Veterans Rehab Treatment in Las Vegas, Nevada
Veterans returning home from the military face a number of unique challenges as they transition back into civilian life. The stress of deployment and the trauma of combat can often result in higher rates of alcohol and drug use, as many will attempt to self-medicate to cope with symptoms of physical injury, stress, or depression.1 In fact, more than 1 in 10 veterans in the United States meet the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder (SUD).1 Veterans with a SUD are also three to four times more likely to be diagnosed with depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).1
In addition to the physical and emotional stress associated with combat, there are other contributing factors to both mental health and substance use disorders among veterans. For instance, there are high rates of homelessness amongst veterans in the United States.1 Homelessness may affect a veteran’s ability to access treatment, which could cause substance abuse or co-occurring disorders to worsen. Homelessness is just a barrier to treatment. Veterans who live in rural communities may not be able to commute to a VA facility for substance abuse care, meaning they may put off vital rehab and mental health treatment.2 Furthermore, many veterans struggle with stigma, they are worried about being seen as weak or that seeking help for alcohol or drug use may negatively impact their career.1
Regardless of your circumstances, there are hundreds of Veterans Affairs medical centers around the country. The state of Nevada hosts 2 VA medical centers.3 There are also rehabs in Nevada that may be part of the VA’s Community Care Network, meaning that veterans may be able to use their VA insurance to cover some or all of the cost of treatment.8 By understanding the challenges veterans face, how veterans-specific rehab programs can help, and how to find these rehab programs in Nevada, you can make your journey to recovery easier.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction in Veterans
There are multiple environmental factors specific to military personnel and veterans that contribute to an increased risk of substance use disorders. These can include the trauma of deployment, combat exposure, and combat-related injuries, as well as problems associated with PTSD and transitioning back into civilian life, such as sleep disturbances, flashbacks, re-connecting with family and friends, and various mood disorders.1
The relationship between substance use disorders and mental health disorders is a complicated one. SUDs can exacerbate the symptoms of mental health disorders, and vice versa. It can be difficult to determine which came first: is someone drinking because they’re depressed, or are they depressed because they have been drinking? Nevertheless, many veterans may benefit from an integrated treatment approach that addresses both substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders concurrently.9
Specialized Veteran Rehab Programs in Las Vegas
Specialized treatment programs for veterans can be beneficial. Creating a safe and relatable environment for veterans who are seeking treatment is an important aspect of the recovery process. The challenges faced by veterans coming home after deployment can be hard for non-military individuals to relate to. Being with other people who can truly understand and identify with the particular obstacles they face can provide a great deal of comfort for veterans in treatment.
In addition, female veterans with substance use disorders have higher rates of military sexual trauma and domestic violence than female veterans without a substance use disorder.2 Since many veterans’ treatment programs are primarily made up of men, it is understandable that a specialized treatment program, tailored to the gender-specific issues of women may create a safer atmosphere for female veterans to discuss personal or traumatic experiences.2 Overall, it’s important to reach out to any potential rehab facility to determine whether their veteran-specific programs will be able to meet your needs.
AAC Salute to Recovery Program
American Addiction Centers owns and operates Desert Hope, a Las Vegas treatment program that runs a veterans-specific treatment track called Salute to Recovery. This program is designed for veterans and other first responders who are struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Salute to Recovery incorporates evidence-based treatments, community and peer support, and various type of group and individual therapy to help veterans find recovery. Desert Hope is also part of the Community Care Network, meaning you may be able to use VA insurance to cover some of the cost of the Salute to Recovery program.8
Does Insurance Cover Rehab for Veterans in Nevada?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) extended insurance coverage to millions of previously uninsured Americans through sweeping Medicaid expansions and state health insurance exchanges.4 The ACA requires that insurance providers cover substance use disorder treatments on par with coverage for medical and surgical procedures.4 In effect, this mandates some form of coverage for medically necessary addiction treatment. However, there may be some factors that influence the extent of your coverage. Where you attend treatment, the length and intensity of the rehab programs, and which insurance plan you have can all effect your coverage. It’s important to reach out to your insurance provider to check your coverage before committing to treatment.
The Affordable Care Act also applies to the VA healthcare network and TRICARE, the Department of Defense healthcare program, which applies to all uniformed service members, retirees, and their families.6 As with any insurance, various restrictions may apply depending on specific plans, so it is important to speak to your provider about individual policy coverage. The VA healthcare system is designed to provide a wide range of services for veterans, including disability compensation and free or low-cost health care benefits.7
There are thousands of VA facilities across the country, with over 400 in the state of Nevada alone. However, many veterans may struggle to find a VA center that is close to them, or to find a VA center that offers a specific type of treatment they need. In cases like this, veterans may be referred to a member of the VA’s Community Care Network. The Community Care Network consists of a variety of private facilities that work with VA insurance.8 This allows veterans to attend treatment at a private facility at low cost when a VA facility is unable to meet their needs.
Finding Inpatient Rehab for Veterans in Las Vegas, Nevada
Finding a rehab facility can feel like an overwhelming process, but it doesn’t have to be. For veterans seeking treatment for substance use disorders, the first step is contacting a VA representative who can help explain the process. Treatment considerations will include finding out which facilities can accommodate the specific needs of veterans and the extent of their health insurance coverage through the VA. Another resource in determining the best rehab facility to fit a person’s needs is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). They have a convenient treatment locator on their website that can direct you to rehabs and treatment centers in Nevada and throughout the country.
There are also various addiction helplines that can help veterans through the early stages of the treatment process. American Addiction Centers operates an addiction helpline. You can call 24/7 and speak with one of our admissions navigators or veteran liaisons. They can answer questions you may have about veterans-specific treatment, and may be able to help you find an appropriate rehab facility.
[Veterans Addiction Treatment FAQs]
What specific challenges do veterans face that contribute to substance use disorders?
Veterans often face unique challenges such as the stress and trauma of deployment and combat, which can lead to higher rates of alcohol and drug use as a coping mechanism. Other contributing factors include PTSD, depression, difficulties transitioning back to civilian life, homelessness, limited access to VA facilities in rural areas, and the stigma associated with seeking help.
How common are substance use disorders (SUDs) among veterans?
More than 1 in 10 veterans in the United States meet the diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD). Veterans with SUDs are also three to four times more likely to be diagnosed with depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Why are specialized treatment programs beneficial for veterans?
Specialized treatment programs create a safe and relatable environment where veterans can connect with peers who understand their unique experiences and challenges. These programs can also be tailored to specific needs, such as gender-specific issues for female veterans who may have experienced military sexual trauma.
Does American Addiction Centers (AAC) offer a specialized program for veterans?
Yes, American Addiction Centers operates Desert Hope, a treatment program in Las Vegas, Nevada, that runs a veterans-specific treatment track called “Salute to Recovery.” This program is designed for veterans and first responders struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, incorporating evidence-based treatments and peer support.
Will insurance cover rehab for veterans in Nevada and across the US?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that insurance providers cover substance use disorder treatments. This includes VA healthcare and TRICARE. Many private facilities, including Desert Hope’s Salute to Recovery program, are part of the VA’s Community Care Network, meaning veterans may be able to use their VA insurance to cover some or all of the cost of treatment when a VA facility cannot meet their needs. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
How can veterans check their insurance coverage for treatment?
You can contact your insurance provider directly, or American Addiction Centers offers a service to help you check if your insurance is in-network at one of their rehab facilities. This can be done online through their “Check Coverage” form or by calling their helpline.
How can veterans begin their recovery journey and find a treatment facility?
Veterans can start by contacting a VA representative, using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) treatment locator on their website, or calling an addiction helpline. American Addiction Centers operates a 24/7 helpline (866-850-8656) where admissions navigators or veteran liaisons can answer questions and help locate an appropriate rehab facility.
What is the admissions process like at American Addiction Centers?
The admissions team is available 24/7 to offer support, answer questions, and guide individuals through the process. You can start your intake online or call their helpline at 866-850-8656. They aim to make the process easy whether you are just exploring options or ready to begin treatment.
What types of treatment are available for veterans?
Treatment options can include medical detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient programs. An integrated treatment approach that addresses both substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders concurrently is often recommended for veterans.
Who can I contact for immediate assistance or questions about veteran rehab programs?
You can call the American Addiction Centers helpline at 866-850-8656. Their admissions team and veteran liaisons are available 24/7 to provide support and information.
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