The unhealthy use of drugs and alcohol can damage a Veteran’s health, relationships and career. Often, this kind of substance use can feel out of control. But there are many evidence-based treatments that have proven effective for breaking this addiction.
That’s why there is always hope.
During National Recovery Month this September, VA is reminding Veterans about resources available year-round to help Veterans find recovery, hope and healing from mental health challenges and unhealthy substance use. VA also offers resources Veterans’ family members and friends can use and share with the Veterans in their lives to help them find their path toward recovery.
Substance use disorder
Substance use disorder (SUD), often referred to as addiction, is a diagnosed mental health condition that causes people to have difficulty controlling their use of alcohol or drugs, such as opioids. As with many other disorders, SUD is treatable. Veterans and their family members and friends should know:
- VA offers evidence-based treatments that are practical, compassionate and evidence-based. These scientifically tested courses of treatment can be available in inpatient, residential, outpatient settings and may include therapy, medication or both.
- Treatments are tailored to each Veteran’s needs, priorities, values, preferences and goals. Veterans should talk with their VA health care provider to choose the treatment options that work best for them.
- To reduce the dangers of substance use, VA also offers harm reduction tools, such as the medication naloxone to reverse opioid overdose. Harm reduction helps protect a person’s life and well-being while they pursue their recovery.
Any time is the right time to start recovery. Learn more about ways to treat mental health challenges and SUD and access support. Veterans can look forward to a fulfilling and rewarding life in recovery from substance use.
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Harassed by derogatory word constantly
villa serena has to go as the only va option for in patient sud treatment when their is space to take you in.
if no space is available you may be lucky to go to a outside commercial inpatient clinic.
I need help for SUD, and alcohol abuse
@ Luis, what is your Location?
Im a Vet and friend I can help, I have overcome and would like to help?
@Luis Duran Alvarez- Please Feel Free to WALK IN to your nearest VA hospital or clinic for assistance.
Get connected with mental health care—no matter your discharge status, service history, or eligibility for VA health care.
Get care now
If you need support for a specific mental health problem—or if you’re having problems sleeping, controlling your anger, or readjusting to civilian life—you are not alone. And we can help.
To access free VA mental health services right away:
Call or walk in to any VA medical center—anytime, day or night.
Find your nearest VA health facility @ https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?zoomLevel=4&page=1&address=&facilityType=health&serviceType
Call or walk in to any Vet Center during clinic hours.
Find your nearest Vet Center @ https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?zoomLevel=4&page=1&address=&facilityType=health&serviceType
Call us at 877-222-8387. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-877-8339.
|You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care to get care.
Learn more about accessing VA mental health services @ https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/
To connect with other resources for Veterans and transitioning service members:
Visit the Department of Defense (DoD) Military OneSource website @ https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
Visit our mental health site for transitioning service members @ https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/transitioning-service/resources.asp
What about those of us where agent orange destroyed our brains and we have lost memory and cognitive functions?