Background

Substance abuse prevention efforts in the military began as a result of drug and alcohol abuse problems that became apparent in the 1970s. In response to reports of widespread drug abuse among troops during the Vietnam War, and in recognition of the significance of the alcohol abuse problem in the Services, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued policy directives in 1972 aimed at prevention and treatment of all substance abuse among military personnel.  DoD’s zero tolerance policy towards drug use resulted in a decrease in the rate of illicit drug use from thirty-seven percent in 1980 to a current rate of below two percent, a decline of approximately ninety percent.  However, the results of the DoD Survey of Health Related Behaviors show that the rates of binge drinking and heavy alcohol use continue to remain high amongst military members. The rates for heavy alcohol use are almost twice as high in comparison to the adjusted civilian rate.

Key Points

Identification of Substance Abusers.  It is important to identify service members who are experiencing substance abuse issues so that intervention services can be initiated.  Service members who abuse alcohol or other drugs may be identified in several different ways:  self-identification; medical identification; command referrals; substance-related incidence; and urinalysis testing.

DoD Policy and Programs. Current DoD policy requires the following with regard to alcohol and substance abuse programs and resources:

• education and training on DoD policies for drug and alcohol abuse and/or dependency, and on effective measures to alleviate problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse and/or dependency
• prevention programs designed to deter substance abuse to include drug urinalysis programs (The Drug Demand Reduction Program, a urinalysis testing program, is mandated across the Services. A program manager is available at the installation level to oversee urinalysis testing and outreach programs. A similar program exists for DoD civilian personnel.)
• treatment and/or rehabilitation for military personnel who abuse alcohol
• periodic assessment of the extent of drug and alcohol abuse in DoD