What is the goal of a substance abuse education program within the Army?

The primary goal of a substance abuse education program within the Army is to raise awareness about substances and provide resources. This involves educating personnel on the dangers of substance abuse, understanding the impacts it can have on their health, performance, and personal lives. By providing resources, these programs aim to assist individuals in making informed choices, recognizing potential problems, and knowing where to seek help if needed.

The focus is on prevention and education rather than solely punitive measures or documentation of incidents, as understanding substance use and its consequences is critical in creating a supportive environment that promotes overall well-being. Additionally, while completely eliminating substance use is an ideal scenario, education programs emphasize understanding and management rather than aiming for total eradication, as that is often unrealistic.