Alcohol Disorders in the U.S. Army – A Proposal for Better Prevention and Intervention

Alcohol consumption has been chronicled throughout most of recorded history. When that use becomes extreme, excessive, or addictive, it can lead to potential behavioral and physical symptoms diagnosed as alcohol use disorder. Historically, within the military alcohol has been used as a reward, a means to build camaraderie, and a way to ease stressors of conflict; however, alcohol disorders within the military can be detrimental to its readiness and effectiveness. The National Academy of Sciences has recently described alcohol disorders and drug use in the United States Military as a public health crisis. Issues that prevent United States Army soldiers from receiving intervention and treatment include the negative stigma perceived with seeking help, alcohol disorder treatment being considered punitive, lack of extensive outpatient or partial hospitalization options, and a current policy focus primarily towards abstinence. The goal of this paper is to apply public health concepts of prevention, screening and health education to help improve how the United States. Army addresses alcohol disorders. Potential approaches to improve screening and prevention include moving to a single-question screening tool and restricting twenty-four hour sales of alcoholic beverages. Considerations to improve treatment options include adding a moderation approach to help educate soldiers of the acceptable amounts of consumption and to provide extensive outpatient and partial hospitalization options to align with current best practices.Master of Public Healt