Clinical Considerations in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders with Veterans

This article addresses issues associated with the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD) in the U.S. veteran population. First, we examine special considerations regarding the assessment of alcohol and drug use in veterans. Second, we discuss current treatment approaches that have demonstrated efficacy in this population, with special consideration the issue of co-morbidity (especially SUD and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder). Third, we discuss two strategies to coordinate treatment of SUD: stepped care as a way to implement these treatments for SUD alone, and integrated treatment for SUD and co-morbid disorders. Finally, we discuss promising future directions for the treatment of SUD in the veteran population, including examination of mechanisms of behavior change, formal involvement of the veteran's family in treatment, and use of existing datasets.