Retirees and family members eligible for DoD health care benefits aren't necessarily subject to the same regulations. Respondents to a tri- annual worldwide health behavior survey last year indicated less than two percent of active duty service members use illicit drugs. Alcohol abuse is a different story, and health officials are specifically concerned about binge drinking among the youngest enlisted members. DoD has joined other government and business organizations nationwide in recognizing September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Human resources are precious.
Alcoholism responds well to treatment, especially if there's a good support system.
We've had outstanding success in our programs. We have recovering alcoholics, people who have gone through our programs, who have gone on to be successful, including physicians, pilots and soldiers in all the branches of service. DoD follows the guidelines of the American Society of Addiction Medicine to treat substance abusers. Depending on the level of abuse or addiction, treatment may be provided in a controlled, inpatient facility or through intensive outpatient programs. Although DoD and Uniform Code of Military Justice are unequivocal concerning drug abuse by service members, they send a cloudier message about alcohol abuse, Mazzuchi said.