Substance Abuse Treatment: VA Programs Serve Psychologically and Economically Disadvantaged Veterans

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) substance abuse program and the effect of VA reorganization on this program, focusing on: (1) characteristics of veterans who receive substance abuse treatment; (2) services VA offers to veterans with substance abuse disorders; (3) methods VA uses to monitor the effectiveness of its substance abuse treatment programs; (4) community services available to veterans who suffer from substance abuse disorders; and (5) implications of changing VA methods for delivering substance abuse treatment services.