TRICARE has recently implemented changes to its substance abuse policy for non active duty beneficiaries to make it easier and cheaper for you to access these services. Policies for uniformed service members are different than dependents. Service members may self refer for alcohol treatment and may not be assessed an alcohol incident if no other factors such law enforcement involvement, or driving under the influence are present. Read the full post to learn more.
Tag: National Recovery Month
Mental and substance use disorders affect people from all walks of life and all age groups. These illnesses are common, recurrent, and often serious, but they are treatable and many people do recover. National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to raise awareness about how substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. It is also a way to commemorate the progress that so many have made in their recovery. Recovery Month reinforces the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, and that treatment is effective.
The newest episode of the Coast Guard Paratus Report is now live! The Paratus Report is a workforce news program focused at keeping Coast Guard members informed of what’s happening throughout their Coast Guard. Specifically, September is Coast Guard Personal Readiness Month. This episode features safety tips and information for National Preparedness Month, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and National Recovery Month. Also, this month’s Bravo Zulu goes out to Coast Guard veteran Dave Riley. Watch the full episode!
The month of September brings three important national campaigns – National Preparedness Month, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and National Recovery Month. We encourage everyone to use this month as a time to focus on yourself and your family in terms of preparedness, as well as physical and mental health and wellness! Each Monday this month, we’ll bring you blogs that will further explain each national campaign and provide additional resources for you and your family.
Stigma is one of the meanest and most difficult aspects of addiction, because it explains why people like me hide the disease. My message to that fellow Coastie who is out there struggling, or to the member who wonders whether their shipmate has a problem, just take that first step.
A person’s career is not necessarily in jeopardy if they seek help for depression. Even 12 years ago, the Coast Guard realized that depression is a potentially deadly disease and treated my situation medically, not administratively.
When I finally asked for help, I received treatment and my command was extremely supportive and understanding. I was lucky, and it all seemed to align. I was finally taking action to become a better version of myself, which in fact was just the old me.
September is both National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month. In light of these co-occurring observances, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Steve Cantrell is trying to break the stigma of asking for help.
It is very important to know that we all struggle at various times along our journey as Coast Guard spouses and children, and regardless of what struggles we face and how tough things can often seem, this is a wonderful, family-oriented organization to be a part of, and there are many resources available to us to help when times get really tough.
Beating down the stigma of mental health has been difficult, but the more it is seen and discussed the easier it gets. For anyone who may be ignoring or stuffing their feelings, emotions, or possible traumatic events, I highly suggest seeking out help early and often even if it doesn’t seem like an event has affected you.