Military…Adocacy Project For Change? SUD

Abstract

The paper highlights on substance use disorder (SUDs) among active duty military members and veterans. Substance abuse has been a concern for the military with consequences that include diseases, premature death, and loss of productivity. Historically, the use of illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco has been highly prevalent in the different military agencies. The available treatment interventions and services used to reduce the prevalence of SUDs among service members comprise of both behavioral and pharmacological approaches that are discussed. The current regulations highlighted is the Zero-tolerance policy that was enacted in 1982 and the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The proposed changes to restrain the substance use disorders is the revision of the zero-tolerance policy and adoption of evidence-based approaches. The change will be evaluated by comparing its rate of success relative to the traditional approaches. Both the Navy and the U.S Air Force are likely to resist the change as it is against the military standards.

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