What Military Families Need to Know About Using TRICARE for Opioid Rehab

Opioid addiction is a national crisis—and military families aren’t immune. Whether you’re on active duty, a veteran, or a family member covered under TRICARE, you may be wondering how to get treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD).

The good news? TRICARE opioid rehab coverage is available and knowing your options can help you or your loved one take that first step towards recovery. TRICARE, while primarily known for serving military families, also covers civilian health care needs including mental health and addiction treatment services.

In this guide we’ll break down everything you need to know about TRICARE covered opioid rehab from the types of treatment available to how to get started so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

What is TRICARE?

TRICARE is the healthcare program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. It provides comprehensive medical coverage including mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. If you’re covered under any TRICARE plan—TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TRICARE For Life, or TRICARE Reserve Select—you have access to opioid rehab services.

TRICARE covers many types of psychotherapy including various counseling formats and psychological testing. That’s important because opioid addiction isn’t just a personal issue—it affects the whole family and timely evidence-based care can make all the difference.

TRICARE Health Insurance Overview

TRICARE is a health insurance program specifically designed for military families and veterans so they have access to quality healthcare services. This program is part of the United States Department of Defense Military Health System and is designed to support the health and well-being of active-duty service members, retirees and their families.

TRICARE Coverage for a Wide range of Behavioral Healthcare Services

One of the best things about TRICARE is its comprehensive coverage which includes a wide range of medical services. This includes addiction treatment, mental health services, and prescription medications so military families get the care they need. TRICARE also covers hospital stays, surgical procedures, and other medical services so it’s a robust health insurance option for those who have served our country.

Opioid Addiction in the Military Community

The military community faces unique stressors—deployment, reintegration, trauma exposure, and chronic pain to name a few. These stressors can increase the risk of substance misuse, especially with opioids. Pain management after injuries is one common path to dependency. What starts as a legitimate prescription can spiral into a long-term struggle.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), service members are at increased risk for abusing prescription drugs, including opioids, compared to civilians. That’s why TRICARE has made substance use disorder treatment including opioid rehab a priority.

TRICARE-Covered Detox Programs

Detox is often the first step in opioid rehab. It involves safely managing withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision. Opioid withdrawal can be intense—nausea, sweating, anxiety, muscle pain, and cravings are common.

Outpatient treatment includes various levels such as standard outpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). TRICARE covers both inpatient and outpatient detox if medically necessary. This is usually determined by a TRICARE-authorized provider. Inpatient detox may be required if withdrawal symptoms are severe or if there are co-occurring conditions that need closer monitoring.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and TRICARE

MAT is a proven, science-backed approach to treating opioid addiction. It combines FDA-approved medications—like buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, or naltrexone (Vivitrol)—with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT reduces cravings, prevents relapse, and supports long-term recovery.

Selecting an in-network provider is key to minimizing out-of-pocket costs and ensuring full coverage under TRICARE.

TRICARE covers MAT, including:

• Office visits with a prescribing provider
• Medication management
• Behavioral health counseling
• Urine drug testing as part of treatment monitoring

You’ll need to see a TRICARE-authorized provider and in some cases get pre-authorization. But if MAT is medically necessary TRICARE will likely cover it.

Inpatient Residential Rehab Under TRICARE

If outpatient care isn’t enough TRICARE also covers residential treatment programs for opioid addiction. Inpatient rehab provides a structured environment with 24/7 care, ideal for individuals with severe addiction, unstable home environments, or co-occurring mental health disorders.

In a residential program you can expect:

• Medically supervised detox (if needed)
• Individual and group therapy
• Trauma-informed care
• Life skills training
• Relapse prevention planning

TRICARE covers residential treatment when medically necessary and when provided by a TRICARE-authorized facility. Prior authorization is usually required so working with a case manager or treatment coordinator can help streamline the process.

Setting up a payment plan with healthcare providers can help manage expenses not covered by TRICARE insurance.

Outpatient Rehab Options with TRICARE

Not everyone needs to go away for treatment. Physical health complications can hinder veterans’ ability to participate effectively in traditional treatment programs, highlighting the need for tailored approaches. Many individuals succeed with outpatient opioid rehab and TRICARE offers several levels of care, including bother inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

PHPs provide intensive, structured care during the day, usually 5–7 days a week while allowing patients to return home in the evenings. It’s a good middle ground for those who need more than standard outpatient care but don’t require 24/7 supervision.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

IOPs typically involve 9–15 hours of therapy per week, offering flexibility for people who have work or family commitments. TRICARE covers IOPs for opioid addiction when medically necessary.

Standard Outpatient Therapy

This is the least intensive level of care and may include weekly therapy sessions, medication management, and ongoing support. It’s often used as a step-down from more intensive programs or for people in long-term recovery.