Substance Abuse Among Marines Essay

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A brewery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, named Tun Tavern was the birthplace and first recruiting site for the Marine Corps. Each year since 1775, the Marine Corps marks November 10th, with a birthday celebration of the traditional cake cutting ceremony and celebrating with a beer in hand. Before Marines Secure for liberty on the weekend, and without fail are told by their senior leadership “Do not drink and drive. Always have a plan, and a backup plan, a plan to the backup plan.” a speech that is learned by Marines of all ranks due to the frequent use. Like society, Marines are not immune to the substance abuse that also affect the rest of society. Illegal drug use is lower amongst Marines than amongst civilians, alcohol, prescription drug …show more content…

A positive urinalysis test for illegal drugs comes with a hefty price tag. A Marine can be recommended for a dishonorable discharge, imprisonment, loss of VA and education benefits, and possible criminal prosecution. Urinalysis testing does not test for alcohol dependency or prescription drug abuse. Marines can sober up by the next morning around 11 am, take a breathalyzer test and it reads zero. Some prescription drugs don't meet the criteria to show a positive test and identifying the problem can take very long. The same Marines can continue to drink and take the pills and identifying the dependency is when a Marine receives a DUI or has a relapse from not having the drug available. By that time it is almost too late and hurts his personal life and military career. The real challenge that keeps Marines from being able to fight is alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is a significant challenge in the Marine Corps. Marines use alcohol to cope with loneliness, stress, and boredom. The stressors of combat and noncombat deployments take a toll on Marines and turn to alcohol to take away the emotional pain. The major transition of being away from family and friends and not having the social support of others lead to drinking before

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