Why Are Many Soldiers Easily Addicted?

[Chy]

The military is one of the most powerful forces on the planet and the soldiers that fight within it are heroes. They protect our country and do so often without even being asked to do so. Many soldiers sign up for our military of their own accord. Why then, are these seemingly strong willed soldiers finding themselves addicted to drugs and alcohol? It would seem that they would be strong enough to overcome addiction, but addiction does not work that way.

Addiction works on those that are most susceptible and physical and mental strength are not Kryptonite. Addiction works on us when we are at our most stressed and when our guard is down. Sometimes addiction hits us when we want to escape our current situation or state of mind. This is the very description of a great many military soldiers and explains why they become addicted so easily.

A soldier in the military lives a very controlled life, regardless of war. If they are during peacetime, they are constantly on alert to be sent somewhere. There is no “rest for the weary” when it comes to the military. Even if we are at peace in the news, there is always a conflict somewhere that we are on alert for. This causes a high level of stress in our soldiers and many respond by trying to find an outlet. Addiction comes knocking when this happens because they find peace in the escape, however brief.

Once this pattern has begun, the addiction takes a firm hold. This is a very common problem in today's military. While there are strong regulations in place to attempt to control drug use, alcoholism is hardly even mentioned. Nothing is really in place to stop the current military soldier from closing the door to his room and drinking after hours. As long as they do not get in trouble and show up for formations on time, they are left to their own devices.

Oddly enough, the military has a very strong history of alcoholism. The problem has been around in the military for a long time. As a matter of fact, those that do not drink when in the military are often considered to be pansies and are ridiculed. This pressure can lead some soldiers to drink when they otherwise would not have.

There are many reasons that addiction is a problem in our military and we need to do something about it. If they do not, then the cycle of addiction will continue and our soldiers will suffer for it.

Author: C. King, M.Ed, Sober Sources Network

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