Three months ago I implemented the Summer 2006 Lifesaving Campaign. One
of the campaign goals was to combat alcohol- and drug-related deaths.
Despite our best efforts, we have yet to succeed.
Our recent well-being survey confirms that alcohol and drug abuse
continues to be a serious concern among those who responded. Soldiers
who redeploy are especially at risk. Some Soldiers have become
dependent on alcohol or prescribed medications and are unable to quit.
Others crave the adrenalin rush associated with combat and try to
duplicate that feeling by mixing alcohol and drugs. Others are using
these substances as a sedative, to help them sleep, or simply to forget.
Over the past few weeks, one Soldier has died and six Army officers
have been charged with driving under the influence. The Soldier who
died had recently redeployed and had been drinking alcohol until the
early morning hours with some of his buddies. He lost consciousness and
appears to have drowned in his own body fluids. Drugs may also have
been a factor in this tragedy.
We have enough programs in place to help our Soldiers overcome problems
associated with combat. What we need is for leaders, Soldiers, and
civilians to live the Army values by having the courage to intervene
when they see someone in trouble. My last message discussed a concept
called Own the Edge. Many of our comrades in arms are walking
precariously along that edge and will go over it if we fail to take
action. In addition to becoming aware of the dangers of alcohol and
drug abuse, I need you to do the following to take care of yourselves
and those around you:
Don’t walk by. If you recognize that someone has a problem, take
action, regardless of whether he or she is a battle buddy, family
member, someone you supervise, or your leader.
Keep in mind that seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not
weakness, and indicates your desire to ensure your own well-being and
fitness for duty. The Army Substance Abuse Program can help, but you
need to take the first step. Make the hard choice to get help for
yourself.
Acknowledge that these are stressful times, but remember that you are
not alone. Social Work Services and other community mental-health
resources are available to help those suffering from post-traumatic and
other forms of stress.
Understand that a buddy who helps you go over “the edge” is not a real buddy.
I ask you once again to consider the consequences of your actions and
watch out for your battle buddies, family members and friends. If you
have a problem, using alcohol and drugs is not the solution. Take
advantage of the programs available throughout the Army in Europe to
get the help you need.
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Three months ago I implemented the Summer 2006 Lifesaving Campaign. One
of the campaign goals was to combat alcohol- and drug-related deaths.
Despite our best efforts, we have yet to succeed.
Our recent well-being survey confirms that alcohol and drug abuse
continues to be a serious concern among those who responded. Soldiers
who redeploy are especially at risk. Some Soldiers have become
dependent on alcohol or prescribed medications and are unable to quit.
Others crave the adrenalin rush associated with combat and try to
duplicate that feeling by mixing alcohol and drugs. Others are using
these substances as a sedative, to help them sleep, or simply to forget.
Over the past few weeks, one Soldier has died and six Army officers
have been charged with driving under the influence. The Soldier who
died had recently redeployed and had been drinking alcohol until the
early morning hours with some of his buddies. He lost consciousness and
appears to have drowned in his own body fluids. Drugs may also have
been a factor in this tragedy.
We have enough programs in place to help our Soldiers overcome problems
associated with combat. What we need is for leaders, Soldiers, and
civilians to live the Army values by having the courage to intervene
when they see someone in trouble. My last message discussed a concept
called Own the Edge. Many of our comrades in arms are walking
precariously along that edge and will go over it if we fail to take
action. In addition to becoming aware of the dangers of alcohol and
drug abuse, I need you to do the following to take care of yourselves
and those around you:
Don’t walk by. If you recognize that someone has a problem, take
action, regardless of whether he or she is a battle buddy, family
member, someone you supervise, or your leader.
Keep in mind that seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not
weakness, and indicates your desire to ensure your own well-being and
fitness for duty. The Army Substance Abuse Program can help, but you
need to take the first step. Make the hard choice to get help for
yourself.
Acknowledge that these are stressful times, but remember that you are
not alone. Social Work Services and other community mental-health
resources are available to help those suffering from post-traumatic and
other forms of stress.
Understand that a buddy who helps you go over “the edge” is not a real buddy.
I ask you once again to consider the consequences of your actions and
watch out for your battle buddies, family members and friends. If you
have a problem, using alcohol and drugs is not the solution. Take
advantage of the programs available throughout the Army in Europe to
get the help you need.