Medically reviewed by Kevin Wandler, MD, Chief Medical Advisor
Military service shapes people in lasting ways. It builds discipline, loyalty and resilience. It can also leave behind trauma, chronic pain, sleep problems and a hard transition back to civilian life. For some veterans, alcohol or drugs become a way to manage what they carry, and over time that coping strategy can turn into its own problem.
If you are a veteran in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, or you love one, this guide covers common challenges, VA resources worth knowing about, what effective treatment includes and how to check your coverage before choosing a program.
Challenges Many Veterans Face
Every veteran’s experience is different, but some concerns come up often:
- Post-traumatic stress. Nightmares, hypervigilance, irritability and avoidance can make daily life exhausting.
- Chronic pain and injuries. Pain from service-related injuries sometimes leads to long-term use of prescription opioids.
- Depression and anxiety. These conditions can follow deployment, loss or the stress of transition.
- Drinking culture. Heavy drinking may have been a normal part of social life during service.
- Loss of structure and purpose. Leaving the military can mean losing a built-in community and daily routine.
When substance use and a mental health condition occur together, treating both at the same time tends to work better than treating either one alone.
Many veterans were trained to push through pain and handle problems without complaint. That mindset had a purpose in uniform, but it can make asking for help feel like failure once you are home. Seeking treatment is a way of taking responsibility for your health, the same way you would address any other injury that was not healing on its own.
Start by Knowing Your VA Options
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a range of services for eligible veterans, including mental health care and substance use treatment. If you are not yet enrolled in VA health care, VA.gov explains eligibility and how to apply. In North Texas, the VA North Texas Health Care System includes the Dallas VA Medical Center and community-based clinics.
Other VA resources include:
- Vet Centers, which offer confidential readjustment counseling for eligible veterans, service members and their families.
- The Veterans Crisis Line, which you can reach by calling 988 and pressing 1.
- VA Community Care, a program through which the VA may authorize care from approved community providers when certain conditions are met.
An Important Note About Coverage at Promises DFW
Promises DFW is not part of VA Community Care. That means the VA does not authorize or pay for treatment at Promises DFW through that program. Promises DFW is also not in network with Tricare or Medicare.
Many veterans have other coverage, though, such as insurance through an employer, a spouse’s plan or the Marketplace. Promises DFW is in network with a number of commercial plans, and coverage always depends on the individual plan, medical necessity and prior authorization. Before choosing any program, check what your coverage includes. Our admissions team offers free, confidential insurance verification if you want help understanding your benefits.
What Effective Treatment Can Include
Whether you receive care through the VA or a community provider, look for a program that treats the whole person. For many veterans, that includes:
- Trauma-informed care, which recognizes how past trauma affects behavior and avoids approaches that feel threatening. Learn more about trauma-informed care.
- Treatment for PTSD alongside substance use. Our PTSD treatment page describes this approach.
- Integrated care for co-occurring conditions through dual diagnosis treatment.
- Medication-assisted treatment when appropriate for opioid or alcohol use disorders. See our overview of medication-assisted treatment.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to build practical skills for managing stress, anger and cravings.
- Group therapy, which can restore a sense of shared purpose and connection.
If you drink heavily or take benzodiazepines, talk to a medical provider before stopping. Withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines can be life-threatening and needs medical supervision.
Questions to Ask Any Program
- How does your team approach trauma and PTSD?
- Do you treat co-occurring mental health conditions at the same time as substance use?
- Is medication-assisted treatment available if I need it?
- With my consent, can you coordinate with my VA or other providers?
- What does aftercare planning look like?
For Families of Veterans
Loved ones often notice changes before the veteran does. If you are worried, choose a calm moment to share what you have seen and offer to help look into options together. Vet Centers also serve family members in many situations, and VA.gov lists caregiver and family resources.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911. If a veteran is in crisis or thinking about suicide, call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, or call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my VA benefits at Promises DFW?
No. Promises DFW is not part of VA Community Care, so the VA does not cover treatment here. If you have other insurance, you can ask for a free benefits check.
Does Promises DFW accept Tricare?
Promises DFW is not in network with Tricare. Veterans with Tricare can contact Tricare or the VA to find covered options.
Where can I find VA substance use treatment near Dallas?
Start at VA.gov or contact the VA North Texas Health Care System to ask about mental health and substance use services.
What if I have insurance through my job?
Many veterans have employer or Marketplace coverage. Coverage depends on your plan, medical necessity and prior authorization, so verification is the first step.
Check Your Coverage and Talk With Us
If you have coverage outside the VA and want to explore treatment at Promises DFW, our admissions team can help. Start on our insurance options page, contact us online or call (469) 546-9303. We answer 24/7.