Drug use reported by military personnel declined steadily from 1980, when the DoD survey series began, to 1998. Illicit drug use for the total DoD during the past 30 days declined steeply from a high of 27.6% in 1980 to a low of 2.7% in 1998.

The demographics of Marine Corps personnel may place them at higher risk of illicit drug abuse (i.e, they have a higher proportion than the other Services of young personnel, single males, E1 to E3 pay grades, and those with a high school education or less). However, Marine Corps drug use rates were not consistently higher than those for the other Services. One possible explanation for observed differences in drug use across the Services is differences in the sociodemographic composition of the Services.

The Army and Marine Corps face the greatest challenges, whereas the Navy and Air Force face the smallest challenge in combating illicit drug usage.

Prevalence of Specific Drug Use:
Marijuana remained the drug most commonly used by military personnel, and use of other drugs was much lower.

Illicit Drug Use and Productivity Loss:
Illicit drug use was related to productivity loss as measured by being late for work, leaving work early, being hurt in an on-the-job accident, working below one’s normal level of performance, and not coming to work because of illness or injury.

Military personnel who used any illicit drugs or any drug except Marijuana were more likely than all DoD personnel to report productivity loss from work.

Illicit Drug Use and Drug Testing:
Overall, 87.4% of personnel reported being tested within the past 12 months. Marine Corps personnel (93.9%) and Army personnel (93.5%) reported the highest rates of testing in the past 12 months, followed by personnel in the Navy (89.7%) and the Air Force (74.8%).

A majority of military personnel (63.0%) reported that it was very hard to predict the time of their last drug test. This estimate varied, however, by Service. The Navy (74.7%) and the Air Force (76.1%) had the highest percentage of personnel reporting that is was very hard to predict when they were last going to be tested for drug use, followed by the Army (49.1%) and the Marine Corps (47.0%).

D.E.F.Y. (DRUG EDUCATION FOR YOUTH PROGRAM)
The Drug Education for Youth is a 2-part substance abuse prevention program of the Department of Defense for children ages 9 through 12. D.E.F.Y. is designed to deter “at-risk” youth behavior in children by helping them develop social and coping skills needed to resist drug abuse and illegal drug use. The program begins with an 8-day non-residential summer camp followed by monthly meetings during the remainder of the year. For more information, contact Loida Householder, Program Coordinator at 451-0822.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT & PREVENTION PLANNING
In accordance with MCO P1700.24B, needs assessments must be conducted by SACOs or SACS to determine a unit's needs regarding substance abuse prevention and education. An annual prevention plan must be developed by the SACOs/SACS and signed by the unit commander. The plan must include Measurements of Effectiveness that also must be reviewed annually by the commander. The requirement is part of the AIRS checklist used by CG/IG inspectors to inspect unit on mission readiness and capability. Your local Drug Demand Reduction Office can assist you in the creation of this plan. Call them today. Your local DDR representative is: Roland Winston, 451-0021.

OPERATION RED RIBBON
This 3.5 program is offered as requested to provide effective networking of Unit Substance Abuse Counselors, to further educate the military and civilian community about the history of the Department of Defense (DoD) Red Ribbon Campaign.

PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION (PME)
Professional Military Education (PME) may be provided to all interested units desiring to augment or fulfill unit training requirements in areas of substance abuse and dependence issues. The areas for training include: alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and supplements. The training can be tailored or modified to suit the audience. Senior leadership training and junior enlisted training is available. Anyone interested in having a class, please contact Roland Winston, 451-0021.

URINALYSIS COORDINATORS' COURSE
The 4-hour Urinalysis Courses are provided to unit substance abuse program representatives as a "Train The Trainer" instruction. The classes are conducted by Drug Demand Reduction staff and are offered to potential unit substance abuse control officers, substance abuse control specialists, drug and alcohol program advisors, observers, and administrative assistants. Personnel may receive detailed instruction on the proper administration of these programs. Course materials are provided and there is mandatory testing at the beginning and end of the training for certification as unit urinalysis program coordinators. Please contact Roland Winston, 451-0021.

USAP (UNIT SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT COURSE)
USAP is a three (3) day training course for newly appointed Substance Abuse Control Officers (SACO) and Substance Abuse Control Specialists (SACS). Through this curriculum SACOs and SACS are trained as mandated by MCO PI700.24B on all areas pertaining to their billet. As a result of this training, supervisory unit level substance education, needs assessments, unit annual prevention planning, and other tasks required by the MCO will be covered. This comprehensive training arms the SACS with valuable tools, which are presented in an easy to understand format. Contact Roland Winston, 451-0021.

"How much do you spend on Drinking and Drugging?" (click here)

ALCOHOL AWARENESS & PREVENTIONThirty to sixty minutes workshop. Provides detailed information on the dangers associated with alcohol abuse, the laws governing the use of alcohol and the consequences of irresponsible behavior.

ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM: ALCOHOL ABUSE 1013.5 hour interactive workshop. This program is designed to assist individuals with developing the knowledge and skills to make healthier lifestyle decisions pertaining to alcohol abuse and binge drinking. Topics include: drinking and driving, binge drinking, alcohol's effects on the body, its effects on family and social life. It also offers tips for responsible drinking and recreation activities not involving alcohol. This program serves unit level education in support of the first phase of the Marine Corps Substance Abuse Program (MCO P1700.24B).

PREVENTION MAKES A WORLD of DIFFERENCE
Assist people in identification of problematic areas in their lives. Provide knowledge and skills/tools for application in increasing awareness and prevention of the following areas:

ANGER
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
SELF-ESTEEM
SUICIDE

WORKSHOPS/BRIEFS AVAILABLE
Free & Open to All Authorized

ANGER MANAGEMENT
Do you have a difficult time managing your anger or know someone who struggles with uncontrolled anger? If so, be encouraged as help is available! This 3.5 hour fun and interactive workshop is guaranteed to "cool you off!" Participants learn what anger is, the various styles of anger, how to prevent escalation and positive techniques for dealing with anger.

Do you have a difficult time handling conflict or know someone who struggles with unresolved anger? If so, be encouraged as help is available. This 3 hours interactive workshop is guaranteed to make your "mission possible!" Participants learn what conflict is, where it comes from, and how to focus on alternate ways to resolve conflict without giving anger the driver's seat.

COMMUNICATION IN RELATIONSHIPS WORKSHOP
Do you find it difficult to have a successful relationship? Do you think that your relationships work until "commitment do you part?" Here is an opportunity to enhance your existing relationships and a chance to begin and endure with success.

IMPROVING SELF-ESTEEM WORKSHOP
Do you find it difficult to avoid "the blues"? Do you know someone that appears unhappy with themselves and their surroundings frequently? If so, improving your self-esteem may be the ticket to dismissal of "the blues." This 3 hours interactive workshop identifies what it means to have healthy self-esteem and why it's important. Participants focus on recognizing how positive thinking affects them personally and how to encourage themselves to get the most out of life.