Prescription Drug Abuse Plagues US Military

Strategic Insights -

A staggering one in four soldiers admit to abusing prescription drugs, mainly painkillers, in a one-year period, according to a recent Pentagon health survey. The study, which involved over 28,500 US troops, found that Marines were particularly prone to prescription drug abuse, with nearly 20% admitting to using them illicitly. The findings highlight the ongoing struggle of the military to cope with the psychological toll of prolonged wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003.

Key Takeaways:

  • 25% of soldiers admitted to abusing prescription drugs in a one-year period, with pain relievers being the most abused drug, used illicitly at a rate triple that of marijuana or amphetamines.
  • Marines were particularly vulnerable, with 20% admitting to abusing prescription drugs, mostly painkillers, in the same period.
  • Prescription drug abuse has increased significantly since 2005, with 13% of soldiers using painkillers in the 30 days prior to the survey, compared to 4% in 2005.
  • The Army faces a shortage of drug counselors, needing to hire 270 to 300 to treat and educate soldiers about drug abuse.
  • The percentage of troops showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder increased from 7% in 2005 to 11% in 2008, with the largest increases in the Army and Marine Corps.
  • Nearly 60% of Marines admit engaging in binge drinking.
  • The rate of heavy alcohol use among servicemembers ages 18 to 35 remained higher than in the civilian population.
  • Servicemembers admitting to thoughts of suicide during the year prior to the survey doubled from 1% in 2005 to 2% in 2008.

Statistics:

  • 25% of soldiers admitted to abusing prescription drugs in a one-year period.
  • 20% of Marines admitted to using prescription drugs illicitly, mostly painkillers.
  • 13% of soldiers used painkillers in the 30 days prior to the survey, compared to 4% in 2005.
  • Prescription drug abuse increased from 10% in 2005 to 22% in 2008.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder increased from 7% in 2005 to 11% in 2008.
  • Nearly 60% of Marines engaged in binge drinking.
  • 2% of servicemembers admitted to thoughts of suicide in 2008, compared to 1% in 2005.

Sources:

  • A Pentagon health survey of over 28,500 US troops released in Washington, reported in USA TODAY.
  • A federal report released in September showing a decline in prescription drug abuse among the civilian population in 2008 compared to 2007.
  • USA TODAY reported last year that narcotic pain-relief prescriptions for injured or wounded US troops jumped from 30,000 a month to 50,000 since the Iraq war began.
  • A report by the Army Suicide Prevention Task Force, directed by Brig. Gen. Colleen McGuire.