The first method, therefore, of curtailing use relates to the development of tougher measures for soldiers once they have failed a drug test. Prevention programs should be given a higher priority than is currently the case. With stronger prevention programs, and if commanding officers are more willing to put troops who have failed drug tests into those programs, more soldiers can see their drug use curtailed.
The second method is related to the first -- prevention programs. If stress in its various forms is a major cause of illegal drug use among soldiers, then there needs to be more awareness of the issue in the military community, and more help available to soldiers before they start using. Training for all members of the military community would allow for the creation of an informal support grid for soldiers experiencing stress. Programs that give soldiers a place to turn to when they feel like using will also help them to deal with their issues in a more effective manner.
The third method is punishment. In the Army, even soldiers who have failed numerous drug tests are not processed for possible discharge. This creates a cultural climate where drug use is effectively permitted. If the Army wishes to eliminate illegal drug use, it must show its members that illegal drug use will not be tolerated. This may conflict with other goals that the military branches have, but it is effective and should be considered as a potential course of corrective action.
Conclusion
By instituting prevention programs over the past decade, the Department of Defense has reduced illegal drug use among servicemen and woman, despite an increase in the...
As a result of this, other substance abuse and mental health issues are becoming more prominent. In order to avoid a relapse into higher rates of illegal drug abuse in the future, the DoD should bolster its illegal drug prevention programs, and institute tougher measures for those who fail urinalysis tests. Possible discharge needs to be a threat that members of the DoD take seriously, as it is the most serious corrective measure that the DoD and its branches can institute. However, prevention plays a very important role that should not be overlooked. It is critical that prevention programs focus on the entire military community, so that all who are potentially affected by illegal drug use among military members are equipped with the information and resources to deal with this serious problem.
Works Cited:
Gilmore, G. (2011). DoD urinalysis test (drug test). About.com. Retrieved September 7, 2011 from http://usmilitary.about.com/od/theorderlyroom/l/bldrugtests2.htm
Jacobson, I.; Ryan, M.; Hooper, T.; Smith, T.; Amoroso, P.; Boyko, E.; Gackstetter, G.; Wells, T. & Bell, N. (2008). Alcohol use and alcohol-related problems before and after military combat deployment. Journal of the American Medical Association. Vol. 300 (6) 663-675.
NIDA. (2011). Substance abuse among the military, veterans and their families. National Institute of Drug Abuse. Retrieved September 7, 2011 from http://www.nida.nih.gov/tib/vet.html
Zoroya, G. (2009). Army blasted for letting drug abusers slide. USA Today. Retrieved September 7, 2011 from http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2009-05-20-drug_N.htm
