Why veterans face unique challenges in recovery
Veterans experience higher rates of trauma exposure, PTSD, depression, anxiety and chronic pain than the general population. Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with difficult memories, sleep problems, emotional pain or the stress of returning to civilian life. Recovery means more than stopping substance use. It means addressing what’s underneath it while rebuilding a sense of purpose and stability.
What a veterans treatment program includes
Every plan is individualized, but treatment can include trauma-informed therapy, dual diagnosis care, psychiatric support, medication management, family counseling, peer support and relapse prevention planning.
Signs it may be time for treatment
- Using alcohol or drugs to numb emotions, improve sleep or manage stress
- PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance or avoidance
- Persistent sadness, panic attacks or loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Relationships, work or family life suffering because of substance use
- Any thoughts of self-harm, which should always be taken seriously
Levels of care available for veterans
- Day treatment (PHP) for people who need structured support while going home each evening
- Intensive outpatient (IOP) for balancing treatment with family, work or other responsibilities
- Outpatient treatment as recovery progresses and you need less structure
- Virtual treatment for veterans who need flexibility or face barriers to in-person care
- Aftercare and alumni support to stay connected to a recovery community after treatment ends
Therapies we use
- Trauma-informed therapy, which recognizes how traumatic experiences shape behavior and recovery
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and change unhealthy thought patterns
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation and stress management
- EMDR, an evidence-based therapy for processing traumatic memories and reducing PTSD symptoms
- Group therapy with others who understand similar experiences
- Family therapy to strengthen communication and support
- Medication-assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders
TRICARE and VA Community Care
Many veterans, retirees and military families have access to TRICARE benefits, which may cover medically necessary substance use and mental health treatment depending on plan type and eligibility. Veterans may also access treatment outside the VA through Community Care programs or private insurance. Our admissions team can help you understand your benefits, verify coverage and coordinate next steps.
Check your insurance. It’s free and doesn’t commit you to anything.
How to start
Speak with our admissions team
Call (877) 920-6583. Many of our team have served or been in recovery themselves.
Verify your insurance or TRICARE benefits
We check your coverage and explain what to expect, free of charge.
Complete a confidential assessment
A short conversation about your service history, substance use and mental health, so we can recommend the right level of care.
Start treatment
We coordinate with the VA, Community Care or your insurance, and in many cases you can start right away.
You don’t have to face addiction, PTSD or mental health challenges alone. Massachusetts is home to a large veteran population and several major military and VA facilities, and GBAC serves veterans throughout Boston, Needham, Dedham, Newton, Waltham, West Roxbury, Quincy, Brookline and Dorchester.
Questions about veterans program
Does GBAC treat veterans outside the VA system?
Yes. Many veterans choose private treatment through VA Community Care or their own insurance because it offers faster admissions, more individualized care and flexible scheduling.
Does TRICARE cover treatment at GBAC?
Many veterans, retirees and military families have TRICARE benefits that cover medically necessary substance use and mental health treatment. Coverage depends on your specific plan, so our admissions team verifies it before you start.
What if I have PTSD along with a substance use problem?
That's common. We treat PTSD and substance use together with trauma-informed therapy, EMDR and dual diagnosis care, rather than treating one and ignoring the other.
Do I need to be currently enrolled with the VA to come here?
No. You can come to us directly, through a VA or Community Care referral, or through a therapist, doctor or hospital. We help you sort out the paperwork either way.
Is there a women veterans track?
Women veterans can face different challenges, including military sexual trauma. Our trauma-informed approach is built to create a safe, individualized environment for any veteran.
Can I keep working while in treatment?
Many veterans continue working through our evening IOP or virtual program. We build your schedule around your real responsibilities.