A Military Treatment Facility is a fixed facility of the Department of Defense used primarily for health care, including dental care, and any other location designated for providing health care services. Many MTFs have resources to assist you if you are having difficulty coping. Contact your Primary Care Manager or the Department of Behavioral Health at your local MTF to inquire about services.

Many Army posts have non-medical counseling and assistance available to help you such as, Family Life Chaplains, Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLCs), Exceptional Family Member Program Resource Navigators, and other resources. Contact your local on-post resources to inquire about services.

According to the Army Directive 2019-12 Policy for Voluntary Alcohol-Related Behavioral Healthcare, if you do not meet the conditions of Mandatory Substance Abuse Treatment but fit certain criteria for an Alcohol-Related Behavioral Healthcare condition, you may choose to receive voluntary treatment. An evaluation determined by a behavioral healthcare provider will set the criteria.

The benefits to volunteering for treatment not only improves your health and lifestyle but also puts your career back on the right track. As a volunteered Soldier seeking behavioral healthcare, if you fit the criteria and maintain it throughout your voluntary treatment, your commander is not notified of you receiving voluntary care. If you decide to discontinue treatment, it is not considered a rehab failure and cannot be used for reason to discharge. It is your choice to volunteer, benefit from the Army program, and be on target for a brighter future.

Living a sober lifestyle goes beyond simply abstaining from alcohol and drugs; it's about prioritizing health, well-being, and personal growth through conscious choices and healthy habits. Choosing this lifestyle can open the door to many things, including improved relationships, better memory and health, more time, money and a longer, meaningful life.

• Increase your exercise.
• Find a go-to food or drink to replace alcohol/substances.
• Build your social circle with sober friends.
• Reward yourself when you resist the temptation to drink or use.
• Get adequate sleep (at least 7-8 hours).
• Cook healthy meals at home.
• Develop and practice how to say “no, thank you” with confidence.
• Explore other social activities that don’t involve alcohol or substances.
• Fill your time with a healthier activity when you would typically drink or use.
• Celebrate the little victories. A day, a week, a month, a year, a decade without alcohol or substances is a huge accomplishment

• Alcohol Use and Your Health
• Alcohol Use and Pregnancy
• Check Your Drinking. Make a Plan to Drink Less
• Preventing Excessive Alcohol Use with Proven Strategiesk Less

• Don’t Let the Holiday Hault Your Sobriety
• Teamwork Success and Sobriety

• Being Your Best: How Healthy Are Your Habits?
• Military Policy and Treatment for Substance Use
• Substance Abuse and Addiction

• This series of tools and infographics cover common challenges like how to make stress work for you, become more optimistic, cultivate mindfulness and stick to your goals. Explore the offerings of the series.