1 in 4 Soldiers Abuse Prescription Drugs! December 21
A health survey by the Pentagon released last week reportedly indicated that one in four soldiers admitted to abusing prescription drugs over a one year period.
The survey consisted of more than 28,500 respondents composed of U.S. troops and was conducted last year. The results of the study also showed that about 20% of Marines abused prescription drugs, mostly painkillers.
The results of the study may indeed be indicative of the toll that fighting in multiple wars may be taking on the United States military. It is not uncommon for someone in the service to be sent to multiple combat deployments.
Brig. Gen. Colleen McGuire, the Director of the Army Suicide Prevention Task Force, was quoted as saying: “We are aware that more prescription drugs are being used today for pain management and behavioral health issues. These areas of substance abuse along with increased use of alcohol concern us.”
The survey reportedly showed prescription drugs as the most abused substance in the military. Next in line are marijuana and amphetamines; prescription drugs, though, are said to be used at triple the rate of the other two.
Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Eric Schoomaker has created a task force that will be reviewing the pain management practices being followed by those in the service. The Army will also be expanding programs related to the treatment and education of soldiers regarding drug abuse.
Tags: military drug abuse, military drug addiction, military drug testing, military funding, military prescription drug abuse, military stress