U.S sailors who suffer with addiction problems are usually treated at substance abuse rehabs for navy personnel, built specially for that purpose. Initially an assessment is done to determine the services that are needed on a case-by-case basis. Types of treatment in these substance abuse rehabs for navy personnel include an outreach educational program, outpatient treatment, counseling by phone and inpatient treatment such as detoxification. The IMPACT class conducted at these substance abuse rehabs for navy personnel provides education in a fifteen-hour seminar that discusses the effects of addiction on the human body and brain.
A patient who completes a recovery program at a specialized substance abuse rehab for navy personnel receives individual or group therapy depending on the severity of the condition. Some Navy personnel are plagued by addiction plus medical conditions that are taken into consideration while providing them with suitable treatment. A substance abuse rehab for navy personnel also provides insighton how to deal with the effects of war and how to overcome them.
Post traumatic stress disorder is a very real and life-altering condition. When a sailor returns from active duty there are adjustments he must make. If he is suffering from PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder), the transition is difficult to make. Service on a submarine can lead to disorders such as claustrophobia.It is the duty of the substance abuse rehabs to ensure that addiction does not have a long lasting effect on the life of Navy professionals and that these sailors return to active duty without facing much difficulty
The Navy has its own drug and alcohol management program. Naval employees have a website for gaining information on their own. Many military men and women prefer to keep their addiction problems to themselves. Operational excellence is the primary purpose of the navy and this implies that every sailor should be at his or her best at all times.
The Navy once had an exemption allowing 18 year old sailors to drink on bases; that is now revoked. The situation has turned around and now the focus is on prevention rather than on glamorizing drinking. The navy alcohol and drug abuse prevention program also includes the "Right Spirit" campaign. Personnel at all levels receive training material on this campaign. They are directed to websites where they can learn to stop drinking on their own.
Commanders are instructed to be on the lookout for sailors who show evidence of substance abuse. With all the help available, there is a good chance of recovery, however, when a navy professional is addicted, it is more than a probability that his ability to function is altered. As a last resort, the sailor must be discharged for the good of the Navy.
Finally, for those sailors who have struggled through their addiction and resumed active duty, there is the opportunity to train as counselors. There is a growing demand for Certified Substance Abuse Counselors who understand the difficulties, and can share personal experience. They can be an inspiration to other sailors who face addiction and desperately need rehab centers to overcome drug and alcohol addiction.
