Department of Veterans Affairs Recovery Center (VARC)

The Veterans Affairs Recovery Center (VARC), part of the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Center, offers alcohol and drug rehab services in Cleveland, Ohio. The center provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT), inpatient (IP), outpatient (OP), and aftercare programs for veterans and their families. Specialized services are available for seniors, the LGBTQ+ community, and homeless/indigent persons. Telehealth is available.

At VARC, clients undergo an evaluation and are assigned to a case management team. Licensed clinicians administer FDA-approved prescriptions, including methadone, buprenorphine/naloxone, Naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, topiramate, bupropion, and varenicline for alcohol substance, and tobacco dependencies. Acute cases receive residential care and are monitored 24/7 to prevent relapse. Outside lodging and transportation may be available.

In addition to medication management, clients participate in counseling using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches, motivational interviewing, and motivational enhancement therapy to build emotional wellness. Life skills development, primary care, and peer support are also available to reinforce resilience. A crisis hotline and nurse’s advice lines are available. Clients may be referred to other VA departments or outside facilities for specialized substance abuse treatment.

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare system is accredited by The Joint Commission.

VARC offers self-pay and financing options. The center may be in-network with Aetna, Beacon, BlueCross/BlueShield, ChampVA, Cigna, Humana, Magellan, Optum, TRICARE, and Wellpoint. Please check your insurance provider for coverage and out-of-network benefits.