Almost a quarter of enlisted personnel report hazardous drinking, with alcohol abuse linked to half of military suicides and assaults. Young service members face the highest risk, making access to TRICARE-approved rehabilitation services crucial for protecting careers and saving lives.
The numbers are sobering. According to recent Army behavioral health investigations, 22% of soldiers in one unit reported hazardous or heavy drinking patterns. These aren't just statistics, as they represent real service members whose careers, relationships, and lives hang in the balance.
"One thing noteworthy about that report is that those reporting these drinking patterns were also significantly more likely to experience other issues like sleep problems. So drinking creates a cycle where alcohol misuse and performance issues reinforce each other," says Ona Treatment Center, one of the few rehab facilities in Northern California that accepts TRICARE.
"When nearly one-quarter of a military unit is engaged in hazardous drinking, the implications for operational readiness become impossible to ignore," it adds.
The military has a long-standing and complicated relationship with alcohol. From time-honored traditions like unit happy hours to informal gatherings after missions, drinking is often deeply woven into the fabric of military social life. Many service members view alcohol consumption as both a bonding ritual and a pressure release valve—a way to decompress from the intense demands of military service.
Service members face stressors that civilians rarely encounter. Combat deployments expose troops to traumatic experiences that can leave lasting psychological wounds. The constant cycle of permanent change of station moves disrupts family stability and social support networks. Prolonged work hours, high-pressure training environments, and the weight of mission-critical responsibilities create a perfect storm of stress factors.
The data is clear: service members under 25 years old have the highest rates of substance use disorders. This vulnerable demographic often joins the military directly from high school, entering a high-stress environment during a developmental period already prone to risk-taking behaviors.
TRICARE recognizes that the first step in recovery can be the most physically challenging. Coverage includes medically supervised detoxification programs, which are essential for service members who may experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms when stopping alcohol use. These programs provide 24/7 medical monitoring, medication to manage withdrawal symptoms, and the foundation for ongoing treatment.
For those with severe alcohol use disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions, TRICARE covers comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation programs. These structured environments provide around-the-clock care, removing service members from environments where alcohol is accessible and replacing them with therapeutic communities focused on recovery.
Recognizing that not all service members require 24/7 care, TRICARE also covers various levels of outpatient treatment. These programs allow military personnel to receive treatment while maintaining their daily responsibilities and can serve as either primary treatment or step-down care after completing an inpatient program.
TRICARE covers evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol use disorders. These medications can help reduce cravings, block the rewarding effects of alcohol, or create unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed. Combined with counseling, MAT has proven highly effective for many individuals struggling with alcohol dependence.
The stakes couldn't be higher for addressing alcohol misuse among service members. Untreated alcohol problems ripple outward, affecting not just the individual but also their unit, family, and the military's overall mission readiness. Military psychologists report that up to 50% of suicides, sexual assaults, and domestic violence incidents are alcohol-related—a devastating statistic that underscores the urgency of early intervention.
Despite the availability of treatment, many service members hesitate to seek help. Stigma remains a significant barrier, with many fearing that acknowledging a problem with alcohol will damage their reputation or career prospects. These concerns, while understandable, often prevent service members from getting the help they need until their situation reaches a crisis point.
"For service members grappling with alcohol misuse, the path to recovery begins with a single step: reaching out for help," says Ona Treatment Center, adding that TRICARE's comprehensive coverage ensures this vital care is accessible and affordable.
"Whether through self-referral or commander-directed care, the most important thing is that you connect with treatment resources before you lose control of your alcohol use and it starts controlling you," it adds.
