The life of many active duty military members is one of a culture of resilience, with deployment stress, time away from family, and potential co-occurring mental health conditions such as military trauma, PTSD, and depression.
For some service members, coping mechanisms can become a dependency on alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances. This poses a thorny dilemma: seek help and potentially risk one’s career, or suffer in silence and risk everything.
Despite the widespread fear, the modern military has developed confidential, culturally competent clinicians and therapy options sensitive to military culture and with rehab pathways for addiction treatment. This makes a priority of a service member’s recovery and long-term career potential over punitive measures.
In this article, I outline the issues for active military personnel dealing with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health challenges, and the resources and process for getting help.
The Unique Face of Substance Abuse in the Military
Zero-tolerance policies, lack of confidentiality, and mandatory random drug testing that might deter drug use can also add to stigma, and could discourage many who need treatment from seeking it. Half of military personnel have reported that they believe seeking help for mental health issues would negatively affect their military career [1].
While illicit drug use among active duty personnel is relatively low and misuse of prescription drugs has decreased in recent years, rates of binge drinking are high compared to the general population. Normalization of heavy drinking as a social and stress-relief tool, and the “suck it up” mentality discourages seeking help for mental pain.
Nonetheless, deployment-related trauma, chronic pain leading to prescription opioid misuse, and the stress of high-readiness environments contribute to some members developing addictions. Alcohol (the most prevalent), prescription painkillers, sedatives, and the use of stimulants to enhance performance are the primary drugs used by active military.
And substance use often precedes suicidal behavior in the military. About 30% of Army suicides and over 45% of suicide attempts since 2003 involved alcohol or drug use [1].
Barriers to substance use disorder care among active duty military personnel and veterans, includes:
- Limited access to treatment
- Gaps in insurance coverage
- StigmaFear of negative consequences
- Lack of confidential services
Breaking the Stigma: Why Seeking Help is a Strategic Move
It takes the strength and courage of a warrior to ask for help.
Overcoming the fear of being seen as weak, or being discharged, is a major obstacle for many military members. But with developments in the Department of Defense to provide a supportive climate for seeking care, more are taking up the opportunities.
Contrast the potential career consequences of seeking treatment (often minimal with confidentiality protections) with the guaranteed consequences of not seeking help, which include deteriorated performance, safety risks, legal issues under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and administrative separation.
Admitting a problem and taking proactive steps to solve it is the mark of a true leader and a responsible service member.
The Pathway to Recovery: A Multi-Tiered Support System
There are several steps a military member can take once they are ready to confront their substance abuse challenges:
The First Step: Confidential Resources
- Military OneSource: A vital, off-the-record portal for non-medical counseling and referrals (up to 12 sessions per issue).
- Chaplain Services: A completely confidential and privileged resource for spiritual and emotional guidance, regardless of religious affiliation.
Formal Treatment Pathways and Programs
- The ASAP: The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program: The Department of Defense’s flagship program. Provides services that are proactive and responsive to the needs of the Army’s workforce and emphasize alcohol and other drug abuse deterrence, prevention, education, and rehabilitation.
- Voluntary Self-Referral: A service member who self-refers before an incident occurs is typically protected from disciplinary action related to their admission of abuse
- Command-Directed Referral: With a focus on assessment and treatment, due to suspected impairment, or an incident, a supervisor may initiate a referral.
- The Treatment Process: Includes screening, assessment, individualized treatment plans, outpatient/inpatient care, group therapy, and education.
- Inpatient vs. Outpatient Care: There is a continuum of treatment, from intensive residential programs at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) to continuing care while living in the barracks or at home.
Integrated Care for Co-Occurring Disorders
- This approach recognizes how substance abuse is often a coping mechanism for underlying PTSD, depression, anxiety, or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment: These programs simultaneously treat both the addiction and the mental health condition.
Navigating the Process: A Roadmap for the Service Member
Here are some practical steps to follow:
- Step 1: Without starting formal reporting, meet with a confidential resource, such as a Chaplain or Military OneSource, to understand options.
- Step 2: Make a voluntary self-referral to the ASAP office, when ready. This provides the strongest protection.
- Step 3: Participate fully and honestly in the assessment and treatment plan. Active participation is required for successful recovery.
- Step 4: To maintain long-term sobriety, participate in aftercare and peer support groups, such as AA/NA on base.
Life After Rehab: Reintegration and Career Trajectory
Successful Return to Duty: The main goal is to be cleared for full duty with deeper self-awareness and resilience, making the member a stronger asset to their team.
Addressing the Fear of Separation: The military has invested in the member and wants to retain them. Successful completion of a treatment program does not typically lead to separation, especially through self-referral.
When Separation Occurs: Even though separation may occur in cases of non-compliance or repeated incidents, the focus of rehab is always on providing the tools for a healthy future, in or out of uniform.
Help Is Available at Hideaway Recovery
At Hideaway Recovery, we proudly serve active duty military men from Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, throughout the Coachella Valley, and beyond. Offering substance abuse detox, residential addiction treatment, and dual diagnosis care, our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of active military members. Whether you’re seeking addiction recovery services or support for co-occurring disorders, our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today!
Sources
[1] NIDA. 2019, October 23. Substance Use and Military Life DrugFacts.
The ASAP: The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program.
Military One Source.