The Issue of Substance Abuse in the Military
The Issue of Substance Abuse in the Military: Before, During and Returning From Deployment
Nicole Thomas
Psychology 101
March 18, 2013
The Issue of Substance Abuse in the Military: Before, During and Returning From
Deployment
Current numbers estimate about one-third of people meet the criteria for a substance abuse problem. As one would assume, the number for people in stressful situations is higher (Lande et al., 2011). “Substance abuse includes alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and misuse of prescription drugs (Agency Group 09, FDCH Regulatory Intelligence Database, 2009)”. Military personnel have always bonded over a beer, a night out at the bar, and other forms of substance use, but recent studies have shown an increase in substance abuse problems. “A study of Army soldiers screened 3 to 4 months after returning from deployment to Iraq showed that 27 percent met criteria for alcohol abuse and were at increased risk for related harmful behaviors (“Substance Abuse among”, 2011)”. Not only have substance abuse problems increased in the last decade in returning soldiers, but they have increased in soldiers before and during deployment as well. Before they are deployed, while they are deployed, and after returning from deployment, substance abuse is a real concern and extensive measures should be taken to prevent and treat substance abuse in military personnel From the moment someone receives word of their deployment, they can release many cognitive and behavioral reactions. These reactions are often mild, but not always. A small number of cases show the fear and uncertainty of the pending deployment causes a maladaptive response, and in this group, a significant number of people turn to substance abuse as a way of dealing with emotions before deployment (Lande, et al., 2011). Often when people are stressed, they find themselves having an extra drink or smoking more cigarettes then usual. While one or two extra drinks may seem harmless, if it gets out of
Nicole Thomas
Psychology 101
March 18, 2013
The Issue of Substance Abuse in the Military: Before, During and Returning From
Deployment
Current numbers estimate about one-third of people meet the criteria for a substance abuse problem. As one would assume, the number for people in stressful situations is higher (Lande et al., 2011). “Substance abuse includes alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and misuse of prescription drugs (Agency Group 09, FDCH Regulatory Intelligence Database, 2009)”. Military personnel have always bonded over a beer, a night out at the bar, and other forms of substance use, but recent studies have shown an increase in substance abuse problems. “A study of Army soldiers screened 3 to 4 months after returning from deployment to Iraq showed that 27 percent met criteria for alcohol abuse and were at increased risk for related harmful behaviors (“Substance Abuse among”, 2011)”. Not only have substance abuse problems increased in the last decade in returning soldiers, but they have increased in soldiers before and during deployment as well. Before they are deployed, while they are deployed, and after returning from deployment, substance abuse is a real concern and extensive measures should be taken to prevent and treat substance abuse in military personnel From the moment someone receives word of their deployment, they can release many cognitive and behavioral reactions. These reactions are often mild, but not always. A small number of cases show the fear and uncertainty of the pending deployment causes a maladaptive response, and in this group, a significant number of people turn to substance abuse as a way of dealing with emotions before deployment (Lande, et al., 2011). Often when people are stressed, they find themselves having an extra drink or smoking more cigarettes then usual. While one or two extra drinks may seem harmless, if it gets out of
References: March 19, 2013 What is the one major thing that you learned while learning about your topic?