Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the Army

Drug and alcohol abuse in the army is on the rise. Army officials say commanders are to blame for not looking into the situation or taking control. Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli stated commanders need to do a better job and get offenders into treatment or separate them from the army.

Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli is cracking down on this situation by increasing inspections of barracks rooms and visits by leaders to the off-post homes to evaluate their living conditions.

Disciplinary action for positive urine analysis is expected against soldiers who continue their substance abuse after treatment. Random drug screening is required on 16 percent of a company's soldiers is required each month.

Seventy percent of soldiers who tested positive for illegal substance abuse have been treated. That rate should be 100 percent due to the growing population of soldiers with substance abuse problems. Gen. Chiarelli stated he does not want to get soldiers out of the army, he wants to get them the help they need. Over the past five years soldiers testing positive for substance abuse has increased.

Alcohol abuse is on the rise in soldiers. Over 25 percent of soldiers are found to be heavy drinkers. Alcohol abuse is tested differently than substance abuse. Alcohol abuse is observed in soldiers by other peers, military police, or local police. Many are stopped and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol plays a part in many soldier suicides, along with relationships and financial issues.

Most people have no idea what these soldiers go through emotionally or physically. Many soldiers are dealing with the absence of family members, having to kill, or seeing other US soldiers killed. Dealing with some of these issues or all, can lead a soldier to drug abuse or alcohol abuse. Drug abuse or alcohol abuse may make it easier for some soldiers to cope with these situations. The effects of alcohol and drugs may numb the pain and loneliness that solders' feel while serving our country. Some soldiers' may also hold in guilt of their actions performed in defending our country. Whatever the reason may be, it is important that military officials understand that this problem is serious. Soldiers who turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of comfort should have the help and support in which to overcome their addictions and to seek help for the problems that lead to their addictions.

Source: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/06/army_crackdown_060809w/, June, 2009