Session: A Review of Substance Abuse Prevalence and Prevention Programs in the Military (Society for Prevention Research 21st Annual Meeting)

Over 2 million service members have been deployed in support of the war efforts in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom; OEF/OIF) and U.S. military personnel, veterans and their families have endured many challenges since September 11, 2001.   Substance use disorders (SUDs) are among the most common and costly conditions for service members that are adversely affecting their health and occupational and personal functioning. Substance use, abuse and misuse have significant health, military readiness, social and personal consequences that are a continuing major concern for the Department of Defense (DoD). Current surveillance and prevalence research has uncovered substance use trends within the military that are troublesome when compared to similar civilian populations.  In response, the DoD has prioritized the implementation of evidenced-based practices to enhance the recognition and management of SUD in general medical and SUD prevention settings. The 2012 Institute of Medicine report on “Substance Use Disorders in the Armed Forces” recommended that DoD and the individual branches of Service need to implement a comprehensive set of evidence-based prevention programs and policies that include universal, selective, and indicated interventions.  The prevention strategies vary, including substance use screening, education, online education and counseling.  Currently, the primary emphasis is on screening.  Evidence for effectiveness is discussed as well as IOM recommendations for policy change regarding adoption of evidence-based prevention strategies, quality implementation, coordination across the military Service branches, and dissemination. The need for research in this area is great and provides an opportunity for prevention scientists to become involved by adapting and testing known efficacious and effective prevention interventions and implementing them with military personnel, veterans and their families.