When it comes to serving your country, sobriety is a prerequisite.
Addiction is an equal-opportunity affliction. It can and does impact people from all walks of life. For certain careers, however, substance use and abuse can present special challenges. One such path is the military. Here’s a closer look at the topic of military service and addiction.
An Official Position
The Department of Defense is firm in its position that drug and alcohol abuse is against the law; violates the behavioral and performance expectations of a member of the US military; is detrimental to physical, mental and mental health; and jeopardizes the safety of users as well as those around them. It follows that it is the US military’s position not to condone the illegal use or abuse of drugs and alcohol.
Substance Use and Military Enlistment
When you join the military, you will undergo a thorough screening, which will cover drug and alcohol use and abuse. Your recruiter will almost certainly ask you if you’ve used illicit drugs and/or if you’ve been charged with or convicted of a drug-related crime. You can also expect to be asked whether you’ve ever been dependent on drugs or alcohol (psychologically or physically) and if you’ve ever sold or trafficked drugs.
While an affirmative answer to this last question is likely to result in ineligibility from enlistment, having used drugs in the past is not in and of itself grounds for ineligibility. Rather, you will likely be asked to detail the specifics via a screening form. Based on the details, the military will decide whether your background is a bar to service.
In most cases, people who have used “non-hard” drugs, such as alcohol and marijuana, will be able to enlist. However, those who have experimented with more serious “hard” drugs, such as heroin, ecstasy, and cocaine, will be disqualified. Even if you are allowed to enlist, it’s important to keep in mind that some sensitive jobs may not be open to you due to your past illegal drug and/or alcohol use.
It’s important to note that the most important thing in this process is honesty. Lying can lead to a dishonorable discharge (or worse) if the lie is discovered at any point.
When you enlist in the military, you will also undergo a physical exam, which will include a drug and urine test. If the exam reveals any evidence of alcohol or drug dependence, this will also lead to disqualification. Cases of non-dependent drug use may have different outcomes depending on the circ*mstances. Depending on the circ*mstances, you may also be eligible for a waiver allowing you to enlist.
Active Military and Substance Use Disorders
Military life and culture can be stressful — especially during wartime. Because of this, members of the military are vulnerable to substance use and abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Those with multiple deployments, combat exposure, and related injuries are at greatest risk of developing substance use problems. They are more apt to engage in new-onset heavy weekly drinking and binge drinking, to suffer alcohol- and drug-related problems, and start smoking or relapse to smoking.”
Unfortunately, members of the military are also at heightened risk for substance abuse due to the stresses of serving.
Factor in the military’s zero-tolerance for illicit drug use and the consequences of substance abuse and addiction while serving are significant and may lead to a dishonorable discharge and/or criminal charges.
But the current policies in place regarding drug and alcohol abuse in the military may end up doing more harm than good, according to experts. “Zero-tolerance policies and stigma pose difficulties in identifying and treating substance use problems in military personnel, as does lack of confidentiality that deters many who need treatment from seeking it,” says NIDA.
There is good news, however. Many resources are available to help service members and their families who are struggling with substance use issues, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; the SAMHSA Treatment Locator; the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA); the US Department of Veterans Affairs; and many others.
Additionally, addiction treatment can help military members and veterans suffering from substance use and abuse recover their sobriety and reclaim their lives. Contact us at Harris House today to learn about our targets programs designed to best support the recovery of our military heroes.
As a seasoned expert in the field of addiction and recovery, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the discussion. With a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding substance use and its impact on various aspects of life, I am well-equipped to shed light on the specific intersection of addiction and military service.
The article you provided, dated June 21, 2020, discusses the relationship between military service and addiction, emphasizing the Department of Defense's stringent stance on drug and alcohol abuse within the military. Drawing on my expertise, I can elaborate on the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Official Position of the Department of Defense: The Department of Defense maintains a firm position against drug and alcohol abuse within the military. It deems such behavior illegal, in violation of behavioral and performance expectations, detrimental to physical and mental health, and a threat to safety. The official stance is clear: the military does not condone the illegal use or abuse of drugs and alcohol.
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Screening and Enlistment: Individuals seeking to join the military undergo thorough screening, which includes questions about drug and alcohol use. While past use of "non-hard" drugs like alcohol and marijuana may not be grounds for ineligibility, the use of more serious "hard" drugs such as heroin, ecstasy, and cocaine can lead to disqualification. Honesty during this process is crucial, as dishonesty may result in a dishonorable discharge.
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Physical Exam and Drug Testing: Enlistees undergo a physical exam that includes drug and urine tests. Evidence of alcohol or drug dependence can lead to disqualification. Non-dependent drug use cases may have different outcomes, and waivers may be considered based on the circ*mstances.
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Substance Use in Active Military: Military life, particularly during wartime, can be stressful, making members vulnerable to substance use and abuse. Factors such as multiple deployments and combat exposure increase the risk of developing substance use problems. The military's zero-tolerance policy for illicit drug use means that consequences for substance abuse during service can be severe, including dishonorable discharge and criminal charges.
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Challenges and Concerns: Experts, as mentioned in the article, express concerns about the potential negative effects of zero-tolerance policies and stigma in identifying and treating substance use problems within the military. Lack of confidentiality may also deter individuals from seeking treatment.
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Available Resources: Despite the challenges, there are numerous resources available to support service members and their families dealing with substance use issues. Organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and the US Department of Veterans Affairs offer assistance. Additionally, addiction treatment programs, like those at Harris House, aim to help military members and veterans recover from substance use and regain sobriety.
In summary, the article underscores the gravity of substance use within the military, the strict policies in place, and the challenges faced by service members. It also highlights the importance of resources and support systems for those struggling with addiction in the military community.
