Military & Veteran Dependents: VA Benefits for Drug & Alcohol Rehab 

Those with military insurance like VA insurance may have dependents that may be covered by the health plans. When a veteran’s dependents need treatment for alcohol or drug addiction, the VA may be able to help cover some or all of the cost. Knowing who qualifies for Veteran-dependent benefits, how you can use your VA spouse benefits, and the steps that you can take to get started with treatment can be important for achieving long-term recovery.  

Who Qualifies as a Military or Veteran Dependent?

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a dependent is classified as:¹ 

• A spouse (including common-law marriages). 
• A parent, if you’re directly providing care and their income/net worth is below a certain threshold. 
• An unmarried child (including stepchildren) who is under 18 years old, became permanently disabled before they turned 18, or is between the ages of 18 and 23 and is enrolled in school full-time. 

What Benefits Can Military & Veteran Dependents Get?

The majority of VA healthcare plans offer drug and alcohol rehab for Veteran spouses. TRICARE, Medicare, and Medicaid all cover some or all of rehab treatment in most cases. Coverage can vary by plan, so it’s important to work closely with your treatment provider to understand your out-of-pocket treatment cost. 

Veteran Benefits for Substance Use Disorder Treatment

The VA offers a wide range of services for Veterans and their dependents who are living with substance use disorder and need rehabilitative treatment. 

Services that the VA offers for people living with addiction include:² 

• Detox: Detox is the process by which the body rids itself of harmful substances. Due to the potential appearance of withdrawal symptoms, many may seek to undergo medically managed detox. 
• Inpatient treatment: Inpatient and residential treatment will allow the patient to live at the treatment facility and receive around the clock care.  
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient treatment allows patients to live at home and work while still receiving care. The length of outpatient treatment can vary from patient to patient. There are three main types of outpatient treatment: standard outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization.  
• Medication-assisted treatment using therapies like methadone and buprenorphine to help reduce cravings and keep you on track with your sobriety. 
• Aftercare: Considered a step-down to a more intensive track, aftercare and relapse prevention programs can help patients maintain long-term recovery.  
• Rehab programs for those with special concerns, such as dual diagnosis programs (rehab designed for people who have another mental health condition in addition to substance use disorder). 

In addition to care specifically designed to support you as you gain your sobriety, the VA also offers care for issues that often occur with substance use disorder, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. 

How to Use VA Coverage for Drug or Alcohol Addiction Treatment

If you’re ready to use your VA benefits for drug or alcohol addiction treatment coverage, the first step is to reach out to your local VA representative to help you learn more about VA rehab facilities in your area. They will be able to help you determine your VA coverage, and can help connect you with VA treatment services. 

Additionally, you may be able to access care through a VA Community Care partner. Community Care partners are private facilities that work with the VA to provide services that may not be covered at VA facilities. In particular, these facilities may offer veterans-specific treatment programs, like Desert Hope’s Salute to Recovery program.  

What Types of Addiction Treatment Does the VA Cover?

VA insurance covers several different levels of treatment for substance use disorder, including:³ 

• Medical detox: Medical detox can provide you with the support that you need to safely get drugs and alcohol out of your body as you’re preparing for inpatient or outpatient treatment. 
• Inpatient rehab: During inpatient rehab, you’ll live at the treatment facility and have access to 24/7 care. 
• Outpatient rehab: Outpatient rehab can take several forms. You may attend standard outpatient rehab on a by-appointment basis, an intensive outpatient treatment program (where you’ll attend sessions for several hours a day, several days a week), or a partial hospitalization program (where you’ll attend program sessions most days of the week for 6–8 hours each day). 
• Aftercare: As you near the completion of treatment, you’ll talk with your substance use counselor about an aftercare program that makes sense for supporting your sobriety. Your aftercare program may consist of sober living, 12-Step programming, counseling, and more. 

Start the Recovery Journey

If you’re ready to begin the process of getting well, we’re excited to talk with you. Please browse our recovery center directory to connect with rehabs that offer addiction care for the dependents of Veterans. If you’re ready to get started or have questions about treatment, reach out to the AAC helpline today at to verify your benefits and learn more about the rehab process.