Substance Use Disorders in the U.S. Armed Forces

We know that the military has a high rate of addiction problems, but how are our  guys and gals helped when an addiction problem does occur? Maybe you have a loved one in the service and are worried that they have a problem or that the addiction problems of others may endanger their life.



The Department of Defense (DoD) is analyzing its policies and programs that pertain to prevention and treatment of substance use disorders for active duty service members in all branches. they commissioned a study with the Institute of Medicine. One of the problems is that the military stresses being physically fit and combat ready and addiction problems clearly are not in line with that goal--in fact a lot of energy goes into hiding addiction problems--not seeking help in the service. Why? Because when drug abuse behavior is reported to the commander--rather then get help, it means your career in the service is over.



This report may help--help train our professionals to get help for their men and bring them back...in fact i know that men in recovery will make great soldiers and generals and admirals and whatever other commanders our military holds. those who practice the principles of recovery can add so much to our national security. Read about teh study here:

Substance Use Disorders in the U.S. Armed Forces - Institute of Medicine: "Like many sectors of society, the U.S. military has a long history of alcohol and other drug misuse and abuse. In recent years, the face of the issue has been transformed by increasing rates of prescription drug abuse among service members. Heavy alcohol use and binge drinking continues to be a concern within the military."

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Alcohol and drug recovery network, online community, blogs, chat, forums and online meetings -- Hazelden

I just found Hazelden's community site and it was a jolt. Online support can be so helpful--I'd almost forgotten how helpful. I registered myself, went to a forum and listened to Jackiesue explain how she often told herself, "I don't need those AA meetings".  That is something so many in recovery do--convince themselves they don't need the support. For parents, they often convince themselves their kids don't need the meetings!


I shared with Jackie sue what memories she brought to me:

Thank you for sharing that. Brought back memories of when I did the same. I found that I had stopped attending meetings after about 12 years in he program. I had heard it all before and found it boring to listen to the same old same old. I told myself, "God doesn't want us totally dependent on Him forever. He wants us to grow up. That is what the 12 steps are for, growing up." So I relied less and less on God and meetings and more on my own decision making.

What happened? You can guess. No, I did drink, but I could have--I married a practicing alcoholic (wasn't going to meetings so no one had a chance to tell me it might not be a good idea)--I wasn't listening to my Higher Power--I was listening to me. I made my life a living hell for a few years. Was divorcing him in less than three years and went running back to the program.

Guess what? You were all still there for me. Waiting until I needed you again.

After coming back to the loving arms of my family in the program, meetings were not so boring any longer. I found a new way to listen--listen with my heart. Thank you all for being, being here--for being clean and sober. Thanks Jackiesue for bring back these memories.  

Consider lone line support if you are in recovery or the parent of one in recovery. If you are a parent, see if you can find a support online for your young person--(or have them find it) and encourage them to use it. They can begin by sending a story to YoungSoberFree.com   and earning a free book from Hazelden! In the meantime check out Hazelden's community support and join the one for those related to the addicts.

Alcohol and drug recovery network, online community, blogs, chat, forums and online meetings -- Hazelden: "Join Hazelden's Social Community today! Interact with thousands of others who are maintaining or seeking lives free from addiction.  Access chats, online meetings, and discussion boards that address your specific areas of interest any day, any time, from anywhere.  You control your anonymity settings."

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Adolescent addiction: When pornography strikes early

When prone to one addiction we are often prone to other addictions--if you child is addiction to drugs, look for other more hidden additions. Its better to address the whole syndrome at once--do they look at pron--do they play computer game obsessively? Are they gambling? Make sure you keep your mind open to other problem areas that are prone to addiction...

Here's a young one from Utah...He could be yours

Adolescent addiction: When pornography strikes early | Deseret News: "He'd been looking for remote-controlled cars and found a cool YouTube video showing one making a huge jump.
He watched it repeatedly on his home computer, trying to ignore the sketchy video suggestions popping up on the side. But when his friend showed him the pornographic website those sketchy videos brought up, he was instantly hooked.
"At that moment, I wanted more," said the 18-year-old Justin, which is not his real name. "I looked up more. It was a constant need. I had no idea what it was. I was never happy with what I found. Even if it met my sexual preference, it didn't make me happy. I (just started) clicking and clicking and clicking and never stopped.""

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Test Kits Given To Parents Who Suspect Kids' Drug Use |

People see drug testing your kids as controversial but I agree with it. Kids are not "little" adults--they are dependent on their parents and as long they are dependent, they should live with rules. I applaud parents for taking this step when necessary--read what others think:

Test Kits Given To Parents Who Suspect Kids' Drug Use | WWNY TV 7 - News, Weather and Sports for | Local News: "Massena Police Chief Timmy Currier admits providing drug testing kits to parents if they suspect their kids are using drugs is a controversial step, but it can also be a tool for preventing drug abuse.
"I think in the end, we're trying to protect children," Currier said.
"We all know that kids -- adolescents, teenagers -- they don't make the best decisions all the time," he said. "Sometimes, even the best of kids make bad decisions.""

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Family works to open drug rehab facility in E. Ky.

Talk about dedication, not unusual for families that lose loved ones to addiction.--I just wanted to share this inspiring story--I hope we get a chance to help this family and I hope they get it open soon...

SHARPSBURG, Ky.: Family works to open drug rehab facility in E. Ky. | National | The News Tribune: "SHARPSBURG, KY. — A family in eastern Kentucky is working to turn an old school into a drug rehabilitation facility for women.
Erica Williams told WYMT-TV (http://bit.ly/1gYXZP2) that the facility in Bath County is in honor of her sister, Michele Williams, who died last year of a drug overdose.
"We've been wanting to think of something to try to help other women in that same scenario. That way, families wouldn't have to go through what we've been through," she said.
She says her family plans to turn the former Bethel Elementary school into the Michelle Williams Life Skills Academy, a 12-step drug recovery program."

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A crystal Meth Christmas Tree?

I usually don't recommend that parents "learn" the latest drug slang in order to talk to their kids about drugs--in fact, I ask them to ask their kids--the language changes that fast. In addition, if you talk to your kids and try to use their slang, you generally just discredit yourself.

This year (maybe the last few years) there is one you should listen for. Methamphetamine is sometimes called "Christmas Tree."  So don't think about that tree is innocent--maybe not. Anyway, this is a good reference site.

What You Need to Know About Drugs: Methamphetamines: "Methamphetamines (say: meth-am-fet-uh-meenz) are stimulants. Stimulants are a type of drug that speed up your brain. They are produced as pills, powders, or chunky crystals called ice."

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Talking to your tween about substance abuse

Finally--a great article about when to address your child about drug use and it is written by Moms! Very very good advice--they have three tips in the article and discuss them thoroughly:
1. don't scare them
2. avoid lecturing
3. talk about peer pressure

Picture linked from Charlotteobserver.com

I suspect that one of these Charlotte Moms is in recovery--simply because this is a common sense article. I don't need to restate what they wrote--you can read it yourself. If you have a "tween" I think this is a must read!

Talking to your tween about substance abuse | MomsCharlotte.com: "Believe it or not, it is never too soon to speak with your children regarding alcohol or drug use.
You may have noticed that kids these days are more mature and less innocent than perhaps you were at their age. We can thank the Internet for this and the era of cell phone, text messages and Facebook"

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