For active-duty service members and veterans alike, alcohol misuse can be a quiet struggle behind the uniform. Military culture has long tolerated—and at times even encouraged—heavy drinking as a coping mechanism, a bonding ritual, or a way to decompress.
But when casual use crosses the line into dependence, the impact on health, relationships, and mission readiness becomes serious.
So how do military members get help for a drinking problem? The answer depends on their status (active duty, reserve, veteran), their branch of service, and their comfort with seeking support.
Fortunately, a range of confidential and effective treatment options are available—both within the military system and outside of it.
Here’s where Wiss Now steps in to assist you with your options. Understanding these options is the first step toward lasting recovery.
Alcohol misuse in the military isn’t always obvious. Long hours, exposure to trauma, and frequent transitions can make unhealthy coping mechanisms feel “normal.” But repeated hangovers, disciplinary issues, deteriorating relationships, or trouble sleeping may signal something deeper.
When drinking starts interfering with responsibilities, safety, or emotional health, it’s time to take a closer look.
In some cases, peers or superiors may notice a change in behavior before the individual does. While stigma is still a concern, increased mental health awareness across the armed forces has opened more doors to treatment without career-ending consequences.
Yes—active-duty personnel can and should seek help for a drinking problem. Each branch of the military offers confidential resources through its respective behavioral health programs. Early intervention is not only encouraged—it’s often protected.
The Department of Defense (DoD) supports service members in addressing substance use through:
Command-directed referrals when a superior identifies a concern
Self-referrals, which allow the service member to voluntarily request help without immediate disciplinary action
Medical referrals following a physical exam or mental health screening
Self-referral is especially critical. It allows service members to access help before an incident or performance issue triggers command involvement. Under DoD policy, those who self-refer cannot be punished solely for seeking care, though ongoing readiness and job performance are still evaluated.
Once someone is referred for help, an assessment will determine the level of care needed. Treatment may include:
Outpatient services through military treatment facilities (MTFs), including therapy and educational programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for moderate to severe use
Inpatient or residential treatment when detoxification or structured daily support is required
In addition to these medical services, chaplains, Military OneSource, and embedded behavioral health teams offer non-clinical support. These are often more accessible and less intimidating entry points for those unsure about formal treatment.
This is a common concern—and a valid one. Military members often hesitate to speak up about alcohol use due to fears of being deemed unfit for duty, losing security clearance, or damaging their career trajectory.
Here’s what’s important to know:
Self-referral protects you. If you voluntarily seek help before an incident occurs, you generally won’t face punitive consequences.
Medical records are confidential to the extent possible under military law. Behavioral health providers aim to respect privacy while still ensuring safety and readiness.
Command notification may occur if your condition interferes with your duties, but treatment is seen as a path to recovery—not punishment.
The earlier someone reaches out, the more likely they can receive care without serious career implications. Many service members complete treatment and return to duty with stronger resilience and focus.
For veterans, access to care often shifts to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or community-based providers. The VA offers a robust continuum of care for alcohol use disorder (AUD), including:
Primary care screenings and brief interventions
Individual and group therapy
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) such as naltrexone or acamprosate
Residential rehabilitation programs
Telehealth options for rural or home-based support
Veterans can also access support through Vet Centers, which offer confidential counseling outside of the VA hospital system. Peer support groups, such as those facilitated by other veterans in recovery, can also play a powerful role.
For those not connected to the VA, private treatment centers, community health clinics, and nonprofit programs may offer sliding-scale or insurance-covered services.
Yes, and their support often makes a crucial difference. Spouses, parents, and close friends are often the first to notice when drinking has become a concern. While approaching the subject can be difficult, open communication rooted in care—not confrontation—can create a path forward.
Family members can:
Encourage their loved one to speak with a behavioral health provider or chaplain
Help navigate VA benefits or TRICARE for treatment access
Attend support groups such as Al-Anon or military-specific family programs
Set healthy boundaries and support recovery without enabling the behavior
Military families also have access to confidential counseling through Military OneSource and the Family Advocacy Program.
TRICARE, the military’s health insurance program, covers a wide range of services for substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder. Coverage varies slightly by plan (e.g., Prime vs. Select) but often includes:
Screening and assessments
Outpatient counseling
Intensive outpatient treatment
Inpatient detoxification and rehab
Medication-assisted treatment
Family therapy (when clinically indicated)
Care can be accessed through a military treatment facility or a civilian provider in the TRICARE network. In emergencies, care outside of the network may be covered retroactively.
For veterans, VA health benefits function separately from TRICARE but offer similar or even more extensive substance use treatment options.
Getting sober is just the beginning. Long-term recovery often requires ongoing support. Military members—like anyone in recovery—benefit from a combination of:
Aftercare planning, including regular check-ins or therapy sessions
Peer support, whether through 12-step programs, SMART Recovery, or veteran-led groups
Lifestyle adjustments, such as managing stress, rebuilding relationships, and finding meaning in sobriety
Career counseling or transition services, especially for those nearing discharge or retirement
For active-duty personnel, post-treatment monitoring may include periodic evaluations to ensure fitness for duty and sustained recovery. Veterans may continue care through the VA or a community program depending on their needs and location.
For years, the idea of asking for help in the military was equated with weakness. But that culture is slowly changing. Commanders, peers, and military family organizations are becoming more vocal about supporting mental health and substance use recovery.
Leadership across all branches is recognizing that untreated alcohol use isn’t just a personal issue—it affects unit cohesion, mission success, and long-term retention. Addressing it early and compassionately is a strategic and moral imperative.
Whether someone is currently serving or has already transitioned to civilian life, the path to addressing a drinking problem starts with a single decision: to speak up. Military life can shape a person’s values, resilience, and purpose—but it doesn’t make them immune to addiction.
The good news is that help is available. From confidential counseling to evidence-based treatment programs, military members have multiple avenues for recovery. And with growing awareness and support systems, the barriers to seeking help are lower than ever.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use in or after military service, know this: reaching out isn’t a sign of failure: it’s a step toward strength.
