Substance use treatment for Veterans 
If you re struggling with substance use problems , you re not alone. Many Veterans have problems with the use of alcohol, tobacco, street drugs, and prescription medicines. We re here to help. Find out how to get support for substance use problems through VA. 

How do I talk to someone right now? 
If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one , connect with our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7. To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night : Call 800 - 273 - 8255 , then select 1. Start a confidential Veterans chat. Text 838255. If you have hearing loss , call TTY : 800 - 799 - 4889. You can also : Call 911. Go to the nearest emergency room. Go directly to your nearest VA medical center. It doesn't matter what your discharge status is or if you're enrolled in VA health care. Find your nearest VA medical center 

What services does VA provide for Veterans with substance use problems? 
We provide many options for Veterans seeking treatment for substance use problems ranging from unhealthy alcohol use to life - threatening addiction. The services we offer you depend on your specific needs. 

We offer proven medication options, like: 
to stop substance use safely, and services to get stable Medically managed detoxification to reduce cravings like methadone and buprenorphine for opiate addiction Drug substitution therapies and newer medicines Nicotine replacement or other medicines for stopping tobacco use 

We offer counseling and other therapy options, like: 
Short - term outpatient counseling Intensive outpatient treatment Marriage and family counseling Self - help groups Residential live - in care Continuing care and relapse prevention making sure you don t slip back into the same substance use problems Special programs for Veterans with specific concerns like women Vetera

user: I need info about VA programs for substance abuse

assistant: The VA health care program covers services to treat substance use problems .

assistant: Do you want to know how to access these services?

user: yes, please

assistant: To access these services you must first apply for VA health care .

user: where can I get help if I'm not familiar with the VA?

assistant: You can find a Substance Use Disorder SUD program near you, you can call our general information hotline at 800 - 827 - 1000 , or contact your local VA medical center

user: what kind of help do you give?

assistant: The services we offer you depend on your specific needs .We provide many options for Veterans seeking treatment for substance use,  problems ranging from unhealthy alcohol use to life - threatening addiction .

user: But what if someone didn't have VA benefits?

assistant: You may still be able to get care if you served in a combat zone, get free private counseling , alcohol and drug assessment , and other support at one of our 300 community Vet Centers .

user: and as for me I just go to my VA care provider?

assistant: If you have a VA primary care provider, your provider can help you get screened for substance use problems and related issues like PTSD or depression and can offer treatment and support as needed .