Mental health challenges, including drug and alcohol addiction (also known as substance use disorders), are treatable. Find recovery, hope, and healing by learning more about evidence-based treatments at VA and how these services can meet your needs.
Every Veteran has a path to recovery. VA offers many evidence-based treatments for drug and alcohol addiction. These therapies and medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms, control cravings, and strengthen personal motivations for change. VA works with each Veteran to tailor a treatment plan to their needs, values, and goals.
Over 600,000 Veterans received treatment
for substance use disorders at VA.
(Fiscal year 2025, October 2024-September 2025)
For some Veterans, the path to recovery involves a more structured setting and around-the-clock support. VA provides this for Veterans through its residential rehabilitation programs. These programs place Veterans in a comfortable residential environment with on-site access to comprehensive services for substance use disorders, other mental health conditions, physical health issues, and social needs such as employment and housing.
More than 29,000 Veterans served
at around 123 VA residential sites.
(Fiscal year 2025, October 2024-September 2025)
Substance use can lead to serious, sometimes fatal, health consequences. VA is committed to helping reduce patients’ risk of these outcomes as they consider treatment and other options to support their recovery. Our goal is to protect a person’s life and well-being while they pursue recovery. These strategies also are part of a continuum of options that help reduce the risk of death and other negative health consequences related to substance use. Using naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses is one example of a strategy to prevent harm.
More than 7,400 overdose reversals
with naloxone have been reported through June 2026 since VA started making naloxone available nationally to Veterans.
If you’re concerned about your alcohol or drug use, reach out for support. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of alcohol, opioid, stimulant, and cannabis use disorders and the resources available at VA to treat these disorders.
Share materials to raise awareness among Veterans and their supporters about VA mental health and substance use services. Your support can help change and save Veterans’ lives.
Privacy, policies, and legal information
This page was last updated on: July 30, 2026
Sign up to receive the latest mental health resources and information from VA.