Addiction in a veteran: where to get free help

Alcohol, drugs, medication, gambling and gaming, nicotine — first steps, state programmes, hotlines and free support for the family.

If you are in danger right now, call 112. Suicidal thoughts — 7333 (Lifeline Ukraine, 24/7, free).

Step-by-step route

Alcohol, drugs, medication, gambling and gaming, nicotine

Steps

  1. Addiction is a treatable condition, not a character flaw.
  2. Start with your family doctor or an addiction specialist: they will assess and suggest treatment.
  3. For opioid dependence there is opioid agonist therapy (OAT) — ask your doctor.
  4. Gambling: apply for self-exclusion in the PlayCity register — access to legal gambling is closed for 6 months to 3 years.
  5. Sedatives or painkillers: do not stop abruptly — a doctor plans a gradual taper.
  6. Gaming, social media, nicotine: if you are losing control, sleep or relationships, start with a psychologist; your family doctor can help you quit smoking.
  7. After treatment: mutual-help groups (“12 steps”), counselling, family support.

Back to situations ↑

Other situations

Back from serviceDemobilisation and the first months homeInjury, rehabilitation, disabilityRecovering after traumaStruggling mentallyStress, insomnia, anxiety, angerA relative is missing or capturedWhat the family can doLoss of a loved oneSupport after lossI am a veteran’s family memberHow to support without burning outDomestic violenceIf you are threatened or harmed

Useful contacts

  • 112Emergency services
  • 7333Lifeline Ukraine — suicide prevention, 24/7
  • 0 800 33 20 29Ukrainian Veterans Fund crisis and legal line
  • 1528Unified veterans line
  • 0 800 300 529Coordination HQ: prisoners of war, missing
  • 1698Commissioner for missing persons
  • 0 800 213 103Free legal aid, 24/7
  • 15 47Government line: violence, trafficking
  • 116 123La Strada Ukraine: violence
  • 1678Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights: discrimination, rights violations

Find help near you

Veteran support specialist

Diia → “Veteran PRO” → “Find a specialist”, or your local CNAP.

CNAP and social services centre

Benefits, statuses and social services where you live.

Legal aid bureau

Addresses at legalaid.gov.ua.

Coordination HQ centres

Regional addresses at koordshtab.gov.ua.

SYNTONIA in Kyiv and online

Free social services — send a request.

Not sure where to start?

Email hello@gradientcenter.org — we will point you to help nearby.

Reference information, current as of September 2026. Check details with official sources; spotted an error? Email hello@gradientcenter.org.