Frequently Asked Questions
Financial & Logistics
How do I take 42 days off from my job and still pay my bills?
This is one of the biggest barriers we hear about, and we have solutions. If you qualify for FMLA/STD, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects your job while you’re in treatment. Short-term disability provides funding during that time. Here’s how it works: Your HR department completes FMLA paperwork before you arrive (takes about 12 days to process). Short-term disability kicks in while you’re here, so you’re still getting paid while your job is protected. Our clinical and medical team will assist with completing the necessary paperwork to support your claim.
What if I don’t have insurance or the money to pay for my treatment?
Don’t let finances be the reason you don’t get help. Our admissions advocates work with you case by case to find funding and resources that fit your situation. They’ll explore every option available to you. As long as you’re willing and want to come to treatment, we will find a way to bring you home. Call (866) 516-9540 to speak with an admissions advocate about your specific situation.
Do you take VA benefits?
Yes. Warriors Heart is a VA Community Care partner. If you’re a veteran eligible for VA Community Care, we can work with your VA benefits to support your treatment. Talk with our admissions team about your VA eligibility and how we can help coordinate your care.
Career & Job Concerns
Will my job find out that I am at a treatment center?
Only if you tell them or your employer specifically searches for Warriors Heart. Your treatment is confidential. However, you’ll need to notify your employer that you’re taking medical leave. We work directly with your HR department to provide the necessary paperwork. You control the narrative about where you are and why you’re away.
If you’re active duty military, this process looks different. You’ll need to go through your chain of command to request medical leave. Talk with our admissions team about your specific military branch and situation, and we’ll walk you through it.
Will I lose my security clearance?
Seeking help voluntarily for addiction is viewed positively and demonstrates responsibility. However, security clearance decisions are complex and depend on many factors. Our admissions team understands these concerns and can discuss your specific situation confidentially.
Can I bring my laptop to do work?
We understand you have important work-related things to address. Laptops aren’t allowed on campus during residential treatment, but you can use our computer center during non-program hours to handle what needs handling. We also have CAC readers and private browsers available if you need secure access. Talk with admissions about your specific work needs.
Family Concerns
Can my family visit me while I’m in treatment?
We want you to be able to focus fully on your recovery, therefore family visits aren’t allowed during the 42-day residential program. However, your family is welcome to participate in optional family counseling or support sessions if you request it. We can also connect family members with Warriors Anonymous Al-Anon meetings for their own support. After treatment, your family becomes part of your ongoing recovery through the Alumni Program and other resources. The separation is temporary, and the reunion is stronger because of it.
Who Fits Here
I’m not a combat veteran, special forces, SWAT, or anything crazy like that, would I be a good fit for this program?
Absolutely. Warriors Heart treats active-duty service members, veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, corrections officers, and other first responders. Your trauma is your trauma, and your healing is your healing. No one judges based on branch, rank, time served, or the nature of their experience. We’re all trained in the same environment. We all understand the weight of service. That’s what makes this place work.
What if I’m not an alcoholic or drug addict but I just smoke a lot of marijuana or use kratom?
If marijuana, kratom, or any substance use is preventing you from functioning, from being the person you want to be, or from reaching your potential, that’s addiction. Substance abuse takes many forms. Our dual diagnosis program treats all substance use. If you’re wondering whether your use is a problem, that’s worth exploring with our team.
Program Structure
Why is your program 42 days and can I do more?
Most treatment centers run 28 days. That’s industry standard. But 28 days isn’t enough for warriors who’ve carried trauma and addiction for years. Forty-two days gives you time to actually heal, not just stabilize. You develop real skills, process deep trauma, and build confidence in your recovery. Many warriors want to stay longer, and we support that through our continuation of care programs including sober living and outpatient options. You can extend your healing journey with us.
Does your program restart every 6 weeks?
No. We have continuous, rolling enrollment. Warriors come in at different times based on their readiness and needs, not on a set schedule. This means you’re never starting treatment with all brand new people. You’re joining a cohort at different stages of their recovery journey, which creates a richer peer environment. Everyone brings something different to the community.
Before & During Treatment
Do I have to be sober when I arrive?
No. You don’t have to be completely sober when you arrive at Warriors Heart. We understand many warriors are still in active addiction when they reach out for help, and that’s okay. We can work with that. If you need medical detox, that’s where we start. Our medical team will assess what you need and safely support you through withdrawal. What we do need is for you to show up ready to commit to your recovery and willing to do the work. We can’t help you if you’re not serious about changing.
Are you a lockdown facility?
Warriors Heart is a treatment center, not a prison. You’ve put your life on the line for this country and your community. You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in your recovery. The structure and expectations are firm, but they’re designed to support your healing, not to control you. You’re not locked in.
Do detox days count toward the 42 day RTC?
No. Detox and the 42-day residential treatment program are separate. If you need medical detox (which depends on what substance you’ve been using and how much), detox comes first. Once you’re medically stable and ready, then your 42-day program begins. Detox days don’t count toward the 42 days because they serve a different purpose. They prepare your body. The 42 days heal your mind and rebuild your life.
Additional Questions
Call (866) 516-9540 to speak with an admissions advocate.