Defence is taking a practical and progressive approach to illicit drug use, including steroids, in the ADF through the ADF Drug and Alcohol Program (ADFDAP).

Part of the ADF Mental Health Strategy, the program is designed to help soldiers deal with the issues of illicit drug use.

ADFDAP is available to all soldiers, such as the infantry sergeant featured in Army newspaper’s March 27 edition.

This sergeant, who is being discharged for drug abuse, spoke out to tell fellow soldiers not to become involved in taking illegal drugs, such as steroids.

The national coordinator of ADFDAP, Donna Bull, said the use of illicit drugs, including steroids, could have a significant long-term negative impact on the health as well as on the career of a soldier.

Ms Bull said it was a fact that drug use in the workplace could impair a soldier’s performance and place both them and their mates at risk.

“The obligations of the Army to protect its soldiers from the harmful effects of drug use are clear,” she said.

“The ADFDAP incorporates education and a range of treatment options that are integrated with existing ADF services.

“It is designed to support soldiers and commanders as well as the existing ADF policies by attempting to reduce the problems associated with the use of illicit substances by soldiers.”

Ms Bull said that one of the major elements of the ADFDAP was educating ADF members about the effects of alcohol and other drugs.

“Providing access to accurate, credible and up-to-date information on alcohol and other drugs is one of the keys to helping soldiers look after themselves and their mates.”

There was a great deal of information about drugs from a wide variety of sources that soldiers could gain access to.

“Unfortunately, not all of this information is correct and accepting some of the advice offered could lead to serious health consequences.

“Often even experienced users of drugs don’t always know the facts about what they are using.”

A comprehensive education and training program for health staff was successfully trialed recently in Brisbane with health staff supporting 7 Bde.

This would be rolled out to the rest of the country over the next few months.

A larger, more general health promotion campaign for commanders and soldiers will be introduced later this year.

Ms Bull said another part of the program would see specialist alcohol and other drug professionals being recruited and employed regionally to provide education and services direct to ADF members concerned about their own, or another’s drug use.

Prevention and health promotion were the other key elements in the program and ADFDAP could provide advice to commanders and health professionals on strategies to minimise the risks associated with problematic alcohol and other drug use.

n ADF members seeking accurate information, support and treatment relating to alcohol and other drugs should contact their local ADF health facility for assistance.

n For further information, commanders and health professionals with queries regarding alcohol and other drug issues should contact the National Coordinator of the ADF Drug and Alcohol Program, Donna Bull, at Donna.Bull@defence.gov.au or (02) 6266 3230.

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