A Qualitative Examination of Barriers to Substance Misuse Treatment for Veterans with Disabilities

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the experiences of veterans with disabilities (VWDs) seeking substance misuse treatment. Participants were recruited through advertisements placed in 75 newspapers across the United States and interviewed by telephone. Twenty VWDs participated in the study. Four themes emerged: organizational barriers, fear, disconnect with non-VA treatment centers, and person-treatment fit. Findings suggest that veterans with disabilities encounter both organizational and personal barriers when seeking treatment, including treatment denials, long wait times, PTSD-related challenges, and concerns regarding treatment fit. Implications highlight the importance of military cultural competence and trauma-informed substance use treatment.