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The U.S. army has come under attack lately because of its apparent soft attitude toward substance abusers. In a memo to USA Today by General Peter Chiarelli, the Army vice chief of staff, Chiarelli reported that hundreds of soldiers have tested positive for substance abuse without any consequences or drug rehab help being given to those soldiers.
In a world today where many young Americans are joining the armed forces and serving to protect our country, it is alarming to think of the future that waits for them. Not only do these troops face leaving their families and going into combat for our country, but now they are at an increased risk of substance abuse and also suicide.
Failure to Handle a Problem
According to Chiarelli, many of the soldiers suffering from substance abuse weren’t discharged, possibly because of the desire to keep as many combat troops active as possible. In some of these cases, soldiers have tested positive numerous times without any action being taken. These individuals weren’t even referred to the Army Substance Abuse Program to get help. Many people, after hearing the report, are saddened by the apparent attitude that it is more important to keep a soldier in active duty than to worry about getting them help for substance abuse.
A Rising Problem of Substance Abuse in the Military
The number of substance-abusing soldiers has increased by 25% in recent years. The number of suicides also has greatly increased. In 2008 there were 142 suspected suicides, and already in January of 2009 more soldiers had killed themselves than were killed in combat. These statistics are alarming, and may be due to a number of factors: more soldiers have been deployed after shorter periods in recent years, and the long war may also add to troops’ frustration.
Being a Soldier is A Tough Job
Members of our armed services today have a very difficult task. They face long, grueling drills and training, months of being away from family, and always the possibility of being deployed to combat. It might be a failed relationship back home that pushes them over the edge, or money or legal issues, or the overwhelming thought of jumping back into life when they get back that add to the stress. Another factor that some are beginning to look into is the amount of sleep that many soldiers get. Long hours, stress, uncomfortable conditions, and combat itself all deprive our soldiers of sleep. Sleep has been shown to be vital to both physical and mental health.
Help for Soldiers
The good news is that this issue has come into the public eye, and officials are committed to correcting this problem. There is the Army Substance Abuse Program, which works to provide soldiers with education, prevention, and training programs to help with substance abuse. Others are working to educate and to help soldiers cope with feelings of suicide. It is important for our country to do everything possible to provide our soldiers with the help and resources they need.
Sources
Army Accused Of Looking The Other Way On Drug Abuse Thursday, May 21, 2009
CHRISTENSON, SIG Military is battling alarming suicide rate May 17, 2009
About the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)
Zoroya, Gregg Army blasted for letting drug abusers slide 5/09
