Alcohol Use

Overview | What to Look For | What to Do | What to Avoid
What to Expect | Troubleshooting

Marine is Suspected of Having a Drinking Problem

Overview

Leaders must be alert to characteristics of alcohol abuse and must be familiar with the symptoms of the alcohol abuse and dependency. Consider this scenario: A twenty-two year-old Lance Corporal reported nearly an hour late for formation. This is the second time he has been late in the past three weeks for no apparent reason. Rumors around the office indicate his fiancée has called off the wedding. You wonder if alcohol abuse might be a problem.

What to Look For

• Odor of alcohol on the breath.

• Frequent intoxication.

• Difficulty focusing; glazed appearance of the eyes.

• Uncharacteristically passive behavior; or combative and argumentative behavior.

• Gradual deterioration in personal appearance and hygiene.

• Gradual development of dysfunction, especially in job performance.

• Late for work or formation (particularly on Monday).

• Unexplained bruises and accidents.

• Irritability.

• Flushed skin.

• Lapses of memory (blackouts).

• Availability and consumption of alcohol becomes the focus of social or professional activities.

• Changes in peer-group associations and friendships.

What to Do

 If an alcohol-related incident has NOT occurred, Command Referral may be  initiated when CO determines the need for screening. This normally occurs when the unit suspects the individual may have a problem with alcohol, such as when co-workers smell alcohol on the individual, or as a recommendation from the Family Service Center. Consult with the nearest Substance Abuse Counseling Center (SACC) for advice. Referral is a CO judgment call, based on any credible signs and symptoms to indicate possible alcohol abuse problem.

• Refer the individual to the unit Substance Abuse Control Officer (SACO)for initial screening and referral to the nearest Substance Abuse Counseling Center (SACC) for evaluation.
• Support medical screening recommendations.
• Support recommended plan of action from SACC to overcome identified problems. 
• See MCO P1700.24B for details.

What to Avoid

As you become more aware of the drinking behaviors of your Marines, you may find yourself confronted with an individual who is consistently not making good decisions about drinking, and continues to make poor decisions in spite of your best attempts to get them to think and act differently. When this occurs, you need to recognize that the individual may not have the ability to make good decisions about drinking because the problem has advanced to a level requiring a referral to the local counseling center. They may try to convince you they don't need help.

• Don't be fooled by excuses.

• Don't ignore the problem.

• Don't try to make a diagnosis.

• Don't accuse the individual of having a problem.

• Don't argue with the individual about drinking behaviors.

What to Expect after Taking Action

• SACO conducts initial screening and schedules a Substance Abuse Counseling Center (SACC) evaluation, if warranted.
• SACO submits CO's background information to SACC.
• SACC evaluates the Marine and sends him to medical screening.
• Medical provides a formal medical diagnosis and treatment recommendation by a licensed clinician.
• SACC takes the medical recommendation and coordinates with the command.
• Recommendation may include education in the form of early intervention, treatment, or no services.
• Individual may have second thoughts about accepting substance abuse education or treatment.

Here is how the Marine Corps Substance Abuse Education and Treatment Program works: When an individual is placed in a treatment program, the level of treatment is based upon the diagnosis giving by a medical officer. The programs are listed below to give the command a brief understanding of each program and length of services:

Continuing Care (follow-up care):

• Individual and group sessions.
• 1-3 hours per week until the treatment plan goals are met.
• Focus on unmet psychosocial needs, personality traits and disorders, and any other concerns to help Marine maintain sobriety.

After treatment:

• The SACC prepares a written summary of care for the member's command. The summary may contain referrals for additional medical/social services, and an aftercare plan, including recommendations for ongoing participation in approved self-help groups.
• Commands are responsible, through their SACOs, for actively monitoring and supporting aftercare plans. SACOs will meet with members who have active aftercare plans bi-weekly to review progress and provide a written report to the Commanding Officer. If the command identifies difficulties with the recommended actions, the counseling center should be consulted.
• Command monitoring will continue through the completion of the individualized aftercare plan, not to exceed 12 months.
• When operational commitments dictate, the aftercare plan may be modified by the Commanding Officer. For instance, a counseling center may recommend three Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings per week, but the service member is TAD or deployed to a location where only one AA meeting per week is held. The Commanding Officer may modify the aftercare plan to include attendance at one AA meeting per week.

Troubleshooting

• Marines who refuse, fail to participate, or do not successfully complete treatment/aftercare will be processed for separation per the MCO P1900.16x.
• Individuals who fail to make progress, or who regress, should not automatically be considered a treatment failure. The recovery plan should be re-evaluated to determine if new approaches are required.
• If a Marine being processed for separation still declines treatment prior to separation, the command will at that time:
  
  • Provide the Marine, in writing, the location of the nearest VA Medical Facility.
  • Document the declination of treatment in the OQR/SRB, page 11, with the Marine's signature acknowledging the refusal
• Some Marines may deny there is a problem, minimize issues, or refuse to participate in recommended services. This may be an indication that more serious problems are occurring and may require more active involvement from leaders.
• Marine may not be showing any signs of improvement or problems may escalate after intervention.  Leaders may want to consult with SJA or Family Advocacy staff to determine if another course of action might be appropriate.
• In either circumstance noted above, leaders may consider disciplinary action