Drinking and Military Culture: One in the Same?

Substance abuse has always been a problematic aspect of military life and culture. Alcoholism is prevalent throughout military history, from those training in Laguna Beach to fighting in Iraq. A recent report by the Institute of Medicine called the alcohol and drug epidemic among troops a “public health crisis.”

According to the Huffington Post, about 20 percent of active-duty service members engage in binge drinking behaviors. According to drugabuse.org, those serving for longer with longer combat participation are more likely to abuse alcohol.

There are many reasons why the military has a drinking culture. Living in high stress, alcohol is consumed to escape the hardship of death, war and alienation from home. Troops frequently engage in binge drinking to relieve the toll of military life. Often, military members feel scared and lonely, two common emotions that cause individuals to drink.

In addition, alcohol is often used to build camaraderie among troops. Sometimes members of the military may drink out of pure boredom, especially if they live away from their loved ones in isolating locations. Often, drinking and drugs become a way of dealing with mental health issues, such as depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

After being long avoided, alcohol and drug addiction within the military is finally being addressed. Service branches and the army are starting to take the appropriate steps to set up treatment. They’re also starting to send those who need further help to centers for care. Psychological assessments before, during and after military service help determine the appropriate treatment for service members.

Treatment centers in Laguna Beach and worldwide are working to personalize treatment and care for military members. Many troops are coming forward to discuss their addiction and confirm the helpful nature of these Laguna Beach treatment centers in their recovery.

In 2012, the Institute of Medicine released a report full of recommendations for addressing substance abuse in the military, which includes increasing prevention and treatment interventions and encouraging and broadening available care by making it more financially and socially available. This report determined that the armed forces were not taking all of the necessary steps at treating those at risk for alcohol dependence.

Many steps need to be taken to decouple drinking culture from military culture. Successes can be celebrated, and losses can be mourned without alcohol. Seeking treatment at centers in the Laguna Beach area and beyond should be easily accessible, acceptable and encouraged.

Saja Chodosh is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, a Content Marketing Agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center.

*Image Credit: Amazonaws.com.