Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs for Veterans in Florida
If you or a Veteran you care about are struggling with substance misuse or addiction, you are not alone. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 1 in 10 Veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD), which is slightly more than the general population.1 Keep reading to learn more about different types of Veteran drug and alcohol addiction rehab in Florida.
What Are Veteran Addiction Treatment Programs?
A Florida addiction treatment facility for Veterans offers specialized rehab programs designed to address substance use disorder (SUD) while focusing on the unique challenges Veterans face.2 Unlike standard rehab programs, Veterans rehab programs have specially trained staff (many of whom are Veterans or have extensive experience working with military personnel) who understand the complex factors that contribute to substance use among Veterans.
Beyond addiction, many Veterans struggle with mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the nature of their service.1 After transitioning to civilian life, challenges with reintegration can further impact mental health and sometimes make it difficult to seek help. Veteran-focused rehab programs in Florida provide effective, evidence-based treatment to help Veterans manage SUD and co-occurring mental health conditions, improve overall well-being, and regain stability at home and in society.3
Treatment is personalized to each Veteran’s unique needs and may include a combination of:2
- Behavioral therapy.
- Counseling.
- Medication.
- Peer support groups.
- Relapse prevention training.
- Substance use monitoring.
Types of Veterans Addiction Recovery Programs in Florida
Veterans’ drug and alcohol rehab programs in Florida offer different levels of care in a variety of settings, tailored to meet each Veteran’s unique needs.3 Before beginning treatment, Veterans undergo a comprehensive evaluation by addiction treatment professionals. This assessment considers factors such as:4
- The substances used.
- Medical and psychiatric conditions.
- Past treatment attempts.
- Military experiences.
- Legal or financial challenges.
This in-depth evaluation helps create a personalized treatment plan and ensures each Veteran is placed in the most appropriate rehab program for their recovery journey.4
Medical Detox Centers for Veterans
Medical detox is sometimes the first step in addiction treatment, providing specialized care to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent complications, and ensure a safe transition into ongoing treatment.5
Without proper treatment, acute intoxication and withdrawal can pose serious risks, making medically supervised detox a critical part of the recovery process. Veteran-focused detox programs address Veteran-specific concerns, including co-occurring medical conditions that may require specialized care and mental health conditions like PTSD.5
Medical detox may involve the use of medications, particularly for alcohol or opioid withdrawal, to help manage symptoms and reduce discomfort. Additionally, Veterans receive comprehensive medical support to stabilize their condition and prepare for the next phase of treatment.5,6 The goal of detox is to help Veterans achieve a substance-free, medically stable state so they can transition into ongoing addiction treatment with a strong foundation for recovery.5,6
Inpatient Treatment in Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs for Veterans
Inpatient Veterans addiction rehab in Florida provides intensive, 24/7 care in a structured environment, where Veterans live onsite for the duration of treatment.4 This immersive approach allows Veterans to fully focus on their recovery, free from the distractions, stressors, and triggers of daily life.
During inpatient addiction treatment, Veterans participate in a highly structured program that includes therapies for substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring conditions such as PTSD. Depending on their needs, treatment may involve cognitive processing therapy or prolonged exposure (PE) to provide an integrated approach that addresses both conditions at the same time.3,7
Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs for Veterans
Outpatient addiction treatment programs for Veterans offer flexible, structured care while allowing them to continue living at home. The level of intensity varies based on individual needs and may include:4
- Standard outpatient programs: A lower level of care, typically involving 1-3 sessions per week.
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs): Highly supportive care with 4-8 hours of treatment most days of the week.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs): A structured option providing 9-20 hours of therapy per week
Unlike inpatient rehab, outpatient programs provide more flexibility, allowing Veterans to balance work, childcare, and other responsibilities.4 Many programs offer evening and weekend scheduling to accommodate different lifestyles. Despite being less intensive than inpatient care, outpatient rehab still provides comprehensive treatment, including medication (if needed), behavioral therapies tailored to PTSD and addiction recovery, support for co-occurring mental health conditions, and more.2,4
Aftercare & Ongoing Recovery Support for Veterans
Aftercare, also known as continuing care, is a form of ongoing care designed to support a Veteran’s progress in treatment, monitor their condition, and respond to a return to substance use if it occurs.8
The specific types of aftercare that a Veteran engages in will be determined in collaboration with rehab staff, who will take into account a Veteran’s preferences and needs. It can include one or more of the following interventions:
- Group and individual counseling.
- Participation in 12-step self-help groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
- Regular check-ins.
- Telehealth services.
- Participation in alumni groups.
- Sober living.
VA Coverage for Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Florida
Veterans’ addiction treatment in Florida may be covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To qualify, you typically need to be enrolled in the VA’s healthcare program, though some services may still be covered based on specific eligibility criteria.2 To determine your eligibility, call the VA’s hotline at 1-800-827-1000 or visit the VA healthcare eligibility website.2
Veterans with VA healthcare coverage are generally eligible for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, which may include medical detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient programs.2 These services are available at VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), and VA-approved private facilities through the Community Care Network (CCN).2,9 The CCN helps Veterans to access private, VA-approved rehab facilities when VA services are unavailable locally. Veterans may qualify if they meet certain criteria, such as long wait times at VA facilities, significant distance barriers, and other eligibility factors.2
American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a CCN provider. If you’re a Veteran who is struggling or know a Veteran who is, call us at to speak to a caring admissions navigator to learn about treatment options and start the admissions process if you’re ready.
How Much Does Drug & Alcohol Rehab Cost for Veterans in Florida?
There isn’t one set cost for treatment. Various factors can influence the cost of treatment, such as location, type of treatment program, services offered, and treatment length. To get an accurate estimate, it’s best to check with the VA and the specific rehab facility you’re considering.
Find Addiction Treatment Programs for Veterans in Florida
American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of addiction treatment with facilities across the U.S. Our specialized rehab programs offer evidence-based care designed to meet the unique needs of Veterans. As a CCN provider, we can offer treatment when VA services are unavailable.9 We can also help you get admitted to treatment on the same day.
We have two rehab facilities in Florida—Recovery First Treatment Center in Hollywood and River Oaks Treatment Center in Riverview—that offer specialized care for Veterans. We are proud to provide evidence-based treatment and the opportunity for Veterans to incorporate FDA-approved medications into their recovery.
You can contact us at 24/7 to speak with an admissions navigator to learn more about Veterans rehab options in Florida.
Start the Recovery Journey
No matter how difficult things may feel right now, recovery is possible. If you’re a Veteran struggling with addiction, or know one who is, help is available. Call our free, confidential helpline at to learn about treatment options in Florida or out of state, using VA benefits or health insurance for rehab, and how to start the admissions process today.