![]() ![]() But how well did they actually perform their duties? Many think that their drinking only affects them and that if they can still function and complete their tasks, they can’t really have a problem. It was a matter of pride for these service members to be able to show up to work or to PT hungover and still able to function. We judged everybody,” said Paul, a Phoenix team member. NCO’s are taught to judge from the start, to be in the habit to compare ourselves with others. “I had a very negative opinion of ASAP (Alcohol Substance Abuse Program) because the people going were looked down upon, they had poor character, were weak, couldn’t hack it or do their duty. Sean, another Phoenix team member and still active duty, had this to say, “I didn’t want any interference with my work through ASAP or to put a spotlight on my problems that could affect my career.” It was never voluntary and I’d justify my drinking.” I only went to treatment when it was command directed. ![]() ![]() And that’s why it took me so long to realize I had a problem. The Phoenix, a sober active community, is helping to break that stigma.Īlex, a Phoenix team member, said, “I drank every day because that was the norm, and it was socially acceptable. The stigma around these programs, and around getting help for drinking, are real and effective barricades towards service members finding this help. Most of AMIOP and ASAP participants are command directed. The barrier becomes getting soldiers to voluntarily seek out this help. Programs like Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) and Addictive Medicine Intensive Outpatient (AMIOP) are in place to aid service members in finding the help they need. When drinking crosses the line from relaxation and camaraderie into an addiction where it is needed to self-medicate or to deal with trauma, that is when it becomes a problem. ![]() The military culture is steeped in drinking. The Phoenix Multisport – Colorado Springs InstructorĪlcoholism and drug addiction have a negative impact and stigmatization in our society. Breaking the Silence Around Substance Abuse ![]()
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