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.