info@thoroughbredbhc.comLiving with both Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) presents unique challenges for veterans. These co-occurring conditions often interact in complex ways, with each potentially intensifying the other.
The good news is that recovery is possible, and numerous resources exist specifically to help veterans navigate this journey.
This comprehensive guide combines over 225 resources across 15 categories, providing veterans and their loved ones with a single, authoritative source for finding the support they need.
This guide offers pathways to healing and recovery, whether you’re seeking immediate crisis assistance, treatment options, peer support, or resources for family members.
The journey may not be linear, but with the right support and resources, veterans can break the cycle of PTSD and substance use, reclaiming their lives and building a healthier future.
Understanding Co-occurring PTSD and Substance Use Disorder
The Connection Between PTSD and Substance Use in Veterans
For many veterans, PTSD and substance use disorder develop in a cyclical relationship. Traumatic experiences during military service can lead to PTSD symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.
To cope with these distressing symptoms, some veterans turn to alcohol or drugs, which may temporarily alleviate their suffering but ultimately worsen their condition.
Substance use can provide short-term relief from PTSD symptoms, but it interferes with the brain’s natural recovery process, prevents the processing of traumatic memories, and often leads to additional problems.
As substance use increases, PTSD symptoms typically worsen, creating a cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break without professional help.
Why Integrated Treatment Is Essential
Research consistently shows that treating PTSD and substance use disorder simultaneously yields the best outcomes. Integrated treatment addresses both conditions together, recognizing their interconnected nature.
This approach helps veterans develop healthier coping mechanisms while processing traumatic experiences in a supported environment.
Veterans with co-occurring disorders benefit most from comprehensive care that includes evidence-based therapies, medication management when appropriate, peer support, and holistic approaches addressing the whole person—not just isolated symptoms.
Crisis & Immediate Help Resources
If you or a veteran you know is experiencing a crisis, these resources provide immediate assistance:
Veterans Crisis Line – 24/7 crisis support line specifically for veterans, service members, and their families (Phone: 988, then press 1; Text: 838255)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for individuals facing mental health or substance use disorders (Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357))
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – 24/7 support for people in distress and crisis resources (Phone: 988)
VA Medical Centers – Emergency departments at VA medical centers provide 24/7 emergency care for veterans in crisis
Vet Centers – Community-based counseling centers offering readjustment counseling and outreach services to veterans and their families
NAMI HelpLine – Information, resource referrals, and support for people living with mental health conditions (Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264))
Military OneSource – 24/7 support service for military personnel and their families (Phone: 1-800-342-9647)
Vets4Warriors – 24/7 peer support network for veterans and service members (Phone: 1-855-838-8255)
Disaster Distress Helpline – Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters or traumatic events (Phone: 1-800-985-5990)
Make the Connection – Information, resources, and veteran stories about overcoming mental health challenges
VA PTSD Resources – Comprehensive information about PTSD treatment and resources available through the VA
Wounded Warrior Project – Resources and support for veterans with PTSD and other invisible wounds of war
PTSD Foundation of America – Support for veterans suffering from combat-related PTSD
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) – Resources and support for veterans with PTSD and other service-connected disabilities
VA Substance Use Resources – Information about substance use treatment options available through the VA
VA-Specific Programs & Services
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers numerous specialized programs for veterans with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders:
VA PTSD Treatment Programs – Specialized programs for PTSD treatment, including options for those with co-occurring substance use disorders
VA Substance Use Disorder Program – Comprehensive treatment options for veterans struggling with substance use
VA Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs – Intensive residential treatment for veterans with PTSD, substance use disorders, and other mental health conditions
VA Mental Health Intensive Case Management – Specialized support for veterans with serious mental illness, including those with co-occurring disorders
VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers – Recovery-oriented programs helping veterans with serious mental illness improve functioning and quality of life
VA Compensated Work Therapy – Vocational rehabilitation program helping veterans with mental health conditions return to work
VA Homeless Programs – Support for homeless veterans, including those with co-occurring disorders
VA Suicide Prevention Program – Comprehensive suicide prevention services for at-risk veterans
VA Caregiver Support Program – Resources and support for family caregivers of veterans with PTSD and other conditions
VA Women’s Mental Health Services – Specialized mental health services for women veterans
VA LGBTQ+ Care – Mental health services for LGBTQ+ veterans
VA Chaplain Services – Spiritual support for veterans dealing with mental health and substance use challenges
VA Whole Health – Holistic approach to veteran care that addresses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being
VA Clinical Practice Guidelines – Evidence-based guidelines for treating substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions
VA Tobacco and Health – Resources for veterans who want to quit smoking or using tobacco products
Non-VA Treatment Programs
Beyond the VA, numerous programs specialize in treating veterans with co-occurring disorders:
SAMHSA Treatment Locator – Comprehensive directory of treatment facilities for substance use disorders and mental health conditions
Cohen Veterans Network – High-quality, accessible mental health care for veterans and their families
Headstrong Project – Confidential, cost-free, and frictionless mental health treatment for post-9/11 veterans and their families
Warrior Care Network – Innovative partnership between the Wounded Warrior Project and academic medical centers providing intensive outpatient programs
The Refuge – A Healing Place – Trauma-informed treatment center with specialized programs for veterans
Warriors Heart – Private treatment center exclusively for veterans, military, and first responders dealing with addiction and PTSD
The Meadows – Trauma and addiction treatment center with specialized programs for veterans
Operation Resilience – Intensive retreats and ongoing support for veterans with PTSD and substance use issues
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation – Addiction treatment programs with specialized tracks for veterans
Banyan Treatment Centers Military and Veterans in Recovery – Specialized addiction and mental health treatment for veterans
Heroes’ Mile – Veteran recovery center treating substance abuse and co-occurring disorders
The Refuge – A Healing Place – Trauma-informed treatment center with specialized programs for veterans
Boulder Crest Foundation – Posttraumatic growth programs for combat veterans and their families
Vets to Warriors – Peer-led recovery support services for veterans with substance use disorders
Centerstone Military Services – Specialized mental health care and addiction treatment for veterans and military families
Telehealth & Remote Services
Telehealth options make treatment more accessible, especially for veterans in rural areas or those with mobility challenges:
VA Video Connect – Secure video conferencing app connecting veterans with their VA healthcare providers
VA Telemental Health – Remote mental health services are available through the VA healthcare system
Talkspace for Veterans – Online therapy platform with therapists specializing in veteran issues
BetterHelp Military Discount – Online counseling platform offering discounts for military personnel and veterans
Telemynd – Virtual behavioral health services for veterans
Mindstrong – Virtual mental health care and digital biomarker technology
Brightside – Online therapy and medication management for depression and anxiety
PTSD Coach App – Mobile app providing education, self-assessment, and coping skills for PTSD
COVID Coach App – Self-care and mental health support for pandemic-related stress
Mindfulness Coach App – Mindfulness practices to help reduce stress and promote well-being
VetChange App – Mobile app helping veterans build skills to reduce problem drinking
CBT-i Coach – App for insomnia management using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques
Moving Forward App – Problem-solving skills to overcome life’s challenges
RxRefill App – Mobile prescription refill service for VA medications
Annie App for Veterans – Text messaging service helping veterans track and manage their health
Treatment Options for Co-occurring PTSD and SUD
Peer Support Programs
Peer support from fellow veterans who understand the unique challenges of military service can be invaluable:
Vet Centers – Community-based counseling centers offering peer support groups for veterans
Vets4Warriors – Peer support network providing 24/7 confidential peer support for veterans
Veteran Peer Support Specialists – VA program employing veterans to provide support to fellow veterans
Make the Connection – Veteran stories and connections to support resources
Team Red, White & Blue – Organization connecting veterans to their community through physical and social activity
Team Rubicon – Disaster response organization providing veterans with purpose, community, and identity
The Mission Continues – Organization empowering veterans to continue their service through community impact
Wounded Warrior Project Peer Support – Connecting warriors to build relationships and provide support
Alcoholics Anonymous for Veterans – AA meetings specifically for veterans dealing with alcohol use disorder
Narcotics Anonymous – 12-step program for people recovering from drug addiction, with many veteran participants
SMART Recovery – Science-based addiction recovery support program, alternative to 12-step programs
Refuge Recovery – Buddhist-inspired approach to recovery from addiction
LifeRing Secular Recovery – Abstinence-based, secular, and self-directed support for sobriety
Strive Health – Specialized outpatient addiction treatment with veteran-specific programs
Rally Point – Peer support network for veterans in recovery from substance use disorders
Substance Use Disorder Resources
These resources focus specifically on substance use disorder treatment and recovery:
VA Substance Use Disorder Program – Comprehensive treatment options for veterans struggling with substance use
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – Treatment referral and information service for individuals facing substance use disorders
NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator – Tool to help find quality treatment for alcohol use disorder
CDC Alcohol and Public Health – Information about alcohol use and its health effects
Alcoholics Anonymous – Fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope to solve their common problem of alcoholism
Narcotics Anonymous – 12-step program for people recovering from drug addiction
SMART Recovery – Science-based addiction recovery support program
Faces & Voices of Recovery – National advocacy organization for people in recovery from addiction
Shatterproof – National nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the addiction crisis in America
Partnership to End Addiction – Resources for families dealing with substance use and addiction
Smokefree.gov Veterans – Resources to help veterans quit smoking
American Society of Addiction Medicine – Directory of addiction medicine specialists
Recovery Research Institute – Research-based resources on addiction recovery
Addiction Center Veterans – Information about substance abuse among veterans
Heroes in Recovery – Community of people sharing their recovery stories to break the stigma of addiction
PTSD-Specific Resources
These resources focus specifically on PTSD treatment and recovery:
National Center for PTSD – VA’s center of excellence for research and education on PTSD
PTSD: Understanding Treatment – Comprehensive information about PTSD treatment options
PTSD Treatment Decision Aid – Interactive tool to help veterans learn about and choose PTSD treatments
AboutFace – Videos of veterans sharing their experiences with PTSD and treatment
PTSD Coach Online – Web-based tools to help manage PTSD symptoms
PTSD Foundation of America – Support for veterans suffering from combat-related PTSD
Wounded Warrior Project PTSD Resources – Resources and support for veterans with PTSD
Anxiety and Depression Association of America – Information and resources about PTSD
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies – Resources for understanding and treating traumatic stress
EMDR International Association – Directory of therapists trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy
Center for Deployment Psychology – Training and resources for providers treating military personnel with PTSD
Trauma Recovery Network – Pro bono EMDR therapy for veterans and first responders
Sidran Institute – Information and resources for trauma survivors
Gift From Within – PTSD resources for survivors and caregivers
Anxiety and Depression Association of America – Information about PTSD treatment options
Family & Caregiver Support
Family members and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting veterans with co-occurring disorders:
VA Caregiver Support Program – Resources and support for family caregivers of veterans
Coaching Into Care – VA telephone service providing guidance to family members who want to encourage their veteran to seek care
NAMI Family Support Groups – Support groups for family members of people with mental health conditions
Al-Anon Family Groups – Support for families and friends of alcoholics
Nar-Anon Family Groups – Support for those affected by someone else’s addiction
Military OneSource – Resources for military families dealing with mental health and substance use issues
Give an Hour – Free mental health services for military personnel, veterans, and their families
PsychArmor Institute – Free education and resources for those who live with, care for, and work with veterans
Elizabeth Dole Foundation – Support for military caregivers
Operation Family Caregiver – Coaching for families of returning service members and veterans
Military and Veteran Caregiver Network – Peer support network for caregivers of veterans
Blue Star Families – Support for military families
National Military Family Association – Resources and support for military families
American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network – Support for caregivers of wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans
Hidden Heroes – Resources and support for military caregivers
Supporting Your Veteran: A Guide for Family Members
Holistic & Complementary Approaches
Many veterans benefit from complementary approaches alongside traditional treatment:
VA Whole Health – Holistic approach to veteran care that addresses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Veterans – Programs teaching mindfulness practices to reduce stress and improve well-being
VA Recreational Therapy – Using recreational activities as treatment interventions to improve health and well-being
Yoga for Veterans – Adaptive yoga programs for veterans with PTSD and other conditions
Veterans Yoga Project – Supporting recovery and resilience through yoga
Warrior Expeditions – Outdoor therapy programs helping veterans process combat experiences through long-distance outdoor expeditions
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing – Fly fishing programs supporting the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled veterans
Horses for Heroes – Equine therapy programs for veterans
Warrior Canine Connection – Service dog training therapy for veterans with PTSD and TBI
Veterans Acupuncture Care – Free and low-cost acupuncture services for veterans
Transcendental Meditation for Veterans – Meditation program to reduce PTSD symptoms and stress
Tai Chi for Veterans – Gentle martial arts practice promoting relaxation and balance
Art Therapy for Veterans – Using art creation as therapy for PTSD and other conditions
Music Therapy for Veterans – Using music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs
Outdoor Recreation Therapy – Therapeutic use of outdoor activities to improve health and well-being
Financial & Housing Assistance
Financial stability and secure housing are essential foundations for recovery:
VA Disability Compensation – Monthly tax-free payment for veterans with service-connected disabilities
VA Pension – Needs-based benefit for wartime veterans with limited income
VA Home Loans – Helping veterans become homeowners with favorable loan terms
VA Homeless Programs – Comprehensive services for homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) – Services to prevent veteran homelessness and rapidly re-house homeless veterans
HUD-VASH – Housing vouchers and supportive services for homeless veterans
Grant and Per Diem Program – Funding for community agencies providing transitional housing for homeless veterans
Volunteers of America Veterans Services – Housing and supportive services for veterans
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans – Resources and support for homeless veterans
Operation Homefront – Emergency financial assistance for military families
USA Cares – Financial assistance for post-9/11 veterans
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust – Financial assistance for disabled veterans
Veterans Inc. – Housing and supportive services for veterans and their families
American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance – Cash grants for minor children of eligible veterans
VFW Unmet Needs Program – Financial assistance for military families experiencing financial hardship
Educational Resources
Education about PTSD and substance use disorders can empower veterans and their families:
VA PTSD 101 Courses – Educational courses about PTSD and its treatment
Make the Connection – Information and veteran stories about PTSD and substance use
PTSD: National Center for PTSD – Comprehensive information about PTSD
Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment – Booklet explaining PTSD and treatment options
Understanding Substance Use Disorders in Veterans – Information about substance use disorders and treatment
SAMHSA Publications – Free publications about mental health and substance use disorders
National Institute on Drug Abuse – Research-based information about drug use and addiction
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Research-based information about alcohol use and alcoholism
PsychArmor Institute – Free online education for those who work with, live with, or care for veterans
Military Culture: Core Competencies for Healthcare Professionals – Free online course about military culture
Community Provider Toolkit – Resources for providers working with veterans
VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines – Evidence-based guidelines for treating various conditions
PTSD Research Quarterly – Newsletter featuring scholarly articles about PTSD
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Library – Evidence-based resources on substance use and mental health
Military Families Learning Network – Professional development resources for those working with military families
Success Stories & Recovery Narratives
Hearing from veterans who have successfully navigated recovery can provide hope and inspiration:
Make the Connection Videos – Videos of veterans sharing their experiences with PTSD, substance use, and recovery
AboutFace – Videos of veterans talking about how PTSD treatment helped them
Vets Prevail Success Stories – Stories from veterans who have overcome mental health challenges
Team Rubicon Stories – Stories of veterans finding purpose through disaster response
Wounded Warrior Project Success Stories – Stories of wounded veterans overcoming challenges
Veterans Coming Home – PBS series featuring veterans’ stories of reintegration
StoryCorps Military Voices Initiative – Recordings of veterans and their families sharing their stories
The War Horse – Nonprofit newsroom sharing veterans’ stories
Voices of Recovery – Stories of recovery from substance use disorders
I Am Not Alone – SAMHSA’s platform for sharing recovery stories
Heroes in Recovery – Stories of recovery from addiction and mental health conditions
Veterans Writing Project – Helping veterans tell their stories through writing
The Telling Project – Performance project, where veterans share their stories
American Veterans Center Oral Histories – Recorded interviews with veterans
Veterans History Project – Library of Congress collection of veterans’ accounts
The Recovery Journey: Milestones and Warning Signs
Research & Clinical Trials
For veterans interested in contributing to research or accessing cutting-edge treatments:
VA Research on PTSD – Information about VA research on PTSD
VA Research on Substance Use Disorders – Information about VA research on substance use disorders
VA Cooperative Studies Program – VA’s program for conducting large clinical trials and epidemiological studies
NIH Clinical Trials – Database of clinical studies around the world
PTSD Clinical Trials – Information about clinical trials for PTSD
National Center for PTSD Research – Research on PTSD prevention, assessment, and treatment
Center for Integrated Healthcare – Research on integrating mental health and primary care services
Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health – Research on stress, trauma, and resilience
National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials – Information about clinical trials for substance use disorders
NIAAA Clinical Trials – Information about clinical trials for alcohol use disorder
Cohen Veterans Bioscience – Research organization advancing brain health solutions for veterans
Traumatic Brain Injury Research – Research on traumatic brain injury, which often co-occurs with PTSD
Military Suicide Research Consortium – Research on suicide prevention for military personnel and veterans
Center for Deployment Psychology Research – Research on psychological health in military populations
STRONG STAR Consortium – Research on prevention and treatment of combat-related PTSD
Mobile Apps & Technology Tools
Technology offers innovative ways to support recovery and manage symptoms:
PTSD Coach – Mobile app providing education, self-assessment, and coping skills for PTSD
VetChange – Mobile app helping veterans build skills to reduce problem drinking
Mindfulness Coach – App teaching mindfulness practices to reduce stress
CBT-i Coach – App for insomnia management using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques
COVID Coach – Self-care and mental health support for pandemic-related stress
Moving Forward – Problem-solving skills to overcome life’s challenges
PE Coach – Support for Prolonged Exposure therapy for PTSD
CPT Coach – Support for Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD
Stay Quit Coach – App helping veterans quit smoking
Virtual Hope Box – Tools to help with emotional regulation and coping with stress
Mood Coach – App teaching behavioral activation for depression
Breathe2Relax – Stress management tool teaching diaphragmatic breathing
AIMS for Anger Management – App helping veterans manage anger
Insomnia Coach – App providing evidence-based tools to improve sleep
My3 Support Network – Suicide prevention app helping users define their network and plan to stay safe
Community Reintegration Resources
Successful reintegration into civilian life is a key part of long-term recovery:
VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment – Services to help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for and find suitable employment
Compensated Work Therapy – VA vocational rehabilitation program helping veterans return to work
Helmets to Hardhats – Program connecting veterans to career opportunities in the construction industry
Hire Heroes USA – Free job search assistance for veterans and military spouses
Veterans Employment Center – Resources to help veterans find jobs
American Corporate Partners – Mentoring program connecting veterans with business professionals
Team Red, White & Blue – Organization connecting veterans to their community through physical and social activity
The Mission Continues – Empowering veterans to continue their service through community impact
Team Rubicon – Disaster response organization providing veterans with purpose, community, and identity
Student Veterans of America – Support for veterans in higher education
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – Organization supporting veterans and their communities
American Legion – Organization supporting veterans, military personnel, and communities
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) – Organization providing support for veterans with disabilities
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) – Organization supporting post-9/11 veterans
Wounded Warrior Project – Organization supporting wounded veterans and their families
Supporting Veterans: Overcoming PTSD and Substance Use Challenges
Recovery from co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder is possible. While the journey may not be linear, with the right resources and support, veterans can break the cycle of PTSD and substance use, reclaiming their lives and building a healthier future.
Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The resources in this guide represent pathways to healing that have helped countless veterans overcome these challenges.
If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, don’t wait—call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (Press 1), text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
Your support makes a difference for family members and friends. By understanding these conditions and learning how to provide effective support, you can play a vital role in your veteran’s recovery journey.
The road to recovery may have challenges, but no veteran needs to walk it alone. Help is available, recovery is possible, and hope is real.
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