Substance Abuse and Addiction in the Coast Guard

Serving in the U.S. Coast Guard involves unique responsibilities and challenges. Coast Guardsmen spend long hours patrolling vast coastlines, responding to maritime emergencies, performing search-and-rescue operations, and enforcing federal laws. Their work can be as dangerous as any other branch of the military, but they often operate in smaller teams and under intense, high-pressure conditions. Chronic stress, repeated exposure to trauma, and isolation can put Coast Guard personnel at risk for substance misuse and mental health issues, including addiction.

Despite these challenges, public focus on military substance abuse often centers on larger branches such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Yet Coast Guardsmen face similar risks and often have fewer resources or less visibility than some of their Department of Defense counterparts. This article explores substance abuse trends in the Coast Guard, highlights available resources, discusses broader behavioral health concerns, and provides pathways to professional help.

Substance Abuse Trends in the Coast Guard

Alcohol and Prescription Drugs

Alcohol has historically been the primary substance misused across the Armed Forces, and the Coast Guard is no exception. Longstanding cultural norms, such as “drinking traditions,” can normalize heavy drinking in certain units. For Coast Guardsmen, returning from extended deployments or difficult missions can coincide with alcohol use as a coping mechanism or a way to bond. While many can engage in moderate drinking without issue, heavy and chronic consumption increases the risk of dependence, impaired judgment, and health deterioration.

Prescription drug misuse has also grown as a concern in the military community, including the Coast Guard. Pain medication is sometimes necessary for injuries sustained on the job. However, unsupervised or extended use of painkillers can lead to dependence or addiction. Coast Guardsmen may also turn to stimulants or anti-anxiety medications to manage high-stress demands, which can escalate into misuse if not carefully monitored by medical professionals.

Illicit Substances and Emerging Trends

Because Coast Guardsmen enforce drug laws on the high seas, there is an assumption that they are less susceptible to illicit substances. Yet Coast Guard personnel share the same vulnerabilities as the general population. Illicit drug use, including marijuana, cocaine, or synthetic substances, occurs at varying rates and can be exacerbated by stress, lack of access to healthy coping mechanisms, or minimal downtime between missions.

In recent years, mental health professionals have also noted an uptick in the misuse of newer substances or synthetics among young service members. Some Coast Guardsmen, especially those newer to service, may be unaware of the severe legal consequences tied to drug violations in the military. As such, prevention programs focus on education and early intervention to reduce the possibility of abuse.

Substance Abuse Resources for Coast Guardsmen

The Coast Guard maintains various programs and initiatives designed to prevent, identify, and treat substance misuse early. Service members can access:

• Self-Referrals without Career Repercussions: Coast Guard policy encourages voluntary self-referral, meaning service members can seek treatment for substance misuse and mental health issues without automatic disciplinary action. Early intervention through self-referral often leads to better outcomes and reduced stigma.
• Coast Guard Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The EAP, often referred to as Coast Guard Support (CG SUPRT), provides confidential counseling and referrals for substance abuse, mental health challenges, financial stress, and relationship issues. These services are often free and can be accessed by Coast Guard members and their families.
• Integrated Support Commands (ISCs): Located in key geographic regions, ISCs offer medical and mental health services to active-duty members. They connect service members with healthcare professionals trained to handle military-specific issues, including alcohol and drug counseling.
• Chaplain Corps and Peer Support Groups: Coast Guard chaplains provide confidential support and can assist service members in finding local or specialized treatment. Peer-run organizations can also offer mentorship, accountability, and community-based resources.
• Command Drug and Alcohol Representatives (CDARs): Some units have designated personnel responsible for substance abuse education, testing, and referral to treatment. CDARs serve as a frontline resource, helping individuals navigate the appropriate steps toward help or rehabilitation.

Behavioral Health in the Coast Guard

Serving in the Coast Guard involves a high operational tempo, which can create a cascade of stressors. Exposure to natural disasters, maritime accidents, and rescue missions under extreme conditions can take a psychological toll. Behavioral health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can develop slowly over time or manifest suddenly following a traumatic event at sea.

Cultural and Institutional Stigma

One critical barrier to seeking mental health care is the persistent stigma within the military culture. Although strides have been made in promoting behavioral health awareness, some service members still fear that admitting to a mental health issue could harm their career or reputation. This concern may be heightened in the Coast Guard, which is a smaller branch with closer-knit units. The worry of judgment or loss of trust among peers can discourage Coast Guardsmen from reaching out for help.

Deployment Cycles and Isolation

Unlike other military branches with large, established bases worldwide, the Coast Guard often assigns personnel to remote stations or cutters at sea. These assignments can limit access to mental health providers, and telehealth options are not always feasible for those at sea for extended periods. Isolation, coupled with operational pressures, can increase the likelihood of substance use or mental health struggles going unnoticed.

Suicides in the Coast Guard

While each of the larger military branches tracks suicide rates and publishes annual reports, the Coast Guard historically has not received the same level of public scrutiny regarding suicides. This lack of visibility does not necessarily indicate fewer incidents; it may simply mean that data isn’t as frequently collected or publicized.

Undercounted and Underrecognized

Because the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime (rather than the Department of Defense), its suicide data has sometimes fallen through the cracks. This underreporting can lead to an underestimation of the scope of the issue and reduce the urgency for preventive measures. Additionally, families of Coast Guardsmen who die by suicide may choose not to publicize the circumstances of their loved one’s death, making it more difficult to gather accurate statistics.

Importance of Early Intervention

The risk factors for suicide in the Coast Guard align with those in other military services: mental health disorders, substance abuse, prior trauma, and feelings of isolation. Without consistent data on Coast Guard suicides, it is more challenging for officials to craft informed prevention strategies or allocate resources. However, service members can seek help from existing Coast Guard mental health support systems, as well as civilian treatment centers, if they or their loved ones recognize warning signs.

Help for Veterans Through The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper

Substance abuse and mental health disorders do not always end when a service member leaves active duty. Veterans of the Coast Guard may face long-term challenges, including readjusting to civilian life, resolving unresolved trauma, or addressing substance misuse patterns that developed during their service. Fortunately, comprehensive treatment options are available.

What We Offer

The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper provides specialized care for veterans struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. Our multidisciplinary team understands the complexities of military life and works with each individual to develop a personalized treatment plan. By combining evidence-based therapies — such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed counseling — with holistic approaches, we aim to address the root causes of addiction and promote long-term healing.

• Medical Detox and Residential Treatment: For veterans in the acute stages of addiction, a medically supervised detox can help manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Following detox, inpatient or residential programs allow individuals to immerse themselves in recovery, receiving round-the-clock care and structured support.
• Partial Hospitalization and Outpatient Programs: Many Coast Guard veterans need flexibility in their treatment, whether due to employment, family obligations, or ongoing medical care. Our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs offer rigorous counseling and group therapy sessions while allowing veterans to live offsite.
• Support for Co-Occurring Disorders: PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges commonly co-occur with substance use disorders in veterans. Our trained clinicians integrate dual-diagnosis treatment, ensuring that both addiction and underlying mental health issues are addressed simultaneously.
• Aftercare Planning and Alumni Support: Recovery is a journey that extends beyond discharge from a treatment facility. We work closely with each veteran to create an aftercare plan that could include continued therapy, support groups, telehealth appointments, and access to community-based resources. Alumni programs and peer support networks help maintain accountability, foster a sense of belonging, and reduce the risk of relapse.

Bridging the Gap

Many Coast Guard veterans worry about transitioning from a structured, mission-oriented environment to civilian life. Feelings of purposelessness, isolation, or unresolved trauma can contribute to substance misuse. At The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper, our philosophy centers on re-establishing meaning and empowerment. By employing a combination of clinical expertise and compassion, we help veterans build resilience and develop coping strategies that last.

Addiction Treatment for Veterans at The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper

If you’re a military veteran seeking addiction treatment, The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper is here to help. We are a part of the VA Community Care Network, and we offer a trauma-informed program designed for veterans and first responders. Contact a Veteran Advocate today to learn more or to get started with treatment.