Leaders Resources The Marine Corps Leadership has a critical role in educating Marines and their families about substance misuse, overall wellness, and how to access services that are available to support Marines and their Families as they navigate life. Below is some useful information and resources for navigating alcohol substance misuse in your unit. COMMAND LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES DoD Instruction 1010.04 establishes comprehensive, enterprise-wide policy on problematic substance use. It assigns responsibilities and establishes procedures for the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and treatment for DoD military and civilian personnel. DoD Instruction 1010.01 and DoD Instruction 1010.16 establish the military drug abuse testing programs and procedures for establishing deterrence, identifying substance misuse and ensuring fleet readiness. MCO 5300.17A ensures the higher level policies referenced in the order are used in creating, establishing, maintaining, funding and reinforcing local command substance misuse prevention and counseling programs and procedures. When signs of alcohol or substance misuse are present, Marines are referred for screening and assessment. Ignoring signs of alcohol or substance misuse often exacerbates the problem, leading the Marine to decline in mission readiness. You are supporting your Marine and setting them up for success by referring any Marine you suspect of misusing alcohol or other substances for screening and assessment right away. Substance Abuse Counseling Centers (SACC) are located on all major installations. They offer prevention, screening and assessment, and nonmedical counseling services. Military OneSource: Non-medical confidential counseling 800-342-9637 | OCONUS dialing options The Alcohol and Drug Information hotline is also available: 800-729-6686. KNOW THE SIGNS Some behaviors may help you determine if one of your Marines is misusing alcohol or other substances, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Some indicators include:
• Shift in personality or disposition • Unkempt appearance • Frequent tardiness, absenteeism, or sickness • Reports of frequent drunkenness, or dangerous or risky behavior • Sudden financial difficulty not otherwise accounted for • Sudden relationship issues, including conflict and estrangement, among partners, coworkers, family or friends
Additional Resources Substance misuse prevention promotes low-risk and no-risk alcohol use, advocates the proper use of prescription and over-the-counter medication, and seeks to eliminate illicit drug use through outreach, training, and education. Services may be available at your installation or one near you.
Non-medical confidential counseling is also available through Military OneSource: 800-342-9637 | OCONUS dialing options
• Own Your Limits • CDC Binge Drinking Fact Sheet • AA Online Meetings Here are some resources you may find helpful:
• https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problemsfinding-and-getting-help https://usmc-mccs.org/articles/binge-drinking-what-you-need-to-know-and-how-to-prevent-it/ Alcohol
• Own Your Limits • CDC Binge Drinking Fact Sheet • AA Online Meetings • https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/overview-alcohol-consumption Women
• Health Consequences of Drug Misuse – Prenatal Effects • CDC Alcohol Fact Sheet for Women • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - Alcohol Fact Sheet for Women • Substance Use While Pregnant and Breastfeeding Other articles
• https://usmc-mccs.org/articles/four-persistent-myths-about-substance-abuse-recovery/ • https://usmc-mccs.org/articles/high-risk-drinking-affects-more-than-your-health/ • https://usmc-mccs.org/articles/are-you-a-risk-taker/ • https://usmc-mccs.org/articles/alcohol-and-tobacco-what-s-the-big-deal/ • https://usmc-mccs.org/articles/how-substance-misuse-affects-your-children