How to Access VA Services For a Substance Use Disorder

Veterans transitioning to civilian life must overcome a plethora of challenges. Having access to effective and pertinent forms of support for veterans and their families is necessary. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides essential services to help veterans and entire military families transition to a new lifestyle after service. However, accessing VA services can be difficult for some. Knowing the steps to take and the advantages these dedicated VA services provide can empower veterans to address their personal needs and take the necessary steps to overcome substance use disorder (SUD) that may have manifested either while in the line of duty or as a result of the continued effects of stress, trauma, PTSD, and more in veteran life. 

Veterans face a unique set of challenges in their journey to a healthy, fulfilling, and sober civilian life. However, non-veteran dedicated services can present various additional barriers for veterans to overcome, which may compromise the efficacy of their sober efforts, especially if they feel they cannot connect with peers effectively. Finding the right approach to effective healing involves finding a community that accepts and understands the specific needs of veterans. 

Traumatic experiences, either in the line of duty or on base, can have prolonged emotional and physical effects that veterans can carry into civilian life. The use of addictive substances can be a common way to attempt to address these complex feelings. VA services can provide educated and sympathetic care specifically geared towards the needs of veterans and the challenges that veterans continue to face. Moreover, they can even create communities based on establishing new healing strategies and atmospheres. 

Directing veterans to veteran-dedicated recovery and treatment programs, detox and residential care services, and veteran-led communal efforts are all powerful resources for veterans to challenge their use of drugs or alcohol, or a combination therein in polysubstance use. These dedicated VA services and Hawaii Island Recovery’s commitment to the needs of veterans can help each individual take their first, important step toward a transformed future in civilian sobriety. 

Locating VA services can be intimidating, and many veterans may be reluctant or nervous to reach out for help regarding their use of addictive substances and their complex relationship with trauma and other challenges. However, there are various avenues that veterans and their families can take to ensure that they are approaching the VA services and opportunities in a way that best benefits their journey to a healthy and sober future. 

Calling various VA outposts and stations for services or information is a common way to begin developing a plan to address each veteran’s needs and overcome the use of drugs or alcohol in the transition to civilian life. Veterans can dial the main VA hotline (1-800-698-2411) to begin exploring the various services offered by the VA and how they can impact each individual’s unique situation. 

However, making this call can be difficult due to prevalent stigmas or barriers. These calls can be as anonymous as needed, and an individual can call and talk to a VA representative without feeling that they have to commit to anything or divulge any more information than they are prepared to. There are also a host of other numbers that can provide specialized support depending on the unique needs and goals of each veteran, a repository of which can be found here.

Veterans overcoming SUD also need to address a myriad of other challenges, from physical pains and emotional turmoil to trauma, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. In addition to the dedicated VA services offered, veterans also have 24/7 access to the veteran’s crisis hotline by calling 1-800-273-8255 or can access the suicide and crisis hotline by dialing 988.

VA services are also available at in-person locations in communities across the country. Finding a local VA location can be instrumental in being able to effectively communicate with other veterans about personal needs, goals, and available services to address SUD and other needs. In-person locations can help deconstruct barriers and help veterans better connect with others to challenge the feelings of isolation prevalent while overcoming the effects of SUD and deconstructing harmful stigmas that may otherwise prevent an individual from pursuing the necessary services.

The mission of Hawaii Island Recovery is intrinsically intertwined with the needs of veterans, and we are committed to creating a community of healing for veterans to pursue their sober goals in civilian life. Hawaii Island Recovery’s close relationship with the VA ensures that trauma-informed treatment and effective, proven, veteran-specific strategies are utilized for a truly transformative approach to veteran sobriety for their own future and the health of veteran families.  

Not only does Hawaii Island Recovery create a community of peers to connect with, explore new strategies with, and create new relationships and a sense of camaraderie, but these effective programs are further backed by a robust approach to familial education and care. This ensures that veterans and military families all have access to the necessary education, support, strategies, and resources to address SUD, stress, trauma, and more in their pursuit of a fulfilling civilian life. 

VA services can be crucial in overcoming the use of addictive substances and their effects among veterans of the armed forces, and we at Hawaii Island Recovery are committed to helping you find your best approach to challenging the effects of substance use disorder. From working closely with the local VA to curating a community of veteran peers and trauma-informed professionals, we are prepared to help you address the unique challenges of transitioning to veteran civilian life. From our veteran-focused detox and residential programs to ongoing outpatient support and guidance for veterans, we can personalize your recovery journey to engage in effective emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. For more information, call to speak to us today at (866) 390-5070.