VA Greater LA Healthcare System: Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Program
The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) offers dedicated and comprehensive treatment for Veterans struggling with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and addiction. Recognizing the complex nature of addiction, the VA provides evidence-based care tailored to the individual needs, values, and goals of each Veteran. The program is committed to supporting recovery through a variety of personalized treatment options.
Personalized Treatment and Clinical Approach
VAGLAHS employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating various therapies and support services to manage both physical dependency and underlying behavioral health issues often co-occurring with addiction, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma. The VA tailors treatment plans, ensuring Veterans receive the most effective care for their unique circumstances. This patient-centered strategy is designed to foster motivation for long-term recovery and sustained well-being.
Treatment modalities available often include a combination of:
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Utilizing prescribed medications combined with behavioral therapy to manage withdrawal symptoms, control cravings, and enhance the focus on recovery.
- Behavioral Therapies: Individual and group counseling to address the psychological aspects of addiction, develop coping strategies, and prevent relapse.
- Comprehensive Health Services: Addressing related physical health problems and cognitive impairments that may arise from substance use.
- Crisis Support: Access to immediate help through the Veterans Crisis Line (Call 988, Press 1, or Text 838255) for Veterans facing urgent mental health or addiction crises.
Accessing Care at VA Greater LA
Veterans can seek support directly through the VA Greater LA Healthcare System, located at 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA. The VA strives to make accessing care straightforward, offering same-day help for many behavioral health conditions. For specific SUD program intake, Veterans may request a referral from any VA provider, or they can contact the dedicated SUD clinics directly for scheduling information.
The commitment of the VAGLAHS program is rooted in providing inclusive, evidence-based support, ensuring that all Veterans have a clear path to healing and recovery, regardless of the severity of their struggle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What substances does the VA addiction treatment program address?
The program addresses a wide range of Substance Use Disorders, including alcohol, opioid, and other drug addictions.
How quickly can I start treatment?
All VA health care facilities, including VAGLAHS, aim to offer same-day help for many behavioral health concerns, and Veterans can often begin the intake process for specialized SUD treatment soon after referral or initial contact.
Do I need to be referred by a VA doctor to enroll in the addiction treatment program?
While you can request a referral from any VA provider, in some cases, Veterans can reach out directly to the Substance Use Disorder clinics for an intake visit or walk-in consultation, depending on the specific clinic’s policies.
