Alaska Veterans Alcohol & Drug Rehab Centers (14)

Alaska Veterans Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment Centers

The veteran population in Alaska is approximately 13 percent, most of whom are retired military aged 65 or older. Alaska veterans alcohol and drug treatment centers are dedicated to the recovery of veterans and active military members residing in the state.

Despite the enormous need for substance abuse and addiction treatment among the veteran population, Alaska has no inpatient care sites and only six outpatient sites throughout the sprawling terrain of the state. Although there are no specific VA alcohol and drug treatment centers in Alaska, veterans who need help can use their VA benefits for most rehab programs in the state.

Additionally, there are many private healthcare systems with dedicated mental health and substance abuse services for veterans. These services are available to veterans with military insurance like Veterans Choice and TRICARE, public funding such as Medicaid, and many offer services to homeless veterans in need.

Among all substances, alcohol use disorders are the most prevalent in the veteran population, although the misuse of opioid and other prescription drugs is rising. In Alaska, rehab and drug treatment for veterans struggling with alcohol and drug abuse are available, mostly on an outpatient basis.

Alaska Veterans Alcohol and Drug Treatment usually involve the following:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy interventions
• PTSD therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Medication management

Alcohol and drug treatment centers in Alaska who serve veterans have a unique challenge, especially with veterans who have PTSD or other mental health illnesses.

Some of the challenges are because this population of veterans is:

• More likely to be prescribed opioids
• More likely to be prescribed a sedative-hypnotic and opioid simultaneously
• More likely to receive an early refill
• More likely to receive a higher dose of opioids
• More likely to develop an alcohol or drug addiction

The State of Alaska continues to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide resources, support and drug treatment to its veteran population.

Whether through public services and charities, or private rehabs that can accept public and military insurance, Alaska's veterans have many options for alcohol and drug treatment in the state.