Substance Abuse in the Coast Guard

Key Takeaways

• Substance use in the Coast Guard presents unique challenges, with alcohol use disorder (AUD) being the most common addiction.
• Binge drinking is a significant concern, with military culture potentially contributing to this behavior.
• The Coast Guard has a zero-tolerance policy for drug use, but Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) still occur, often alongside mental health issues.
• Illicit drug use among active members is low, but prescription medication misuse and increased risk post-separation are  
• concerns.
• Substance use can impair operational capabilities, with economic implications and potential strain on personnel resources.
• The Coast Guard has implemented the Military Substance Abuse and Behavioral Addiction Program, offering prevention, treatment, and support resources.
• Preventive strategies include the Substance Abuse Prevention Program (SAPP) and observing Alcohol Awareness Month.
• Rehabilitation and support initiatives are in place, including the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program (SAPT).
• Real-world operations, such as drug interdiction missions, highlight the juxtaposition of the Coast Guard’s internal and external battles with substance use.
• Case studies and policy responses underscore the importance of addressing substance use for operational readiness and safety.

Understanding Substance Abuse in the Coast Guard

Substance use within the Coast Guard presents unique challenges due to the nature of military service, despite prevalence rates lower than the civilian population. Operating under the Department of Homeland Security distinguishes the Coast Guard from other military branches, affecting data transparency on issues like suicide rates but not exempting it from substance use concerns.

Prevalence of Substance Abuse in the Coast Guard

• Military Context: Nearly one-third of service members reported binge drinking in the past month, a persistent issue over decades.
• Illicit Drug Use: Estimated at 1%, lower than the general population’s 22%, though misuse of prescription medications is a concern.
• Post-Service Risks: Separated Coast Guard members face increased risk for illicit drug use, often accompanied by co-occurring PTSD (around 63%).
• Cultural Stigma: Military culture’s stigma around seeking help for substance use and mental health issues complicates prevention efforts.
• Operational Focus: Intercepting drug trafficking remains crucial; recent successes include confiscating $55 million worth of illicit narcotics.

Commonly Abused Substances Among Coast Guard Personnel

• Alcohol Misuse: Binge drinking is prevalent, contributing to alcohol use disorder (AUD) among active-duty personnel, including in the Coast Guard.
• Illicit Drugs: While intercepted during operations, active member use is relatively low; however, misuse risk increases post-separation.
• Co-Occurring Challenges: Mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety often accompany substance use, impacting treatment complexities.
• Zero-Tolerance Policy: Underlines Coast Guard’s strict stance on illicit drug use, reinforced by recent updates to the Military Substance Abuse and Behavioral Addiction Program.

Operational Challenges: Substance Abuse in the Coast Guard

Impact on Operational Capabilities

Substance use within the Coast Guard poses significant operational challenges, affecting critical missions such as counter-smuggling, search and rescue, and maritime security. The impairment caused by substance use can lead to:

• Decreased alertness
• Slower reaction times
• Impaired decision-making

These factors compromise mission success and jeopardize the safety of personnel. For example, successful operations like the Coast Guard Cutter Resolute’s drug trafficking interdiction rely on precision and coordination, which could be compromised by substance use among the crew.

Operational Efficiency and Readiness

Maintaining operational efficiency is paramount for the Coast Guard’s readiness. Substance use undermines this by impairing judgment and reaction times crucial in high-stakes environments. The introduction of Hair Specimen Testing (HST) and Oral Fluid Testing (OFT) reflects efforts to ensure all personnel remain free from prohibited substances, particularly new recruits and those in training. These testing protocols are crucial for ensuring that all personnel, especially those newly reporting for duty or training, are free from the influence of prohibited substances.

The implementation of strict drug incidents policies and roles such as the Program Manager (PM) and Major Drug Testing Coordinator (MAJCOM) aim to enhance oversight and reduce urinalysis errors, thereby upholding a drug-free environment conducive to operational effectiveness. The Substance Abuse Prevention Program (SAPP) is designed to provide training, education, and resources to prevent substance use and offer treatment options, thereby supporting the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities.

Safety Risks

The US Government Accountability Office reports that many Coast Guard units operate in remote or high vacation rental areas, which may create unique challenges for substance use management and response. It poses significant safety risks within the Coast Guard, impacting both operational readiness and the well-being of service members:

• Impaired Judgment and Reaction Times: Critical in emergency situations, impaired abilities can delay response times and increase risks during missions.
• Alcohol Misuse: Persistent binge drinking patterns among military personnel heighten the risk of accidents, errors, and injuries during operations.
• Illicit Drug Use: Although less prevalent, the risks persist, especially during transitions from active duty. The zero-tolerance policy under the Uniform Code of Military Justice underscores the severity of these risks, emphasizing the need to maintain cognitive and physical capabilities essential for Coast Guard duties.

Addressing substance use through robust prevention and treatment programs is essential to safeguarding the safety and effectiveness of Coast Guard operations. These initiatives ensure that personnel are adequately prepared both physically and mentally to fulfill their duties under demanding and often hazardous conditions.

Strategies and Support: Combating Substance Abuse in the Coast Guard 

Behavioral Addiction Program

The US Coast Guard has implemented the Military Substance Abuse and Behavioral Addiction Program to replace the former Military Drug and Alcohol Policy. Key components of this initiative include:

• Coast Guard Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Manual: Provides clear guidance on prevention, treatment, and recovery from alcohol or substance use. It outlines the implications of substance-related incidents on career progression.
• Updated Policies and Manuals: Including the Military Drug and Alcohol Policy, Health Promotion Manual, and Military Separations Manual. These updates aim to enhance substance use prevention and treatment efforts.

Substance Abuse Prevention Program (SAPP)

• Role of Specialists: Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists (SAPS) and Command Drug and Alcohol Representatives (CDARs) play crucial roles in training, education, and policy implementation.
• Awareness Campaigns: During Alcohol Awareness Month, campaigns highlight health risks associated with alcohol consumption, promoting abstention as a wise health decision. Annual Substance Abuse Prevention training reinforces these messages.

Rehabilitation and Support Initiatives

• Support Programs: The SAPT program offers expedited access to resources, including screening and treatment referrals. It is managed by dedicated teams to ensure prompt support. This program emphasizes the importance of maintaining safety and security among the workforce.
• Employee Assistance Programs: Contacting a District Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist is the first step for members seeking help. Coast Guard personnel can access support through the Employee Assistance Program Coordinator (EAPC) and CG SUPRT, which provides assessment and short-term counseling for various needs, including substance use.
• Technology and External Support: The HSWL Mobile App and resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are available to support behavioral health needs.

Real-World Context: Substance Abuse in the Coast Guard

• Prevalence and Challenges: Substance use poses unique challenges within the Coast Guard, with persistent issues such as binge drinking and occasional illicit drug use. These behaviors underscore the need for targeted interventions and ongoing support.
• Operational Implications: The Coast Guard’s efforts in drug interdiction, like the seizure of $11 million worth of narcotics in the Gulf of Oman, demonstrate external vigilance. However, internal challenges persist due to co-occurring mental health issues and the potential impact of substance use on mission readiness and safety. Tragically, operational activities to combat drug trafficking can result in fatalities, as seen in a recent counter-drug mission. 
• Policy and Intervention: Policies like the Military Substance Abuse and Behavioral Addiction Program are pivotal in providing structured support and rehabilitation for affected personnel, emphasizing safety, security, and operational readiness.

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