Substance Abuse in the US Coast Guard: Factors, Impact & Prevention

Key Takeaways

• Substance use in the Coast Guard is a significant issue, with a variety of substances being misused, including alcohol, prescription medications, and illegal narcotics.
• Substance use can lead to operational challenges, compromised decision-making, and increased safety risks during missions.
• The prevalence of substance use among Coast Guard members reflects broader trends seen across military services, with higher rates of binge drinking compared to some branches.
• Factors contributing to substance use include the physical and mental demands of service, exposure to traumatic events, and the challenges of reintegration into civilian life.
• The Coast Guard has implemented the Military Substance Abuse and Behavioral Addiction Program to reduce substance and alcohol misuse among its members.
• Prevention and treatment programs within the Coast Guard include education, counseling, and rehabilitation services.
• Strict policies and penalties are in place for substance use violations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Substance Abuse in the Coast Guard

The prevalence of substance use within the Coast Guard is an important health and operational concern, reflecting broader trends seen across military services.

Alcohol Use

According to a 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey:

• 34.0% of active component service members reported binge drinking in the past 30 days, higher than the 26.5% estimated in the general U.S. adult population.
• The Coast Guard has higher rates of binge drinking compared to the Army and Air Force, but lower than the Navy and Marines.

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) Among Veterans

• Veterans are more likely to use alcohol and report heavy use compared to non-veterans, with nearly 30% reporting smoking and tobacco use.
• The transition to civilian life poses unique challenges that can exacerbate substance use issues, with stressors such as deployment, combat exposure, and reintegration linked to increased risk of SUDs.

Coast Guard’s Response

The Coast Guard has responded to these concerns by implementing the Military Substance Abuse and Behavioral Addiction Program, aiming to reduce the incidence of substance and alcohol misuse among its members.

Substance Abuse Trends within the Coast Guard

Substance Use Issues

The Coast Guard deals with a variety of substances despite its role in intercepting illegal narcotics:

• Cocaine: Frequently encountered during drug interdiction efforts.
• Alcohol Misuse: A notable concern within the military, including the Coast Guard, with substantial costs due to lost work time and medical expenses.

Mitigation Efforts

The Coast Guard has recognized the importance of addressing substance use and has implemented the Military Substance Abuse and Behavioral Addiction Program to reduce the incidence and impact of substance and alcohol misuse among its members.

Contributing Factors: Substance Abuse Among Coast Guard Members

High-Risk Elements

• Physical and mental demands of service, exposure to traumatic events, and challenges of reintegration into civilian life contribute to substance use.

Research Findings

• Research indicates veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan experience extreme stressors that can lead to substance use as a coping mechanism.
• The prevalence of injuries, musculoskeletal diseases, and mental health disorders among active Coast Guard members contributes to the morbidity burden.

Military Culture

• Stigmatization of seeking help for mental health issues can prevent members from accessing necessary care, potentially leading to increased substance use.

Transition to Civilian Life

• A report from the Health.mil website shows many veterans turn to substances to cope with readjustment challenges, with significant medical encounters related to mental health disorders underscoring the need for robust mental health support systems.

Specific Concerns

• Binge and heavy drinking, as well as prescription drug misuse, are particular concerns in military populations, including the Coast Guard. The 2015 Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS) suggests that rates of substance misuse among service members are in line with those in the general U.S. population, though the unique pressures of military service can worsen these issues.

Consequences and Impact: Substance Abuse Within the Coast Guard

Substance use within the Coast Guard has significant ramifications that extend beyond individual health concerns, affecting operational readiness and performance. The Military Substance Abuse and Behavioral Addiction Program provides comprehensive guidelines to address substance misuse among personnel, with this new policy underscoring the seriousness with which the Coast Guard tackles these issues. 

Impact of Substance Abuse on US Coast Guard Operations

• Operational Readiness:
  • Substance use, particularly binge drinking, compromises decision-making and response times.
  • Decreased operational efficiency and increased risk during missions.
  • Compromised missions such as counter-drug operations and search and rescue efforts, as evidenced by studies from the Department of Defense.
• Mission-Critical Operations:
  • Substance use can undermine the integrity and reliability of personnel involved in intercepting illegal drugs.
  • Impaired judgment and decision-making abilities decrease effectiveness in high-stakes environments.
  • Safety risks for service members and the public, sometimes resulting in fatalities,  as seen in a reported incident.
• Financial Impact:
  • Significant costs related to lost time at work and medical expenses due to alcohol misuse.
  • Budgetary strain due to the allocation of resources for drug control and daily seizures of narcotics.

Consequences of Substance Abuse Among Coast Guard Members

• Personal Health:
  • Increased risk for mental health disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
  • High prevalence of PTSD among Coast Guard members due to trauma related to first responder duties.
  • Link between substance use and suicidal behaviors within the ranks.
• Professional Impact:
  • Impaired operational effectiveness, potentially compromising missions and endangering lives.
  • The Coast Guard’s zero-tolerance policy for drug use underscores the need for members to remain substance-free.

Efforts to Mitigate Substance Abuse

• Military Substance Abuse and Behavioral Addiction Program:
  • Comprehensive approach focusing on prevention, treatment, and policy enforcement.
  • Adoption of the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines to mitigate risks associated with binge drinking.
• Cultural Challenges:
  • Perception of military culture as supportive of drinking can exacerbate substance misuse issues.
  • Efforts to change cultural attitudes towards drinking within the Coast Guard.

Strategies and Treatment: Combating Substance Abuse in the Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) recognizes the critical need to address substance use within its ranks to maintain operational readiness and the well-being of its members.

Substance Abuse Prevention Initiatives

The USCG has implemented several prevention programs to support its service members:

Coast Guard Substance Abuse Prevention Program (SAPP):

• Assists both active and reserve members struggling with substance dependence.
• Offers a comprehensive approach including training, education, treatment, and administrative processing.

Operation Homefront:

• Extends beyond substance use prevention to offer various services to military families.
• Provides transitional housing, financial assistance, and holiday meals.
• Aims to create a stable environment to help prevent substance use issues by addressing underlying stressors.

Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs

The USCG offers comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation programs:

Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Manual:

• Outlines the framework for addressing substance-related issues within the service.
• The SAPP Program specifies procedures for prevention, education, treatment, and administrative processing.

Resources for Members:

• Provides counseling, medical treatment, and support groups for those needing help.
• Offers anonymous resources and support lines to ensure confidentiality.

Military Substance Abuse and Behavioral Addiction Program:

• Replaces the former Military Drug and Alcohol Policy.
• Incorporates new features to better serve those in need, demonstrating the Coast Guard’s commitment to evolving and enhancing its approach to substance use.
• The New Policy Announcement reflects an understanding of the complex nature of substance use and the importance of a supportive framework for recovery.

Substance Abuse Policies and Penalties

The USCG maintains strict policies regarding substance use among its members:

Military Substance Abuse and Behavioral Addiction Program (COMDTINST 1000.10B):

• Emphasizes addressing both substance use and behavioral addiction within the ranks.

Key Policies:

• Active-duty members must adhere to a minimum drinking age of 21, regardless of location.
• Compliance with drug and alcohol use administration policies is mandated for all unit commanders and relevant personnel.

Penalties and Reporting:

• Severe penalties for violations, including civil monetary penalties.
• Designated Employee Representatives (DERs) report drug and alcohol test refusals or positive results, especially for crewmembers in safety-sensitive positions.

Alignment with Department of Transportation Regulations:

• Does not recognize medical marijuana as a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result among transportation employees.
• Ensures the readiness and reliability of service members in maintaining a drug-free workplace.

The USCG’s strategies for combating substance abuse encompass prevention initiatives, treatment and rehabilitation programs, and strict policies and penalties. These efforts are crucial for maintaining operational readiness, ensuring the health and safety of service members, and upholding the high standards of conduct and performance within the Coast Guard.

The Recovery Village Palmer Lake: Expert Addiction Treatment

There are quite a few different options for people who are seeking treatment for drug & alcohol addiction. Your individualized treatment plan at The Recovery Village Palmer Lake may include:

• Medical detox: Patients detox from substances in a clinical environment where doctors monitor health and provide medications to ease withdrawal symptoms.
• Inpatient treatment: Patients in inpatient treatment live at our facility and attend a full schedule of individual and group therapy, counseling and peer support sessions.
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP): PHPs provide patients with additional flexibility and independence than inpatient programs.
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP): IOPs help patients transition to life outside of rehab, with fewer hours of care and more time building skills and habits for recovery.
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient care provides ongoing treatment after an inpatient stay and supports patients as they transition back into their daily lives.
• Aftercare: Aftercare programs help support long-term recovery through clinical and medical recommendations for follow-up care, relapse prevention plans and more.

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, help is available. The Recovery Village Palmer Lake is here to support you throughout the entire recovery process. It’s time to get your life back. Call our Recovery Advocates today.