Military Policy and Treatment for Substance Use

The military is committed to promoting health, mission readiness and discipline by preventing and addressing substance abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, the Defense Department and individual service branches provide resources to support recovery and prevention.

Here’s an overview of the military’s substance abuse programs and how they help service members and their families.

Types of drug testing

To prevent and identify drug use among military personnel, DOD policy requires service members to participate in random urinalysis testing. For those struggling with addiction, the military offers support. Here are the basics of its drug prevention program:

• Random urinalysis testing: Random testing is just that — a computer program selects names, and if you’re chosen, you’re tested. Your commander can also order you to be tested if he or she suspects illegal drug use.
  • Military personnel who are asked to take a urine test must comply; failure to obey can result in disciplinary action.
  • Each branch of the military has its own substance abuse program, and if you test positive, the first step is typically to assess the extent of your substance use problem. Then, treatment recommendations follow.
• Other types of testing: Drug testing is required for all military personnel. In addition to the random urinalysis program, there are other types of testing:
  • Probable cause testing: Commanders can order probable cause testing when they have sufficient cause to believe you are using illegal drugs. Commander-directed testing is used when a commander suspects drug use but does not have direct probable cause.
  • Voluntary consent testing: You can choose voluntary consent testing before your commander orders a urine test. You can also tell your commander you have a substance use problem before you are selected for urinalysis. This is called self-identification testing.
  • Rehabilitation testing: You may be subject to unannounced urine tests, or rehabilitation testing, after you’ve received treatment for a drug or alcohol problem to make sure you’re staying sober. Your commander can stop the rehabilitation testing if you’ve begun a court-martial or other separation action.
  • Unit inspections: Members of your unit may be tested as part of a routine inspection or after a safety issue or accident occurs.

Intervention and substance use treatment

A service member who tests positive for illicit drug or alcohol use may be offered treatment and intervention services to support recovery and reintegration. These services are designed to address not only substance use issues but also underlying factors contributing to misuse, such as stress or unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Steps to recovery

The first and most challenging step toward recovery is deciding to get sober. This involves:

• Acknowledging that substance use is controlling aspects of your life.
• Becoming honest with yourself and others about the problem.
• Avoiding people, places and activities that trigger cravings.
• Learning new ways to manage stress and handle emotions in healthier ways.

Support from family, friends and military programs is vital to maintaining motivation and achieving long-term recovery.

Assessment and referrals

Commanding officers and medical professionals are required to refer service members for an assessment if they suspect substance misuse. Referrals are also mandatory following incidents like driving while intoxicated or disorderly conduct. Additionally, service members can self-refer to access treatment services, though disciplinary action may still apply depending on the circumstances.

Treatment options

Recovery from addiction often involves a combination of treatments tailored to individual needs. Effective programs provide intensive, structured support to help rebuild brain connections altered by substance use. Treatment options may include:

• Detoxification: A medically supervised process to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
• Medication: Prescribed to assist in managing withdrawal symptoms or cravings.
• Inpatient or residential rehabilitation: Intensive programs offering a supportive, substance-free environment.
• Outpatient services: Flexible treatment options allowing individuals to receive care while maintaining daily responsibilities.
• Programs typically include:
• Education and therapy sessions focused on understanding addiction, maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse.
• Counseling to develop healthier coping skills and address underlying emotional issues.

Participation in self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, which follow a structured 12-step model.

Family and veteran resources

The military offers robust support for service members and families facing addiction:

• Treatment options: Services may include detox, inpatient and outpatient care, counseling and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
• Family resources: Family members of service members can access addiction treatment through TRICARE.
• Veteran services: Eligible veterans can find substance abuse programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Educational campaigns and resources: The DOD promotes healthy choices and substance abuse prevention through campaigns like:
• Own Your Limits: Focuses on reducing alcohol misuse and offering healthy alternatives.
• Too Much to Lose: Highlights the risks of prescription drug misuse and illegal drug use.
• YouCanQuit2: Provides tools and resources to help service members quit tobacco.

Confidentiality and commander involvement

• Your confidentiality is limited in some cases: Suspected child abuse, threats of harming yourself or others, court order and the commander’s need to know are all instances in which a counselor would not be able to keep your information private. Many programs also require your partner to get involved in your treatment.
• Your installation offers free counseling to service members. You also can seek help at a civilian facility. It is possible your commander could find out about your treatment through insurance claims or referral requests.
• Your commander can check on your progress and the result of your treatment. Your commander can also ask for other information that may affect your fitness for duty.
• Your commander’s involvement is a positive thing. It’s helpful to have other people’s support to overcome a substance use problem. Your commander can help you stay on the right path after your treatment is over. The same holds true for your partner.

How to access help

Support is always available to help you take the first step toward a healthier future.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, resources are available:

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential support and referrals to treatment programs.
• Military OneSource: Call 800-342-9647 for assistance navigating military-specific resources.
• Military Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1 for immediate support.

Learn more about the programs available to you in Mental Health Benefits and Resources on Military OneSource. OCONUS/International? View calling options.

Note: Military OneSource does not provide medical counseling services for issues such as depression, substance abuse, suicide prevention or post-traumatic stress disorder. This article is intended for informational purposes only. Military OneSource can provide referrals to your local military treatment facility, TRICARE or another appropriate resource.