.
• One in four veterans with a substance use disorder use illicit drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines.
• 7% of veterans with a substance use disorder struggle with both alcohol and illicit drugs.
• More than 20% of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder also have a substance use disorder.
• 13% of veterans who received opioids for pain management went on to develop an opioid use disorder.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently 53,254 veterans living in North Dakota. Veterans of the United States military make up approximately 8.0% of North Dakota’s adult population.

Financial and housing problems are often stressors that can lead to alcohol and drug use in veterans. In North Dakota, veterans face a 3.0% unemployment rate, which can cause stress for veterans and their families.

There are 6,470 veterans living in homes with one or more problems of structural quality, crowding, or cost, and an additional 49 veterans are considered homeless in North Dakota.

There is a high incidence of alcohol and drug abuse in military service members and veterans for many different reasons.

There is an even greater risk of substance abuse in active military personnel and veterans who have faced difficult deployments, and those who have seen combat.

Risk factors for veterans and substance abuse include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Chronic pain
• Co-occurring mental disorders
• Physical and mental injuries from time spent in combat
• Difficulties reconnecting with friends and family members
• Disability ratings
• Homelessness
• Difficulty finding a job, high unemployment rates

Treatment options for veterans seeking substance abuse treatment in North Dakota include short-term and long-term inpatient treatment, as well as outpatient treatment for alcohol and drug addiction.

Other treatment options you may consider include medication-assisted treatment and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Treatment services you can expect to find in veterans rehab centers include:

• Medical detoxification
• Inpatient treatment programs
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Outpatient programs
• Methadone therapy
• Transitional housing
• Individual, group, and family counseling
• Community outreach programs for veterans
• Special programs for veterans
• Sober living
• Aftercare
• 24-hour hotline for immediate assistance

There are many different programs designed specifically for veterans, if you prefer seeking help from someone who may understand your unique stresses and situation.

These special veteran programs are often designed and run by other veterans who understand your experiences, and who can offer unique support and assistance.

Veterans who are living with substance abuse issues are often dealing with mental health issues as well. This condition is called having a dual diagnosis.

Dual diagnosis programs are designed to treat the underlying mental health issue that is co-occurring with a drug or alcohol addiction. Treating the root of the problem increases the likelihood that recovery lasts.

Behavioral health/mental health disorders that often co-occur with substance abuse:

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

The most common way that co-occurring disorders are treated is by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and many other evidence-based treatment options.

If a veteran needs extra help, prescription medication for many of these co-occurring disorders are also available and have been successful in helping people recover from mental health issues and substance use disorders.

Alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs can be found in the VA healthcare system and most major hospital systems.

Another great way to locate alcohol and drug rehab centers is by looking in major cities such as Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, and Minot.

Resources for locating substance abuse treatment facilities for veterans in North Dakota include:

• U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs database of substance abuse and mental health treatment facilities offers specialized veterans programs directly through the VA health care system.
• SAMHSA — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a large, thorough, and searchable database of substance abuse and mental health centers in each state, as well as other resources.

If you or a loved one are looking to get help at an alcohol and drug rehab center in North Dakota, it is important to make sure that any facility you look into is reputable and offers high-quality care.

If you are a veteran, you may be interested and more comfortable in a specialized program for veterans. In these programs, you will find other veterans who understand your unique experiences and treatment services tailored specifically to your needs.

More signs of a quality rehab program include:

• Accreditations, typically through the Joint Commission or CARF
• Certifications, such as through LegitScript or SAMHSA
• Positive client reviews and testimonials
• High success rate
• Evidence-based treatment programs
• Low doctor-to-patient/staff-to-client ratios
• Specialized programs for veterans

The cost of treatment for alcohol and drug dependency should never be a barrier preventing a veteran from getting the help they need. There are many different program options that will require little, if any, out-of-pocket expenses.

Many substance abuse programs accept military health insurance such as TRICARE, most private insurances, and VA health benefits.

TRICARE is a type of military 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 each veteran will receive may be different case by case, and can depend on numerous factors.

If you or a loved one are eligible for VA health benefits, you may find that most, if not all, of your expenses at an addiction treatment center may be covered by your VA benefits.

Disclaimer: The amount of coverage you can expect to receive will be dependent on a number of different factors, though inpatient and outpatient treatment centers are often covered.

If you decide to seek help for a substance use disorder at a private or luxury rehab facility, you may be told they do not accept military health insurance or VA benefits.

These rehab facilities often accept most major private insurances and self-pay options. They may also provide payment assistance via financing plans and sliding-fee scales.

Unfortunately, many veterans feel there are obstacles in the way of them getting the help they need for their drug and alcohol addiction.

Some of the barriers that veterans in North Dakota may face when seeking help include:

• Lack of adequate mental health care
• Lack of financial resources or lack of insurance
• Not having the support of friends and family
• The stigma that may come with seeking help
• The long waitlists for treatment

Fortunately, many organizations are aware of these barriers, and have many resources available to help veterans overcome these barriers.

The following organizations provide resources for veterans to assist with homelessness, job placement, education assistance, mental health, physical health, insurance, understanding your VA benefits, financial assistance, and more.

North Dakota veterans have access to the following resources:

• Bismarck Vet Center — The Bismarck Vet Center offers many mental health and dual diagnosis resources for veterans and their families. They are also able to give referrals to veterans who need further assistance.
• Fargo Vet Center — The Fargo Vet Center offers mental health care in the form of marriage and couples counseling, grief counseling, military sexual trauma care, post-traumatic stress disorder counseling, and returning service member care.
• Minot Vet Center — The Minot Vet Center offers mental health care for veterans and their families, and provides referals to veterans who need assistance with addiction/substance abuse, homeless veteran care, and suicide prevention. They also provide a telehealth option.
• North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs — The North Dakota Dept. of Veterans Affairs offers many resources to help veterans with housing, employment, suicide prevention, physical and mental health care, education, substance abuse, and more.

If you or a loved one are ready to begin your journey to recovery from an alcohol or drug addiction, know you are not alone. There are many resources available to you to help you take that next step.

When you are ready to make a change, call our helpline today to speak with a recovery expert who can help you find a substance abuse treatment center near you.