This article presents some of the results of a qualitative research conducted at the Center for Chemical Dependency (CEDEQ) of Brazilian Navy, a specialized outpatient clinic for substance abuse, in order to investigate the role of this institution in the construction of the military patients’ alcoholism. A participant observation was carried out in two treatment groups, during 24 sessions, in 2010. In addition, individual open-ended interviews with 13 patients were carried out after each group session. According to their narratives they tend to believe that the institution both stimulates and prohibits the consumption of alcohol on board, an ambivalent position that contributes to the production of alcohol addiction in these individuals. As a result, the incorporation of standards of conduct related to alcohol consumption throughout their military career was observed, creating drinking patterns, especially drinking with colleagues of their military units, which we named alcoholic habitus.