Prevalence of Military Personnel Substance Abuse on the Rise

Our Country’s military service members endure great challenges and stresses during their careers and after they exit active service. Military operations in recent years have led to a spike in combat exposure, injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse. Veterans are often returning home sore, injured, traumatized, and in need of rehabilitation. In this article we will briefly explore the nature of drug abuse within our military and discuss the treatment gaps that exist in the military health care paradigm.

The Nature of the Problem

There are marked differences in the nature of drug abuse within the military compared to the civilian population. The strains of wartime deployment and the unique military culture account for some of these differences. Although rates of illegal substance use are lower among military personnel than among civilians, prescription drug and alcohol use are higher. Considering the military’s zero tolerance policies, the high stigma associated with illegal drugs in the military, and the propensity for service members to sustain serious injuries, these trends make sense.

Rates of prescription drug abuse have increased dramatically over the past thirteen years. From 2002 to 2005, prescription drug abuse doubled amongst U.S. military service members and nearly tripled between 2005 and 2008. Additionally, military personnel have substantially higher rates of prescription drug abuse than civilians. In 2008, a survey revealed that 11% of service members reported prescription drug abuse compared to only 5% among the civilian population.

Unique Treatment Challenges

Many service members feel they must remain stoic and not talk about their problems. For some of these individuals, relief can be found in alcohol or other substances. Military personnel receiving opioid pain medications for injury often find that these drugs provide a kind of psychic relief as well. What begins as a legitimate need may become its own beast – an addiction to opioid pain medications.

Active military personnel suffering from substance abuse disorders are in a disadvantageous position with regard to treatment. There are numerous shortcomings in the substance abuse treatment infrastructure within our military. Most prominent among these shortcomings are a lack of professionals trained to handle the immensity of military drug addiction, a lack of confidentiality for patients, and a military culture which stigmatizes addiction and evokes fear in affected individuals.

A 2012 report conducted by the Institute of Medicine recommended various means of addressing military substance abuse, including increasing the use of evidence-based preventions and treatments, expanding access to care, increasing confidentiality, and shifting the cultural climate to mitigate stigma and fear.

Recently, some changes have been implemented to address the growing problem. The Department of Defense has mandated increased prescription drug monitoring and restrictions on their use. Access to alternative therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, and counseling has been increased. Despite these changes, many service members are not receiving the treatment they require. Much work remains to be done in order to adequately serve those who serve us.

Benefits of Exercise in Recovery from Drug Addiction

Drug abuse and addiction takes a severe toll on the body, mind, and spirit of an individual. Over time, one may become consumed with drug use and drug seeking to the exclusion of all else. Proper diet and adequate sleep may seem like foreign concepts. Activities which used to be enjoyable sound boring or pointless. Isolation, self-centeredness, and unhealthy living become the norm.

Difficulties lie along the road to long-term recovery. Once an addict stops using, life does not suddenly become perfect. Each individual’s path to recovery looks different, but one valuable tool most recovering addicts can benefit from is regular physical exercise.

Stress and Anxiety Relief

Exercising taxes the body and may even cause some discomfort. In response to this hardship, the body releases endorphins – chemicals produced by the central nervous system which, in part, mimic the effects of opioids such as morphine. Through endorphins, the stress of exercise is diminished, and we feel a sense of well-being and happiness. This phenomenon is responsible for the “runner’s high” many experience as a result of working out.

While exercising, we are focused on the physical task at hand instead of the anxieties and problems of our lives. Channeling mental resources into focused exercise is a great way to expend energy that could otherwise manifest in an unhealthy manner. Many of us consider quiet meditation difficult, finding that our minds race or dwell on whatever issues we are experiencing. However, exercise can be a form of meditation. It may be easier to devote oneself to a physical activity and temporarily suspend inner tensions.

Goal Setting and Feelings of Accomplishment

Proper exercise strikes a balance between challenge and safety – we should push ourselves to improve without injury. Accomplishing this takes some discipline. Strapping on running shoes and hitting the pavement in an unstructured manner is unwise and potentially unsafe. Goal-setting and progress tracking are two important aspects of a well-structured exercise program.

Over time, a natural consequence of exercise should be a steady improvement in our physical abilities. Using our present skill level as a starting point, we increase our exercise difficulty slowly. Keeping an exercise journal is a great way to objectively assess one’s training.

After some time, we can look back on our records and see progress. The self-discipline necessary to maintain progress in an exercise schedule teaches valuable skills to addicts in recovery and provides a great feeling of accomplishment. Exercising then becomes a positive habit, leading to improved self-esteem, confidence, and optimistic thinking.

Rediscovering Healthy Fun and Forming New Social Networks

Early in recovery, it can feel like we will never have fun again. How can we enjoy ourselves without our drugs and partying? What should we do with all this new free time? Transitioning from a life centered on drug use to a balanced life full of healthy activities can be a difficult process.

The improvements in mood and health provided by exercise greatly assist in the appreciation of daily life. Getting out and being active is a great way to start enjoying ourselves again. Finding friends to exercise with keeps us motivated to be healthy and provides new social outlets. Whether you are in recovery from addiction or not, do yourself a favor and get moving!