thedrifter
04-22-09, 05:28 AM
When the fun stops: Dealing with substance abuse
4/21/2009 By Lance Cpl. James W. Clark , II MEF
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. —After work you head back home. Maybe you stop by the store and grab a 12-pack, like you did the day before, and the day before that.
This is a scenario that Sgt. Michael D. Wasky, substance abuse control officer, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, referenced when he warned of the tendency for people to turn drugs and alcohol into a routine.
“You see Marines coming home with a case of beer a night and walking out the next morning with an empty box,” Wasky said.
The transition from being a casual drinker to having an alcohol dependency can come about through regular substance use.
“When you make a substance part of your routine, it’s a sign that you’re beginning to have a problem,” said Robert M. Peebles, department head of the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP).
When drugs and alcohol start to dominate more and more of one’s free time, or cause someone to change his or her lifestyle, it’s a sign that a habit is forming, he explained.
In addition to the long-term dangers and effects of heavily relying on drugs or alcohol, there are immediate risks associated with substance abuse.
One such issue is keeping Marines from driving while under the influence of alcohol. There are programs available for Marines, such as the Arrive Alive program, that aim at preventing drunk driving, Wasky said.
The Arrive Alive program can be used when a Marine is not fit to drive back to base from the bar or a party, but cannot afford a cab fare. The program allows the Marine to get a ride back to base and use specific unit funds for the up-front fare, and reimburse the unit at a later time.
However, in cases where Marines repeatedly run into problems due to substance use, they’re encouraged to see the SACO who can get them in touch with the support they need, Wasky said.
“SARP is for people who have [substance abuse] problems,” Wasky said.
“Marines have multiple networks and programs available to help them with substance abuse,” Wasky said. “They range from counseling and support groups to clinical treatment and medical assistance.”
If Marines come before being referred by their chain of command, there are no repercussions. However, if Marines arrive after testing positive for a drug test, they will be given the treatment they need, but punitive action will be taken, Wasky said.
Everyone who has gone through SARP has received treatment regardless of their attitude beforehand, but Marines don’t come in as often as they should, Wasky said.
This is where fellow Marines come into play.
“Don't be afraid to tell each other what's up,” Wasky remarked.
It’s important to address fellow Marines who are dealing with substance abuse and try to help them, but if they are unresponsive, that’s when it needs to go up the chain of command, Wasky said.
They need to get the help they need to deal with deep-seated issues that may lead to substance abuse, Wasky said.
“People use drugs and alcohol to cope,” Wasky said. “If they come in, we can help find the underlying problem. Ultimately, we want to make Marines well.”
Ellie
4/21/2009 By Lance Cpl. James W. Clark , II MEF
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. —After work you head back home. Maybe you stop by the store and grab a 12-pack, like you did the day before, and the day before that.
This is a scenario that Sgt. Michael D. Wasky, substance abuse control officer, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, referenced when he warned of the tendency for people to turn drugs and alcohol into a routine.
“You see Marines coming home with a case of beer a night and walking out the next morning with an empty box,” Wasky said.
The transition from being a casual drinker to having an alcohol dependency can come about through regular substance use.
“When you make a substance part of your routine, it’s a sign that you’re beginning to have a problem,” said Robert M. Peebles, department head of the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP).
When drugs and alcohol start to dominate more and more of one’s free time, or cause someone to change his or her lifestyle, it’s a sign that a habit is forming, he explained.
In addition to the long-term dangers and effects of heavily relying on drugs or alcohol, there are immediate risks associated with substance abuse.
One such issue is keeping Marines from driving while under the influence of alcohol. There are programs available for Marines, such as the Arrive Alive program, that aim at preventing drunk driving, Wasky said.
The Arrive Alive program can be used when a Marine is not fit to drive back to base from the bar or a party, but cannot afford a cab fare. The program allows the Marine to get a ride back to base and use specific unit funds for the up-front fare, and reimburse the unit at a later time.
However, in cases where Marines repeatedly run into problems due to substance use, they’re encouraged to see the SACO who can get them in touch with the support they need, Wasky said.
“SARP is for people who have [substance abuse] problems,” Wasky said.
“Marines have multiple networks and programs available to help them with substance abuse,” Wasky said. “They range from counseling and support groups to clinical treatment and medical assistance.”
If Marines come before being referred by their chain of command, there are no repercussions. However, if Marines arrive after testing positive for a drug test, they will be given the treatment they need, but punitive action will be taken, Wasky said.
Everyone who has gone through SARP has received treatment regardless of their attitude beforehand, but Marines don’t come in as often as they should, Wasky said.
This is where fellow Marines come into play.
“Don't be afraid to tell each other what's up,” Wasky remarked.
It’s important to address fellow Marines who are dealing with substance abuse and try to help them, but if they are unresponsive, that’s when it needs to go up the chain of command, Wasky said.
They need to get the help they need to deal with deep-seated issues that may lead to substance abuse, Wasky said.
“People use drugs and alcohol to cope,” Wasky said. “If they come in, we can help find the underlying problem. Ultimately, we want to make Marines well.”
Ellie