Drug and alcohol use among veterans is a growing issue in the United States. Many veterans turn to substance abuse to cope with physical and emotional scars from their time in the service.
There are numerous resources in New Jersey for veterans who need help with drug and alcohol addiction, including Veterans Affairs (VA) rehab services and Tricare (military insurance) health coverage.
An evidence-based treatment program will help address the unique experiences of military veterans with services such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification, group therapy, and more.
New Jersey Veterans Rehabilitation Centers
If you or a loved one are a vet who needs treatment for substance abuse, there are several rehab facilities throughout New Jersey that can help.
The following drug rehab programs feature qualities such as nationally recognized accreditations, high Google ratings, positive testimonials, and other accolades.
Read about top veteran rehab centers in the U.S.
1. Evolve Recovery Center, Toms River, New Jersey
Evolve Recovery Center offers an addiction treatment program designed specifically for veterans and military families.
Treatment services include same-day access to detox, residential, and outpatient care, case management services, MAT, and transportation services to and from the rehab center.
Evolve Recovery Center is backed by:
- Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation
- LegitScript certification
- Joint Commission accreditation
- National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) membership
Veterans can receive care at this treatment center through Evolve Recovery Center’s partnership with local VA hospitals.
Location and contact information:
16 Whitesville Rd.
Ste. C
Toms River, NJ 08753
(732) 395-2740
2. Phoenix Behavioral Health, Trenton, New Jersey
At this behavioral health treatment facility, veterans can receive day treatment, buprenorphine or methadone maintenance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), 12-step programs, and relapse prevention.
Features of this treatment center include:
- accreditation from the Joint Commission
- NAATP membership
- a 4.3-star Google rating
- positive testimonials from past clients
Phoenix Behavioral Health accepts Tricare health insurance, Medicaid, and other federal or state programs for substance use treatment.
Location and contact information:
1014 Whitehead Rd.
Trenton, NJ 08638
(609) 771-3777 x113
3. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, East Orange, New Jersey
The VA Medical Center in East Orange, NJ provides several evidence-based treatments for eligible veterans for little to no cost.
Treatment options may include:
- CBT
- trauma-related counseling
- opioid treatment using buprenorphine and methadone
- dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
- family therapy
This rehab facility may have a waiting period to receive services depending on the level of care needed.
Location and contact information:
385 Tremont Ave. and Center St.
East Orange, NJ 07018
(973) 676-1000 x1558
Substance Abuse And Addiction In Veterans
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 1.5 million veterans had reported a substance use disorder (SUD) over the past year.
The vast majority of substance abuse among veterans is alcoholism, with over half of the veterans with a SUD reporting alcohol as their substance of choice.
Cases of illicit drug use increase when active-duty personnel leave military service and become veterans. The most common illicit drug among veterans is marijuana, with 3.5 percent reported use over a one-month period.
Substance use oftentimes precedes suicidal behavior in veterans. Over 45 percent of suicide attempts since 2003 involved the use of alcohol or drugs.
What Factors Impact Substance Abuse Among Veterans?
Veterans experience a period of readjustment when they leave the military and rejoin civilian life. Environmental stressors specific to veterans have been linked to an increased risk of SUDs.
These stressors may include deployment, depression, anxiety, combat exposure, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Many veterans may also have a family history of substance abuse, which puts a person at higher risk to develop an addiction later in life.
What Addiction Treatment Options Are Available To Veterans Through The VA?
The VA is a reliable resource for veterans seeking help with substance abuse. To access these services, a veteran must first apply for VA health care.
Addiction treatment at the VA may include:
- medically managed detoxification
- MAT for prescription drug addiction
- short-term outpatient treatment
- inpatient care
- intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- support groups for prior service members
- continuing care and relapse prevention
- special programs for homeless veterans, parenting veterans, and combat veterans
Talk to your VA primary care provider about substance abuse treatment options for more information. Your provider can help you get screened for SUD and related mental health issues.
Drug And Alcohol Treatment Programs Covered By Tricare
Tricare is a health insurance program available to those seeking treatment through the military health system, such as military hospitals and clinics, as well as a network of civilian health care providers.
To be eligible for Tricare, you must be a veteran who has retired from military service, be a family member of a retiree, or have active duty status.
Drug and alcohol rehab programs must be deemed essential by Tricare in order to be covered fully. For this reason, holistic services and experimental therapies are typically unavailable through Tricare.
New Jersey Veterans Rehab FAQs
Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions regarding rehab centers for veterans in New Jersey.
âť“ Is Rehab Treatment At A VA Hospital Free Of Charge?
✔️ Yes. If you qualify for VA health care you may receive substance abuse treatment free of charge. Talk to a VA healthcare provider to learn more.
❓ What If I Don’t Qualify For VA Health Care Or Tricare?
✔️ Most rehab centers offer payment assistance plans. There are also several nonprofit treatment centers that provide treatment services free of out-of-pocket costs.
âť“ Does The VA Recognize Alcoholism As A Disability?
✔️ Due to the high prevalence of alcohol abuse among veterans, the VA has recognized alcoholism as a secondary service-connected condition.
This means that veterans may claim disability benefits for alcoholism provided that it was caused by a connected condition such as PTSD.
Find Drug Rehab Treatment For Veterans
There are many rehab centers for veterans throughout New Jersey that can put you or your loved one on the path to sobriety. Call our helpline today for more information on services near you.
Select a city to find a veterans rehab center near you:
Published on April 14, 2022
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Substance Use and Military Life DrugFacts
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-military-life - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance (SMVF TA)
https://www.samhsa.gov/smvf-ta-center - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Substance use treatment for Veterans
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/substance-use-problems/
