Comprehensive Addiction Treatment for Veterans in New Mexico
The Raymond G. Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, provides specialized and comprehensive care for Veterans struggling with Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Situated at 1501 San Pedro Drive SE, this vital resource is dedicated to addressing the complexities of addiction within the Veteran community, offering a continuum of care tailored to individual needs.
Program Overview and Philosophy
Understanding that recovery is a highly personal journey, the Substance Use Disorders Program Clinic at the VA Medical Center operates with a philosophy centered on personalized treatment and holistic well-being. The program integrates evidence-based therapeutic modalities with a deep respect for the unique challenges faced by service members and Veterans. Treatment options range from initial assessment and detoxification support to intensive outpatient programming and long-term aftercare planning, ensuring that Veterans receive sustained support through every stage of recovery.
Treatment Modalities and Services
The clinic offers a diverse array of services, recognizing that effective addiction treatment often requires a multi-faceted approach. These services are delivered by a dedicated team of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and addiction specialists. The focus is not only on achieving sobriety but also on treating co-occurring mental health conditions that frequently accompany SUD.
Core services include:
- Individual and Group Therapy: Offering personalized counseling sessions and peer support environments.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Utilizing FDA-approved medications combined with counseling to treat alcohol and opioid dependency.
- Mental Health Integration: Addressing conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety concurrently with addiction treatment.
- Relapse Prevention Planning: Equipping Veterans with practical strategies for maintaining long-term recovery.
- Psychoeducation: Providing comprehensive knowledge about addiction, its effects, and the path to wellness.
Accessing Care
The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center serves as a crucial hub for Veterans seeking help with addiction. The facility is committed to minimizing barriers to entry, ensuring that seeking assistance is a straightforward and confidential process. If a Veteran requires immediate assistance, or wants to inquire about available services, they can contact the facility directly to speak with the mental health or substance abuse care lines. This accessibility underscores the VA’s commitment to providing timely and appropriate care for those who have served the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VA address co-occurring mental health issues?
The program employs an integrated approach, meaning that addiction treatment and mental health treatment (such as care for PTSD or depression) are handled simultaneously by a coordinated care team, ensuring holistic recovery.
What is the first step a Veteran should take to enroll in the SUD program?
Veterans can start by calling the main facility phone number (505-265-1711) and asking for the Substance Abuse Line or the Mental Health Clinic to schedule an initial consultation and assessment.
Does the program offer services for family members?
While the core focus is on the Veteran’s recovery, resources and psychoeducation are often available to family members to help them understand addiction and support the Veteran’s journey toward wellness.




