Many people in the United States, including active duty service personnel and veterans, struggle with substance abuse. The unique culture and stresses of deployment can be related to drug abuse and substance use in the military.
How Common is Drug Use and Substance Abuse in the Military?
Zero-tolerance policies and random drug testing are likely some of the reasons drug use and substance abuse have remained at a low level across various branches of the U.S army. Recent figures, however, show that the problem is slowly increasing again if the following statistics are anything to go by.
- 8% of active-duty service members reported using illegal drugs and substances.
- 5.4% of military members were regarded as heavy drinkers compared to 6.7% of civilians.
- Rates of drug use and substance abuse increase tremendously when service members leave the service.
- More than 4% of active-duty service members self-reported using and abusing prescription drugs.
- 14% of active-duty service members revealed that they were cigarette smokers.
- Since 1999, more than 17,000 service members have been discharged from the American military due to drug use.
- In the past years, failed drug tests have rapidly increased in various branches of the U.S military. The Army by 37 percent and the Air force by 82 percent.
Active military members and veterans are thought to have a high risk for drug use and substance abuse due to mental disorders and health conditions associated with the increased prevalence of substance use disorders – SUDs. These mental health disorders include depression, trauma disorder, anxiety disorder, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In addition, service in active combat also increases the members’ chances of developing mental health disorders. The combat injuries, extreme pressure, trauma, and work-related fear often increase the service members’ risk of developing drug use and substance abuse disorders. Other factors that may contribute to illegal substance use include the availability of inexpensive alcohol at military bases.
Ways to Decrease Substance Abuse in the Military
There are many ways to address the problem of substance abuse in the military. The first recommendation would be to limit the availability of inexpensive alcohol across the military units. The relevant authority should also introduce underage drinking statutes to reduce alcohol abuse by military personnel.
There should be efforts to mitigate the stigma associated with substance use disorders to encourage service members to seek assistance. There is also a need to incorporate additional programs to enable military personnel to receive proper treatment to overcome SUDs.
Contact our Experienced Military Defense Attorneys
If you are facing criminal charges due to drug use and substance abuse, contact our Military defense attorneys at Golden Law Inc. for help. We can help protect your rights and determine the best options for your case. Call us at 949-491-1661 to discuss your case with Andrew Cherkasky, the leading military law expert at Golden Law Inc.
