Medically Reviewed

August 24, 2025

Addiction Recovery, Addiction Treatment, Therapy

Addiction Treatment for Veterans in New Jersey: What to Know

The transition from military service to civilian life can be jarring, especially for veterans battling the dual burdens of mental health conditions and substance use disorders (SUD). In New Jersey, the call for accessible and effective addiction treatment for veterans is urgent — and growing.

Veterans have unique challenges when it comes to substance use disorders and mental health, making it vital that they seek personalized addiction treatment. That’s why addiction treatment programs specifically geared towards veterans exist. In these programs, trauma-informed care and dual diagnosis services are emphasized.

In this article, you will learn:

How common is addiction among veterans?
What is dual diagnosis?
What treatment options are available for veterans in New Jersey?

The Scope of the Issue: Veterans and Substance Use in New Jersey

Across the U.S., approximately 1 in 10 veterans has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).[1] New Jersey is home to more than 325,000 veterans, a significant number of whom struggle with substance abuse, often compounded by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health conditions.[2]

Recent reports suggest:[3]

Over 20% of veterans with PTSD also have SUD.
1 in 3 veterans seeking SUD treatment also have co-occurring mental health conditions.
Opioid use disorder remains a top concern, with many veterans prescribed opioids for chronic pain post-service.

Addiction among veterans often stems from:

Combat-related trauma
Challenges in accessing mental health care
Difficult reintegration into civilian employment and social structures
Alcohol abuse as a socially accepted coping mechanism

Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health: A Dual Diagnosis

Veterans are disproportionately affected by dual diagnosis conditions, meaning they experience both a substance use disorder and another mental health issue simultaneously. In fact, the VA’s National Center for PTSD highlights that veterans with PTSD are two to four times more likely to have an alcohol use disorder.[3]

This complex interplay complicates treatment, requiring integrated programs that can address both SUD and co-occurring mental health conditions like:

Without such integrated care, the risk of relapse increases significantly.

VA Resources for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of programs for veterans struggling with addiction, from outpatient counseling to inpatient rehab. The VA New Jersey Health Care System (with locations in East Orange and Lyons) provides direct access to:

Inpatient rehab programs with medical detox
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid and alcohol use disorders
Counseling and behavioral therapies
Peer support groups and community reintegration programs
Telehealth services for veterans who cannot attend in person

These programs also help veterans connect with additional resources like vocational training, housing assistance, and trauma-informed mental health services.

However, not all veterans qualify for VA health care, and others may prefer private or non-VA-affiliated programs due to access issues, stigma, or wait times.

State and Community-Based Treatment Options in New Jersey

Beyond federal services, veterans in New Jersey have access to a wide network of state and community-based treatment providers. These organizations often collaborate with the VA or accept veteran-specific health coverage, including TRICARE, to ensure care is accessible.

Recovery centers across the state offer a range of services, including residential and outpatient addiction treatment, peer support, trauma-informed care, and assistance with transitional housing and case management.

Many facilities also provide integrated dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Importantly, a growing number of providers recognize and address the unique needs of subpopulations such as women veterans, LGBTQ+ veterans, and older veterans. Treatment plans are increasingly being tailored to reflect the lived experiences, cultural concerns, and specific health challenges of these groups, ensuring a more inclusive and effective approach to recovery.

Understanding the Types of Treatment Available

Veterans seeking help for substance use in New Jersey can choose from several treatment paths depending on the severity of their condition and personal needs:

1. Inpatient Rehab

Provides 24/7 supervised care, including detox, psychiatric evaluation, and daily therapy sessions. Recommended for veterans with severe SUD or those at risk of relapse.

2. Outpatient Programs

Allow veterans to continue living at home while attending therapy and support groups. Ideal for those with a strong support system and stable housing.

3. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

Structured, intensive treatment during the day with the option to return home at night.

4. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Combines medications like buprenorphine or naltrexone with behavioral therapy for opioid or alcohol addiction.

5. Peer and Group Support

12-Step programs, veteran-specific recovery meetings, and peer mentorship programs foster a sense of community and accountability.

Addressing Barriers to Care

Despite the availability of services, many veterans face obstacles when trying to access addiction treatment in New Jersey:

Stigma around seeking mental health or addiction help
Logistical challenges such as transportation, housing, or employment conflicts
Waitlists and administrative delays within the VA system
Lack of tailored programs for female veterans or veterans with specific needs

To combat this, outreach and education are key. Programs must be culturally competent and trauma-informed. Accessibility — including treatment available anytime, day or night, virtual therapy options, and mobile recovery units — is also critical.

Veterans and Relapse Prevention

Recovery doesn’t end after rehab. Veterans require long-term relapse prevention strategies that address triggers, emotional regulation, and life purpose.

Key components of relapse prevention include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reshape harmful thought patterns
Family therapy and support systems
Employment support to help reintegrate into civilian life
Ongoing mental health counseling
Veteran-specific recovery groups to maintain accountability and connection

Studies show that veterans who remain engaged in ongoing treatment and peer support post-rehab are more than twice as likely to maintain long-term sobriety.[4]

The Role of Family and Community

Addiction rarely occurs in a vacuum. Families and communities play a pivotal role in encouraging treatment, supporting recovery, and reducing stigma.

Veterans are more likely to seek help when:

Family members participate in their recovery
Community organizations actively advocate for veteran well-being
Civilian employers provide flexibility for those in recovery
Resources are visible and easily accessible

Public awareness campaigns and veteran-friendly events can further break down barriers and connect veterans to support networks.

Get Connected to Addiction Care for Veterans in New Jersey

For veterans in New Jersey, addiction treatment is not only available — it’s evolving. Whether through VA health care, community programs, or private treatment providers, there are countless resources ready to help veterans reclaim their health and purpose.

The path to recovery may not be easy, but it is navigable — especially with the right mix of medical care, mental health support, and community connection. If you or a veteran you know is struggling with drug or alcohol problems, help is available anytime, day or night

If you are looking for a veteran-specific addiction treatment program, you’ve come to the right place. At Blue Star Recovery, we offer the support and care veterans need to recover from addiction and co-occurring disorders at the same time. Contact us today for more information on our program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are there addiction treatment programs in New Jersey specifically for women veterans?

Yes. Several treatment providers in New Jersey offer gender-specific programs tailored to the unique experiences of women veterans. These often address issues like military sexual trauma (MST), co-parenting challenges, and hormonal influences on substance use. The VA and select private recovery centers also provide trauma-informed care models specifically designed for women.

2. Can a veteran get treatment without a formal VA disability rating or honorable discharge?

Yes. While some VA programs may have eligibility requirements, many community-based programs and non-profit organizations in New Jersey accept veterans regardless of discharge status or VA enrollment. Organizations such as Soldier On and Catholic Charities often serve at-risk or underserved veteran populations.

3. What should I do if a veteran refuses treatment or denies they have a substance use problem?

It’s common for veterans to hesitate due to stigma or denial. The best approach is nonjudgmental support combined with information sharing about available resources. Peer mentoring and motivational interviewing—available through programs like Vet2Vet—can also help guide veterans toward readiness for change without pressure.

4. Are there programs that support both addiction treatment and job placement for veterans?

Yes. Many comprehensive treatment programs integrate vocational rehabilitation services, including job training, resume workshops, and direct employer connections. The VA’s Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program and state-level workforce initiatives often partner with addiction recovery centers to provide employment assistance as part of long-term reintegration plans.

5. How can family members get involved in a veteran’s recovery?

Family involvement is often encouraged. Many treatment centers offer family education, therapy sessions, and support groups specifically for loved ones. Understanding addiction and learning effective communication strategies can significantly improve recovery outcomes and prevent relapse.

6. What happens if a veteran relapses after completing a program?

Relapse is not uncommon and doesn’t mean failure. Most programs offer relapse prevention tracks, and many veterans return to care for reinforcement. The VA and private providers often have streamlined re-entry options, allowing veterans to re-engage with minimal delay. Continued therapy, support groups, and medication management are typically part of post-relapse plans.

References:

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Substance Use and Military Life
North Jersey: How many Veterans Affairs workers in New Jersey? Trump plans mass VA layoffs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Treatment of Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Use Disorder in VA
The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Peer support in an outpatient program for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: Translating participant experiences into a recovery model