Addiction is a disease that can impact anyone, including dependents of active-duty military members and veterans. However, dependents who are struggling with addiction can heal physically and mentally through addiction and mental health treatment. While there isn’t a cure for addiction, healing from physical dependency through detox and learning new coping skills can help individuals to learn to live a sober life long-term. Paying for treatment, however, can be a barrier to getting help. Fortunately, TRICARE plans often cover rehab for dependents.
TRICARE for Dependents
As the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) health care program, TRICARE offers health care for many individuals involved with the military, including the following:
- Active military members
- Members in the reserves of any branch
- National Guard
- Retired military members
- Survivors of deceased military members
- Medal of Honor recipients
- Foreign force members
Additionally, plans are available to family members of many of these individuals including the following:
- Families of active military members
- National Guard/reserves families members
- Retired military family members
- Some survivors who are not remarried
- Certain former spouses worldwide
- Families of foreign force members
- The Metal of Honor recipients’ families
While TRICARE is available to many dependents, the specific plan details and eligibility requirements will vary. The plans and care available will depend on location, marriage status, and other factors. Working with a treatment center that can help individuals to understand specific plans and their coverage will help. At Pacific Sands Recovery Center, we help clients to learn about what is covered and adjust treatment to meet clients’ financial and health-related needs.
Addiction Treatments Covered by TRICARE
Addiction treatment is covered by most TRICARE plans. Generally, the plans cover only evidence-based treatments. This means that certain types of treatments like aversion treatment would not be covered. However, treatments that are evidence-based and medically necessary are likely to be covered using TRICARE. Mental health services that are covered include the following:
- Residential or inpatient programs
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Detox programs
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
Fortunately, these treatments make up the bulk of many treatment programs. Through detox, clients begin to heal from physical dependency, and with the help of MAT, they can manage symptoms. With the help of an IOP or a residential program, clients work through mental health issues, attend therapy, and learn how to cope and live without drugs and alcohol.
Using TRICARE in Orange County
Coverage by TRICARE plans will vary depending on the specific plan, type of treatment, and location. In Orange County, TRICARE does cover addiction and mental health treatment programs. The unique coverage will depend on the details of each plan, but there are options available to dependents eligible for a TRICARE plan. Therefore, dependents who are eligible can use their plan to get help in Orange County.
When considering treatment, it is important to speak with staff at the treatment center to confirm that their treatment program is in the TRICARE network. Similarly to how other insurance providers provide coverage, certain treatment centers are in TRICARE’s network and are therefore covered. While individuals can get treatment from providers that are out of network, this will generally mean significantly more out-of-pocket costs. At Pacific Sands Recovery Center, we help out clients to understand the specifics of their coverage and what this means for them financially.
The Importance of Getting Help
There are specific risk factors for the dependents of military service people that are good to keep in mind. For instance, research by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has found that wives of active military members are more likely to participate in binge drinking. Additionally, research has found that binge drinking increases a person’s risk of addiction. Therefore, while addiction can impact anyone, the dependents of military members may be at an increased risk.
There are many reasons why substance use, especially the use of alcohol, is common for military members and their loved ones. First, the military lifestyle is unique and impacts the entire family due to training schedules, deployments, and the stress and isolation of moving. Along with these stressors, military culture often encourages substance use, especially alcohol. Of course, social drinking does not always lead to addiction. However, utilizing alcohol as a way to manage stress can lead to consistent substance use. This can eventually cause a problem that needs to be addressed. Through treatment, individuals can learn new ways to cope with stress.
While substance use is normalized in many parts of our modern culture, addiction creates chaos in a person’s life and with their loved ones. Untreated addiction can cause many issues including losing important relationships, career prospects, and joy and satisfaction in life. For family members of active military members, members of the reserves or National Guard, or retired military members, seeking help can make a huge difference in the quality of life. Addiction treatment services will include working on the skills required to recover and thrive mentally and physically. This helps the entire family to flourish.
Addiction is a disease that impacts the entire family. Many individuals who are family members or dependents of military members, retired or active, struggle with addiction. Fortunately, TRICARE offers coverage for military dependents. At Pacific Sands Recovery Center, we understand that it takes courage to get help. Our staff works with incoming clients to help them learn about how they can pay for treatment, including how their specific TRICARE plan works. We offer innovative and individualized treatment for working professionals and strive to support military members and their loved ones. At Pacific Sands Recovery Center, we understand that everyone is human and treat our clients as such. To learn more about how we can help, call us at (949) 426-7962.
