Substance Abuse at Sea: Navigating the Navy's Battle

Substance Abuse at Sea: Navigating the Navy’s Battle

Published On: December 16, 2024

Drug and alcohol abuse remains a significant challenge within the military, including the United States Navy. Substance misuse can impact sailors’ health and well-being, operational readiness, and morale. Navigating the battle of substance abuse in the Navy requires a comprehensive approach and an understanding of their unique challenges, including prolonged deployments, mental health issues, and cultural norms.

Factors Contributing to Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the Navy

Like other military branches, Naval personnel have many rewarding yet challenging moments during their service. Military service can trigger chronic stress, mental health issues, and isolation as a result of long deployments, lack of personal time, and high-stress operations.

In 2018, the Brandon Act was created in memory of Navy Petty Officer Brandon Caserta, who lost his battle and life to suicide. Brandon’s life highlighted the need for more extensive mental health support and resources in the Navy and the military branch as a whole.

Extended time at sea and repetitive routines can lead sailors to resort to unhealthy outlets like drug or alcohol abuse. Navy sailors may engage in prescription drug abuse, vaping/e-cigarette use, or alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism. The root causes of substance abuse in the Navy may include isolation during deployments, mental health issues, cultural factors, and limited access to resources.

Stress and Mental Health Struggles

Life in the military is inherently stressful for sailors and soldiers alike, especially during high-pressure missions and extended deployments. These stressors can include separation from family, operational stress, trauma, and PTSD, all of which are major risk factors for drug and alcohol misuse.

High-stakes combat training, life-or-death situations, and extended shifts in the Navy can trigger overwhelming psychological pressure and stress. Long periods away from family members and friends can lead to feelings of loneliness, disconnection, and emotional distress.

Navy sailors exposed to combat and other traumatic situations may struggle with unresolved trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may turn to alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication to cope with PTSD symptoms.

Isolation and Monotony During Deployments

The US Navy typically spends extended periods away from loved ones and home. Prolonged and frequent deployments at sea can last several months, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and isolation. Combining minimal personal space, repetitive routines, and a lack of recreational activities can lead to boredom.

Repititousness and a lack of healthy coping techniques can lead sailors to substance abuse as a way to pass the time. Isolation from support systems, family, friends, and resources weakens their ability to manage stress and mental health in constructive ways. While these challenges are particularly exacerbated on lengthy deployments at sea, sailors may still experience isolation and loneliness when returning to civilian life.

Limited Access to Support and Alternatives

While mental health programs exist within the Navy and military systems, sailors still face specific challenges that deter them from seeking help. Sailors may fear being labeled as unfit or weak for the service due to their mental health struggles, which often prevents them from getting the help they need.

The Brandon Act was created to shed light on the mental health struggles of Navy personnel. Brandon experienced bullying and teasing from his squadron members when he reached out for help. The act intends to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in the military and improve mental health awareness and support.

The lack of immediate mental health support and creative outlets can exacerbate the stress and untreated trauma in the Navy. Without this essential support, sailors lean on substances as temporary relief for distressing emotions.

Addressing Mental Health and Substance Abuse in the Navy

Drug or alcohol use disorders and mental health issues often coexist with one another, further exacerbating each other’s symptoms. Co-occurring disorders, which are the coexistence of a mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD), are prevalent among active-duty Navy personnel and veterans.

Command leadership, healthy coping mechanisms, and mental health and addiction treatment resources can help the Navy develop more nutritious, resilient sailors.

The Importance of Leadership

Command leadership in the US Navy plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing mental health issues and substance abuse at sea. Leaders can help foster a more supportive environment that prioritizes accountability, understanding, and camaraderie in the military.

Encouraging sailors to seek counseling and mental health resources as needed and without shame is essential. By shedding light on the stigma surrounding mental illness in the military, more and more sailors can feel comfortable opening up about their struggles.

Commands that prioritize accountability and mental health and wellness can help reduce rates of substance misuse and mental illness.

Create Healthy Outlets for Stress

Insufficient stress-relief techniques, creative outlets, and recreational activities at sea can exacerbate mental health issues and lead to unhealthy habits. If someone lacks healthy habits and coping mechanisms, it isn’t uncommon that they will pick up toxic routines and coping strategies, like drug or alcohol abuse.

When command leadership encourages fitness programs, peer support groups, and recreational activities, this can help combat isolation and boredom in the Navy. Regular physical exercise and positive connections help reduce cortisol and boost serotonin levels, improving overall mood and well-being.

Military Addiction Treatment Programs

The root causes driving substance abuse in the Navy are complex, stemming from isolation, stigma, stress, and systemic challenges. Providing Navy personnel and veterans with access to mental health and addiction treatment resources can help reduce these rates. Drug and alcohol rehab programs for veterans and active-duty Navy personnel understand the unique challenges these heroes face.

With increased accessibility to addiction treatment and mental health services, our sailors and veterans can become healthier and more resilient. Palm Beach Gardens Recovery offers addiction treatment programs for veterans in North Palm Beach, FL.

Reach out today if you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues.