VA benefits for substance use disorder treatment
Eligible veterans in San Antonio can access comprehensive substance use disorder treatment through the VA healthcare system, often at no cost-share. Here is what the VA covers, who qualifies, how to access care, and how it differs from TRICARE.
What VA substance use disorder treatment covers
The VA provides a full continuum of substance use disorder treatment for enrolled veterans. Services are covered at no cost-share in most cases for veterans receiving care within the VA system. Specific programs vary by location -- confirm current availability at the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center in San Antonio.
Medical detox
Medically supervised withdrawal management for alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other substances. Available through the VA inpatient and residential programs.
Residential rehabilitation
Inpatient residential addiction treatment with structured therapy, clinical monitoring, and peer support. Available through VA Substance Use Disorder Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (SUD RRTPs).
Intensive outpatient (IOP)
Structured outpatient treatment programs allowing veterans to live at home while receiving several hours of therapy per day. Available at the VA and affiliated community clinics.
Individual and group counseling
One-on-one therapy and peer group sessions with VA-licensed mental health clinicians. Ongoing outpatient support for veterans in all stages of recovery.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
FDA-approved medications including buprenorphine, naltrexone (oral and injectable), and methadone for opioid and alcohol use disorder, combined with counseling. Covered by the VA when prescribed by an authorized provider.
Integrated PTSD and SUD treatment
Programs that treat PTSD and substance use disorder together, which is the evidence-based standard for veterans. The VA's PTSD Clinical Teams include integrated substance use components.
Confirm current availability in San Antonio
The specific programs available at the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center and affiliated clinics change. Always confirm what is currently offered by calling 1-800-410-9723 or visiting va.gov/san-antonio-health-care.
Who is eligible for VA substance use treatment
VA substance use treatment is available to veterans who are enrolled in VA healthcare. Enrollment is based on veteran status, not on a specific insurance plan. You do not need to have TRICARE or any other insurance to use VA healthcare.
General eligibility requires having served on active duty, been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, and meeting service length requirements that vary by period of service. Combat veterans and veterans with service-connected disabilities receive higher priority for enrollment.
Veterans do not need to prove their substance use is service-connected
Unlike some VA benefits, VA healthcare for substance use disorder does not require you to prove that your addiction is related to your military service. If you are enrolled in VA healthcare, you are generally eligible for substance use treatment regardless of how or when the problem developed.
Check your eligibility and apply at va.gov/health-care/eligibility or by calling the VA eligibility line at 1-877-222-8387.
How to access VA substance use treatment in San Antonio
The primary VA facility serving San Antonio veterans is the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center. Here is how to get started:
Confirm or establish VA healthcare enrollment
If you are not yet enrolled in VA healthcare, apply online at va.gov/health-care/apply or call 1-877-222-8387. Enrollment is free. Most veterans are eligible. If you are already enrolled, you can skip to step 2.
Call the Audie L. Murphy VA or your VA primary care team
Contact the main line at 1-800-410-9723. Ask to be connected to the mental health or substance use disorder clinic, or ask your VA primary care provider for a referral. You can also request a same-day mental health appointment in most cases.
Complete a mental health intake or substance use assessment
A VA clinician will complete an assessment of your substance use history, mental health needs, and level of care required. This determines what program and services are most appropriate for your situation.
Begin treatment within the VA system or via Community Care
Depending on your needs and what is available, you may begin treatment directly at the VA, or the VA may refer you to a community provider through the VA Community Care Network. Community Care referrals allow the VA to authorize treatment at non-VA facilities when VA services are not available or accessible within required timeframes.
Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center
How VA benefits differ from TRICARE
Veterans who are eligible for both VA healthcare and TRICARE often wonder which to use, and whether they can use both. The short answer is yes -- they operate independently and serve different purposes.
| VA healthcare | TRICARE | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it covers | Eligible veterans only | Active-duty, families, retirees, Guard and Reserve members |
| Cost-shares | Generally none for treatment within VA system | Varies by plan type and network status |
| Prior authorization | Not required for care within VA system | Required for residential, PHP, often IOP |
| Provider network | VA facilities and Community Care referrals | TriWest network in San Antonio region |
| Access method | Enroll in VA healthcare, then request services | Use TRICARE-authorized facilities, get authorization |
| PTSD integration | Deeply integrated; VA programs are designed around this | Covered at certified facilities; not as structurally integrated |
| Can be used together? | Yes. VA and TRICARE operate independently. Eligible veterans can use both. | |
Using VA and TRICARE together
Veterans who hold TRICARE can still access VA substance use treatment, and vice versa. When both are used for the same episode of care, coordination of benefits rules may apply. Talk to both your VA case manager and TriWest before pursuing treatment through both systems simultaneously to understand how billing will work.
Common questions about VA substance use benefits
What veterans in San Antonio most commonly ask about accessing VA treatment for substance use disorder.