Substance Use Among Veterans
Military service and the transition to civilian life can involve physical, emotional, and practical challenges.
Some veterans experience chronic pain, trauma-related concerns, or difficulty adjusting to changes in routine and support systems. These factors can overlap with substance use concerns, although every veteran's experience is different.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes that substance use disorders can occur alongside other health conditions and challenges affecting daily life. Understanding these overlapping concerns can help inform an appropriate treatment plan.
Substance Use and PTSD
PTSD and substance use disorders can occur together. Some veterans use alcohol or other substances in an attempt to manage distressing memories, anxiety, or other trauma-related concerns.
When both conditions are present, treatment planning should account for each rather than treating substance use in isolation.
What Substance Use Conditions Do We Treat?
Substance use can affect health, relationships, work, and everyday responsibilities. The type of substance and pattern of use help inform the assessment and treatment recommendations.
Treatment needs may involve:
Alcohol Use Disorder
Opioid Use Disorder
Stimulant Use Disorder
Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
Cannabis Use Disorder
Kratom Use Disorder
When substance use occurs alongside conditions such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety, dual diagnosis treatment can address both substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns as part of an individualized treatment plan.

Medication-Assisted Treatment
We provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol use and opioid use disorders, and offer medication management services, if needed.
Medication decisions depend on individual needs, medical assessment, and the treatment plan.
The appropriate approach is determined through clinical assessment and consideration of the services available.
Outpatient Treatment Programs for Veterans
The right level of care depends on the severity of substance use concerns, clinical needs, and the amount of structured support recommended. NuView offers two main levels of outpatient treatment.
The Partial Hospitalization Program provides a structured, intensive level of outpatient treatment for individuals who need substantial support during the day without 24-hour residential care.
For veterans working through substance use concerns, PHP offers a more intensive treatment structure than a less intensive outpatient schedule.
The Intensive Outpatient Program provides structured treatment with fewer scheduled hours than PHP. This may offer greater flexibility for veterans balancing treatment with work, family, or other daily responsibilities.
Telehealth may be available to eligible California residents, depending on the service and individual circumstances.
A clinical assessment helps determine which program may be appropriate. Not every level of care is suitable for every person.
What We Verify Before You Begin
How Admission Works
Getting started involves a few practical steps:
- 01
Contact admissions
Discuss your concerns and ask about available outpatient programs. - 02
Verify benefits
Review applicable coverage, eligibility, and referral or authorization requirements. - 03
Complete an assessment
A clinical assessment helps identify treatment needs and determine program suitability. - 04
Begin treatment
Next steps are discussed once clinical and administrative requirements are addressed.
The process depends on individual circumstances, eligibility, and program availability.
Paying for Treatment Through VA Community Care
NuView is in network with TriWest for the VA Community Care Network. However, the VA determines eligibility and approves Community Care referrals.
Being in network does not automatically establish eligibility or guarantee that a particular service will be covered.
If you're a veteran considering treatment, start by speaking with your VA healthcare provider about your treatment needs and the referral process. NuView's admissions team can help clarify the information needed to explore treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligible veterans may receive substance use treatment through VA healthcare or the VA Community Care Network when applicable requirements are met. For Community Care, the VA determines eligibility and approves referrals.
NuView is in network with TriWest for VA Community Care. The VA must determine eligibility and approve the referral, and treatment remains subject to clinical suitability and applicable requirements. Contact your VA provider to discuss a referral and speak with NuView admissions about the next steps.
Substance use and PTSD can occur together, and both may need to be considered during treatment planning. Clinical assessment helps clarify individual needs and the appropriate level of outpatient care.
Medication-assisted treatment may be available for alcohol and opioid use disorders when clinically appropriate. A clinical assessment helps determine whether medication may be suitable as part of an individual's treatment plan.
Patient information is handled according to applicable privacy laws and requirements. Ask admissions how these requirements apply to your situation.
IOP generally involves fewer scheduled treatment hours than PHP, which may offer more flexibility around work and other responsibilities. The actual schedule and suitability depend on the program and individual clinical needs.
Explore Drug and Alcohol Treatment Options at NuView
If substance use is affecting your health, relationships, or daily life, you don't have to work out the next step alone. NuView Treatment Center's admissions team can explain the outpatient programs available in Los Angeles, discuss the assessment process, and help you understand the requirements for exploring treatment.


