Substance Use Treatment at VA

What it is

VA treats alcohol, drug and tobacco problems. Care can include medically managed detox, medicines such as methadone or buprenorphine for opioid addiction, nicotine replacement to quit tobacco, outpatient and intensive outpatient counseling, live-in (residential) rehab, relapse prevention, peer support groups, and marriage and family counseling. VA also has programs for women, combat Veterans and homeless Veterans, and treats PTSD and depression that often go along with substance use.

Who qualifies

• To use VA substance use services you first apply for VA health care (link below).
• In an emergency, VA says it does not matter what your discharge status is or whether you are enrolled in VA health care.
• Combat Veterans who are not in VA health care can get free counseling and assessment at a community Vet Center. VA says there are about 300 of them, and you do not need to be enrolled in VA health care or draw disability compensation to use one.

What it costs

Vet Center readjustment counseling and related mental health services are free. For other VA care, VA's 2026 copay rules apply (see the VA copay page linked below). If money is the problem, VA has a hardship process.

How to get it, step by step

1. If you already see a VA provider, tell your primary care provider you want help with substance use. VA says they can screen you and start treatment.
2. If you do not have a VA provider, apply for VA health care using the link below, or call the VA number below and ask for a substance use program.
3. Or find a substance use program near you with VA's location finder (link below).
4. Served in Iraq or Afghanistan? Ask your local VA medical center for the OEF/OIF/OND coordinator.
5. Not enrolled and served in combat? Find your closest Vet Center with the locator below.
6. Homeless or about to be? Call the homeless Veterans line below any time of day.

In a crisis

The Veterans Crisis Line is private, free and open 24/7. Call 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat at veteranscrisisline.net.

Where to call and where to go

Phone

• 988, then press 1 (or text 838255). Source: VA substance use page
• 1-800-698-2411 (VA main information line). Source: VA substance use page
• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 24/7, free and confidential: 1-877-424-3838. Source: VA substance use page
• Vet Center call center, 24/7: 1-877-927-8387 (TTY 711). Source: VA mental health page

Official pages

• VA: Substance use problems
• Apply for VA health care (Form 10-10EZ)
• Find a Vet Center or VA location
• VA mental health services