" There is even research about a synthetic drug known as bath salts or "spice." Soldiers are able to obtain these drugs easily, and due to their environment abuse often follows close behind. Chemicals that could be beneficial are abused because of the distress the service men and women are under. According to drugabuse.org In 2008, 11 percent of service members reported misusing prescription drugs, up from 2 percent in 2002 and 4 percent in 2005. Conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress, and Survivor's guilt make many soldiers feel like a prisoner in their own minds. They often feel like drugs are the only way out. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD), 33% of troops who were convicted of criminal acts in Afghanistan and Iraq had committed offenses while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Statistics like these have put abuse and misuse on the radar of military officials. .
To cope with the increasing abuse, The Department of Defense (DoD) Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) has been established. Their mission is to "prevent drug abuse through education, outreach, and awareness programs, and detect and deter DoD civilian and military personnel from using illegal drugs and misusing prescription drugs." (Department of Defense.) Drug abuse can impair one's judgement, this is dangerous for a person in a position of power. An altered mindset can affect effectiveness in combat and decision making. According to the DDRP's mission statement they have two primary functions, pre-employment/pre-accession and compulsory random drug testing with punitive consequences; and, second a program anti-drug education and training on the hazards of drug dependency, misuse, and abuse. Many sections of the Military have taken on zero-tolerance policies as well. The Navy has introduced the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP).
