Problem drinking can impact every part of life—health, relationships, work, and even legal standing. For military members, veterans, and their families, access to support through TRICARE insurance can be a crucial lifeline for reclaiming wellness and restoring stability.
If you’ve recently faced a DUI or are concerned about your relationship with alcohol, it’s important to understand that help is available. Using TRICARE coverage for alcohol treatment is both possible and encouraged.
TRICARE, the healthcare program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families, offers comprehensive mental health and substance use benefits. At AF Crashpad, we want to help you understand how to navigate your TRICARE benefits so you can access evidence-based care that addresses not only alcohol use but also the underlying causes behind it.
Getting Support for Alcohol Use Through TRICARE
If you’re questioning your alcohol use—or worried about a loved one—you are not alone. Alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are common in the military community. Stress, trauma, and high-demand environments increase risk, and unfortunately, stigma often prevents people from seeking help early.
TRICARE recognizes the need for early and effective intervention. Its behavioral health benefits cover services ranging from outpatient therapy to medically supervised detox and inpatient rehabilitation.
Treatment usually begins with an evaluation by a licensed provider, who can recommend the right level of care—therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), or a structured rehab program. Depending on your plan (Prime, Select, or others), you may self-refer or need a referral from your primary care manager (PCM).
Learn more about alcohol use disorder
Treatment Options Available Through TRICARE
Outpatient Services
- Individual, group, and family counseling while continuing daily life.
- Covered with little to no out-of-pocket cost under TRICARE Prime.
- Ideal for early-stage misuse or as a step-down from inpatient care.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
- Multiple therapy sessions per week in a structured program.
- Designed for those needing consistent support without 24/7 care.
- Covered by TRICARE when medically necessary, often with trauma-informed care.
Inpatient and Residential Treatment
- Immersive, round-the-clock treatment with therapy, medical supervision, and support for co-occurring conditions like PTSD or depression.
- Requires pre-authorization and a PCM referral.
- TRICARE often covers a significant portion once approved.
Detoxification Services
- Medically supervised detox for individuals at risk of withdrawal.
- Covered in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Often the first step before engaging in long-term treatment.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Medications like naltrexone or acamprosate can help reduce cravings.
- Combined with therapy for best results.
- Covered by TRICARE as part of a treatment plan.
TRICARE Support Following a DUI in the Military
A DUI can be a wake-up call and sometimes the push needed to seek help. TRICARE covers:
- Substance use evaluations (often legally required).
- Education and therapy programs.
- Outpatient, IOP, or inpatient rehab, depending on needs.
Many TRICARE-approved centers understand military-specific needs and can coordinate care with legal requirements. Participation in treatment can demonstrate commitment to recovery and sometimes positively influence legal outcomes.
Learn more about DUI treatment in the military
How to Start the Process of Getting Help
- Contact your PCM or behavioral health provider.
- TRICARE Prime usually requires a referral; Select often allows self-referral.
- Use telehealth and crisis support.
- TRICARE offers a Behavioral Health Crisis Line and virtual appointments for privacy and accessibility.
- Know your rights.
- Federal confidentiality laws protect treatment information, though active-duty members should understand how records may affect security clearances.
- Federal confidentiality laws protect treatment information, though active-duty members should understand how records may affect security clearances.
Check your TRICARE health plan details
Cost of Alcohol Treatment With TRICARE
TRICARE is designed to make behavioral health care accessible and affordable. Costs depend on your plan, deductible status, and beneficiary category:
- Active-duty service members: No out-of-pocket costs.
- Family members of active duty: Little to none under TRICARE Prime.
- Retirees and families: Modest copayments, generally lower than private insurance.
Contact your TRICARE regional contractor to confirm coverage for your specific situation.
Why Early Treatment Matters in the Military
Problem drinking doesn’t need to escalate into a crisis. Early intervention:
- Leads to better long-term outcomes.
- Reduces the risk of co-occurring conditions.
- Helps maintain readiness, relationships, and career stability.
In the military, seeking treatment isn’t weakness—it’s strength.
The Role of Family Support
Family members often play a critical role in encouraging treatment. TRICARE also offers:
- Family therapy.
- Education resources.
- Involvement in treatment plans.
Loved ones can make a difference, and TRICARE-covered programs frequently encourage family participation.
Final Thoughts: TRICARE Offers Solid Options for Alcohol Treatment
Using TRICARE coverage for alcohol treatment is not only possible—it’s encouraged and often life-changing.
Whether you’re dealing with a DUI or quietly struggling with alcohol use, TRICARE connects you with the tools and professionals you need to move forward.
There’s no shame in seeking help. Taking the first step—whether it’s a call, a referral, or an honest conversation—can begin a lasting recovery journey.
At AF Crashpad, we’re committed to supporting service members and their families—not just with comfortable TDY crashpads, but also with resources that matter most to the military community.
Visit AFCrashpad for more resources and military lodging options
