Alcohol and Drug Use After Service: DVA-Funded Psychology and Treatment Programs
When drinking or drug use has crept up after service: what treatment looks like (motivational interviewing, CBT, relapse prevention), DVA-recognised programs and hospital admissions, and how DVA pays for all of it with no gap.
By ClearAccess Psychology · 25 October 2026
The short answer: drinking more after leaving the ADF, or using drugs or medication to cope, is common and treatable. Psychologists use motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and relapse prevention to help you cut back or stop, and to deal with whatever the drinking was managing, such as stress, sleep or memories. Under Non-Liability Health Care, DVA pays for psychology, GP and psychiatrist care, DVA-recognised alcohol and drug treatment programs and mental health hospital admissions, with no gap, for anyone with at least one day of continuous full-time service.
Checked against DVA's published rules on 25 October 2026. General information, not medical advice. Never stop heavy drinking suddenly without medical advice: alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous.
Need help now? Open Arms: 1800 011 046 (24/7). National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015. Emergency: 000.
How do I know if my drinking has become a problem?
Drinking is woven into ADF culture, so it can be hard to see when it has shifted. Some signs it's worth talking to someone:
- You drink to sleep, to stop the memories, or to feel normal
- You drink more than you meant to, or more than you used to, to get the same effect
- People close to you have mentioned it, or you've started hiding how much you drink
- You've tried to cut back and found it harder than you expected
- Hangovers, arguments, money, work or driving are starting to suffer
- You're using cannabis, prescription painkillers, sleeping tablets or other drugs to cope
You don't need to label yourself an alcoholic or have hit rock bottom to get help. Treatment works at any point, and earlier is easier.
What does treatment involve?
| Approach | What it does |
|---|---|
| Motivational interviewing | Helps you work out what you want, without lectures. You set the goal: cutting back, stopping, or taking a break. |
| Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) | Identifies triggers (stress, boredom, certain people or times of day) and builds other ways to handle them. |
| Relapse prevention | Plans for high-risk situations and how to get back on track after a slip. |
| Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) | Learning to ride out cravings and hard feelings without acting on them. |
| Treating what's underneath | Many veterans drink to manage PTSD, depression, anxiety or poor sleep. Treating both together works better than treating one at a time. |
Your GP may also be involved: for safe withdrawal, medication to reduce cravings, and checking your physical health.
When a psychologist isn't enough on their own
For heavier or longer-term use, DVA also funds:
- DVA-recognised alcohol and drug treatment programs
- Mental health admissions to public or private hospitals, including withdrawal and residential programs
- Mental health treatment at day procedure facilities
- Open Arms treatment programs and counselling
Your GP or psychologist can help you work out which level of support fits.
How DVA pays for alcohol and drug treatment
- Who: current and former ADF members with at least one day of continuous full-time service, including reservists with CFTS. Non-Liability Health Care covers all mental health conditions, including alcohol and substance use disorders, without proving service caused them.
- Card: Veteran Gold Card, or Veteran White Card with mental health listed. Check in MyService under "Conditions listed", or call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
- Referral: from your usual GP for psychology, covering up to 12 sessions or a year per treatment cycle, renewable as often as clinically needed.
- Cost: nothing. A psychologist who accepts your Veteran Card must accept DVA's fee in full.
- Telehealth: by video, or phone if video isn't available. The first session of each cycle must be in person or by video.
See our guide to accessing DVA-funded psychology for cards, referrals and treatment cycles step by step.
How to find a psychologist who bills DVA and works with alcohol and drug use
On ClearAccess Psychology, search for psychologists who bill DVA and work with addiction, near you or by telehealth, or narrow to psychologists who work with veterans. Each profile shows that DVA sessions cost you nothing.
You can be honest in your inquiry or keep it brief, such as "I'd like help with my drinking." Psychologists hear it every day, and what you tell them is confidential.
Think of the version of you a few months from now who wakes up clear-headed and actually rested. Getting there usually starts with one conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Does DVA pay for alcohol and drug treatment?
Yes. Under Non-Liability Health Care, DVA funds treatment of all mental health conditions, including alcohol and substance use disorders, plus DVA-recognised alcohol and drug treatment programs and mental health hospital admissions.
Do I have to stop drinking completely to get help?
No. A psychologist will help you set your own goal, whether that's cutting back, a break, or stopping. If you drink heavily every day, see your GP before stopping, because withdrawal can be dangerous.
Will DVA or Defence be told about my drinking?
Your psychologist's records are confidential and protected by health privacy law. DVA receives claims for the services provided, and your GP receives treatment-cycle reports. Ask your psychologist about how your information is handled; they will explain the limits of confidentiality.
Does DVA cover rehab?
DVA covers mental health admissions to public and private hospitals and DVA-recognised alcohol and drug treatment programs under Non-Liability Health Care. Talk to your GP or call 1800 VETERAN about which programs apply.
Can my partner get help too?
Yes. Open Arms provides free counselling to partners and family members of anyone who has served, including support for family members worried about someone's drinking. Call 1800 011 046.