The Marine Corps Substance Abuse Program

I am currently employed by the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, and Information Management Command as an Education Technician. Having to advise and assist Soldiers in person, by phone and by internet seeking continued education using military educational benefits has changed my career interest. I decided to pursue my goal in Counseling. I am interested in completing my Master’s program so I can become more competitive in the Education and Counseling field of study. By completing this degree and advancing my knowledge both academically and professionally I will become more competitive to compete in the career field of counseling while working for the federal government.

I am a student with a unique passion to help Military Veterans returning from the war and there will be a growing need for counselors in the military as they begin to return from war. This program will require a great amount of personal commitment and I am willing to make the necessary sacrifices. Argosy is choosing a qualified candidate who will take this program seriously and professionally.

In 2010, I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree from University of Phoenix. I began the journey towards my Masters degree in Counseling in

My commitment to my goal of receiving a Master’s degree in counseling has been demonstrated throughout my studies at Rollins by maintaining a GPA of 4.0, my willingness to support my cohort, and by exhibiting an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Although I had retired on a fixed income from a business career due to a disability, I have confirmed my potential, stamina, and desire to counsel through my volunteer work as a guardian advocate, working with people who suffer from addiction, and by remaining an advocate for the LGBTQ community. I have thrived with my undergraduate internship at the Center for Drug Free Living and with my prepracticum at Centaur.

Substance abuse among our veterans is much greater than our civilian populations. This is largely caused by post-traumatic stress disorder, associated from combat, and who have endured multiple deployments. In most cases, veterans who have turned to alcohol or drugs have a dual diagnosis. They not only have a problem with alcohol or drugs, but they also suffer from a mental or mood disorder that has a major impact on these issues. In most cases the mood disorder is post-traumatic disorder(PTSD), which results from being in combat. According to

In 2013, I graduated from Mount Olive College with a Bachelor of Science is Clinical Psychology. As an undergraduate I did my internship with the state of North Carolina – Vocational Rehabilitation at WorkSource East in Goldsboro, NC. I am currently in a counseling training program at East Carolina University where I am working on obtaining my Master’s in Substance Abuse and Clinical Counseling.

In the following years he would lead sailors on a tour of duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, which was part of the “war on terror”. Following this successful tour, he joined the staff of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth’s Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program as an Addictions Counselor and the Senior Enlisted Advisor. Mr. Moye is a Navy Fighter Weapons School “Topgun” graduate. He earned: a Navy Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification, Navy Instructor certification, a Bachelor of Science Degree from Old Dominion University and a Master’s of Divinity from Regent University.

When hearing the term “drug addiction,” certain words might flash across one’s mind. Filth. Slum. Junkie. Crime. There is a dirtiness that these words seem muddled in, as if addiction dwells only in disarrayed and desolate cells in which the corrupt reside. One word that surely hasn’t gone through your head is one of alarming importance: Veterans. Veterans, who have served our country with abnegation, who have seen the worst of humanity, and who have sacrificed their livelihood to preserve others, are often entrapped in a world of drug abuse. To me, and many others, it seems tragic that a hero returns home, simply to get drawn into an addiction.It’s an issue that is often dismissed as a problem low-worth people, but this isn’t always the case;

In the United States, many Americans can argue that we are facing a drug epidemic whether it is alcohol or illicit drugs other than medicinal marijuana. In response to this drug epidemic, organizations were created that are supported by the government and law enforcement in an effort to give addicts a chance to get clean. For example, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotic Anonymous are two organizations that focus on helping people who struggle from alcoholism or any addiction cope with the symptoms of withdrawal in efforts to stay clean with the support of their organization’s community. Although these two organization’s goals are similar, they attack these problems differently beginning with step one out of their twelve step program to help addicts get clean.

The first program of interest to me was the Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance (SMVF TA) Center. Being a veteran myself, and a former US Army medic, I have seen firsthand the need for services tailored to this niche community. While drug use per capita is undoubtedly lower for active duty personnel, mental disorders such as PTSD and depression are higher. The military life exerts a toll on service members and their families, and coping with some of the issues likely results in drug use for some.

While drugs and alcohol are detrimental to so many, there are several veteran substance abuse programs available to help former service members, including VA addiction treatment and private substance abuse centers. Veterans’ families suffer tremendously as a result of dealing with addiction and mental health issues, but they also have a big role in the detection, treatment, and recovery of veterans.

Ian Borck served four years in the United States Marine Corps where he did a combat deployment in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom. During his services he was the battalion ammunition chief for 1st Battalion 11th Marines Artillery. Once he exited the active duty Marine Corps, he started facing his disabilities and mental health challenges. He then decided to go to school to become a Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Massage Therapist so he could help himself and help other disabled veterans. Once he started being immersed with helping veterans, he decided to obtain his degree in Organizational Leadership from Arizona State University. He then worked for various organizations as a business analyst and enjoyed being a problem solver.

The U.S. military produces some of the bravest most heroic men and women on earth. From the moment the oath of enlistment is made to the time of separation or retirement, these courageous souls endure a number of amazing, historic and sometimes unbelievable events. They are praise for their service and lift even higher for their sacrifice, although most are unaware of the true sacrifices are made by some of these men and women. The most visible sacrifices or “outer sacrifices” are loss of life or loss of limbs while the inner wounds are bouts with depression, sexual assault, divorce, and most common alcohol other drug abuse.

My name is Nathaniel, people usually call me Nate. I am full-time employee and a student. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. I work full time in security. I have 5 brothers and 5 sisters when I am not working or studying I help and take care of my brothers, sisters and my grandparents. My family, job, and studying keeps me very busy. I believe that psychology will help me in my career in law enforcement.

The organization’s Mission Statement reads, “The mission of Drug & Alcohol Rehab of Miami is to provide a continuum of accessible, affordable, and effective services for individuals and families with alcohol, drug and other behavioral health problems” (Drug & Alcohol Rehab of Miami, 2013). Additionally, its Vision Statement is as follows, “For Drug & Alcohol Rehab of Miami to become the number one choice for alcohol and substance abuse treatment services known for research and innovative programs that are delivered in a comprehensive, integrated system of care that includes mental health and primary care” (Drug & Alcohol Rehab of Miami, 2013). According to Rhodes (2013), as a member of the executive team, it is her job to facilitate and promote healthy relationships between workers, managers, and clients in fulfilling the goals set forth in the organization’s Mission and Vision Statements.