September 11, 2001 was by far the worst terrorist attack on American soil. Many viewers witnessed the catastrophic events live on national television. As the smoke and dust settled in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, Americans were left to ponder what the attacks meant for the nation. Following the September 11 attacks, President George W. Bush addressed Congress and the nation on October 7, 2001, announcing, "On my orders, the United States military has begun strikes against al Qaeda terrorist training camps and military installations of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan" (The White House, 2001). It was at that moment that the military of the United States of America was ready to extend their capabilities to prevent and conquer hostility both on home soil and abroad.
Each soldier is sworn into oath when the decision is made to enlist in the military, they vow to defend our country and to fight for our freedom. As a result of the September 11th attacks on our nation, soldiers in the United States (U.S.) military were subjected to take on the oath that they vowed and to fight multiple wars that required longer deployments and quicker redeployment times. While the actions of wartime are essential to maintain the high levels of security for our nation, the unconstructive, stressful, and demanding distress of longer deployments may very well be overshadowing the benefits by annihilating the personal lives of U.S. Army soldiers. For some soldiers in the U.S. Army, the distress of combat can be overpowering and detrimental on them physically and psychologically, leading them to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Alcoholism Defined
Alcoholism is known as a disease, syndrome, sign, or symptom among an individual who consume...
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... the journey of this debilitating disorder. Soldiers who are fortunate to take advantage of treatment methods should succumb to their miraculous power by utilizing them to overcome daily and life altering stressors that may cross their path in life. Undoubtedly, research studies will be an ongoing process to determine the culprits that lead to alcohol abuse and to assist in decreasing the rates. It is clear that alcoholism will be an ongoing issue among society. The reality of alcoholism is that people will do whatever it takes to psychologically cope, not realizing the damaging affect that it may have on their life. I am in high hopes that the future will have improved treatments and that the United States Army will continue to provide support to those who have fallen to victim to alcoholism due to their experience during military conflicts on the battlefield.
Before the events of 9/11 the US had been attacked before and we were aware of possible threats. However, these threats, specifically those of Al-Qaeda were not taken seriously by American foreign policy makers or regular Americans alike, so on September 11, 2001 Americans were truly shocked by the scale of devastation and loss of life that occurred. The effect these attacks had on America was incredible. In the years that followed Americans became fearful and discriminatory of religious groups; the government created the Department of Homeland Security and enacted stricter search and seizure laws, and America’s foreign policy became defined by unilateral decision making and preemptive war.
On September 11, 2001, America was forever changed. On this day, America faced the biggest terrorist attack that had ever been carried out; thousands of people lost their lives that day. Throughout the sadness and mourning of this terrible event, George Bush addressed the nation with one of the most memorable speeches. When President Bush addressed the nation, he stated that America is strong and they could try to bring us down, but we will not be broken.This speech gave hope to many Americans and helped them remember to stay strong. This day will be forever remembered for all the souls that lost their lives and the brave people who threatened their own life to save others.
Host: On September the 11th 2001, the notorious terror organisation known as Al-Qaeda struck at the very heart of the United States. The death count was approximately 3,000; a nation was left in panic. To this day, counterterrorism experts and historians alike regard the event surrounding 9/11 as a turning point in US foreign relations. Outraged and fearful of radical terrorism from the middle-east, President Bush declared that in 2001 that it was a matter of freedoms; that “our very freedom has come under attack”. In his eyes, America was simply targeted because of its democratic and western values (CNN News, 2001). In the 14 years following this pivotal declaration, an aggressive, pre-emptive approach to terrorism replaced the traditional
George W. Bush’s “9/11 Address to the Nation” is a speech in which he talks about the catastrophic event on September eleventh, 2001. Two airplanes crash into the Twin Towers in New York City on this day, shocking the entire world. He addresses this speech to the people of America on the night of the disastrous event, to let the people of the United States know what is going on. This speech explains how the United States is a strong country, the motives behind the event, as well as to bring the United States together and stronger.
Nearly 60 to 80 percent of Vietnam combat vets seeking treatment for PTSD, abused the use of drugs and/or alcohol. The study also revealed that more than 90 percent of those individuals, were diagnosed with alcohol dependency. With a recent interview with a helicopter pilot, Keane began to explain his experiences in Vietnam. Veteran Keane says that with the loss of a fellow soldier, they would drown the loss by drinking to make it appear like they weren’t bothered by it. Keane says. “The more that vets are exposed to war and develop psychological problems from war, such as PTSD, the more likely they are to develop alcoholism” (Danitz). The ability to cope with the physiological effects of PTSD is reduced severely when alcohol is
September 11, 2001 was one of the most devastating and horrific events in the United States history. Americans feeling of a secure nation had been broken. Over 3,000 people and more than 400 police officers and firefighters were killed during the attacks on The World Trade Center and the Pentagon; in New York City and Washington, D.C. Today the term terrorism is known as the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives (Birzer, Roberson). This term was clearly not defined for the United States for we had partial knowledge and experience with terrorist attacks; until the day September 11, 2001. At that time, President George W. Bush, stated over a televised address from the Oval Office, “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” President Bush stood by this statement for the United States was about to retaliate and change the face of the criminal justice system for terrorism.
There is little known about substance abuse facts in the military, because it can result in a discharge since it is a crime. (Returning Veterans with Addiction) Historically it is well known that alcohol and smoking were huge problems in the military. My grandfather who is a retired member of the Navy would tell me stories all the time of him smoking while working. This caused a serious addiction that was nearly impossible to break. Service members feel the need to take up alcohol and drinking as a way to cope with the intense stress of the job.
September 11, 2001 marked one of the most tragic events in United States history. As a way to assure the safety and wellbeing of U.S. citizens shortly after being attacked by al-Qaeda, President Bush stated, “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts may shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve”. Although President Bush was seen a source of security during a time of need, many citizens felt that his words were not genuine and part of a dramatic story the government wanted its people to believe. Despite the side taken, both perspectives of the argument can agree that the U.S. was attacked by a series of coordinated suicide attacks by al-Qaeda. On that Tuesday morning, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger jet airliners. The hijackers intentionally crashed two of the airliners into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and the fourth into a field in rural Pennsylvania after passengers fought back against the terrorist to try and regain control of the plane. This is the story the government wants its people to believe. However, the truths about the attacks on 9/11 are much more frightening. On September 11th, 2001, the United States government betrayed its citizens by allowing the destructive attacks on the Twin Towers, WTC-7, the Pentagon, and Shanksville.
Alcohol and substance abuse is an extreme problem among veterans. “25% of returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans showed signs of substance abuse disorder” (National Veterans Foundation 1). The Iraq and Afghanistan war is the largest war the U.S has been involved in recent years, to have such a high level of alcohol dependence is unacceptable. Another major problem among veterans is the abuse of prescription drugs. A 2008 study by (NIDA) showed that veteran and active duty military personnel had double the dependency on prescription drugs than a normal member of society
Today, one out of every thirteen adults abuse alcohol or are alcoholics. That means nearly thirteen million Americans have a drinking problem. (www.niaaa.nih.gov) This topic offers a broad range of ideas to be researched within the psychological field. For this particular project, the topic of alcoholism and the psychological effects on people best fit the criteria. Alcoholism is defined as a disorder characterized by the excessive consumption of and dependence on alcoholic beverages, leading to physical and psychological harm and impaired social and vocational functioning. (www.dictionary.com) Through this project, the most important information regarding personal experiences dealing with alcoholism will be revealed. Not only are statistics, like the facts mentioned before, important when dealing with an issue such as alcoholism, but personal accounts and information are often more powerful and influential evidence. Non-alcoholics should be allowed to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for research purposes.
Alcohol Abuse is part of disorder that affects many people throughout the world. Many are aware of the issues the disorder can bring not just on the victim, but also to the people that surround the person with the psychological problem. There are different areas that can be discussed in regards to alcoholism. According to Coon & Mitterer (2013), a substance abuse disorder is when there is an abuse or dependence on a psychoactive drug. Alcohol is a substance that can become abusive and bring negative effects on a person’s body. Alcohol is a substance that can bring behavioral effects such as behavioral effects, physical changes, and social changes. A good solution to Alcohol abuse can be Alcohol anonymous, an organization that helps individuals with alcohol addiction.
There are many problems facing veterans that most civilians do not have to worry about. Perhaps the most serious issue facing many veterans is the post-traumatic stress that can haunt a soldier that has experienced the fear of being deployed to a combat zone. This is an issue that most individuals never have to worry about and having these post-traumatic experiences make most veterans more susceptible to substance abuse. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs website (ptsd.va.gov), “Almost one out of every 3 Veterans seeking treatment for SUD (substance abuse disorder) also has PTSD”. This is a startling number when you think about the high number of veterans that have been to war and have some level of post-traumatic stress. Also, we have learned from past conflicts that substance abuse and PTSD have been linked to an increase in suicidal behavior. In fact (Veteran Affairs, 2005) found that, “Veterans over the age of 65 with PTSD are at increased risk for attempted suicide if they also experie...
... the alcoholic of responsibility for their problem. Labeling an alcohol problem as a disease is perhaps as stigmatising as the problem itself and could have the effect of dissuading many problem drinkers from seeking help. It focuses mainly on those whose drinking has become excessive and is thus restrictive. The Classical Disease Model may appear convenient for alcoholics who want to deny they have a problem, yet it is likely to do more harm to the individual and the community than good, therefore it is clear to see why, in the 21st Century, the Classical Disease Model is viewed as entirely inadequate.
To understand alcoholism, it must first be understood what this affliction is dependent on. Alcohol is a substance that is made by the fermentation of fruits, grains, or miscellaneous other organic materials. The chemical, alcohol, is a depressant and acts on every cell in the human body. Due to this, the central nervous system, along with the pleasure centers of the brain, are affected resulting in a feeling of euphoria and a sense of well being. After repeated exposure, the brain becomes dependent on this drug to unburden itself whenever it feels the compulsion. Several factors that contribute to alcoholism are the individual’s psychology, genetics, culture, and the individual’s response to physical pain.
... Alcoholism is a serious problem in today's society. It is extremely important that the public, including the large groups of users and abusers of alcohol, gain as much knowledge as possible about the symptoms and effects of alcoholism if we ever want to see the reduction of statics involving fatalities, injuries, diseases caused from the use and abuse of alcohol. Education and realization of the effects alcoholism can have on the different aspects of a person's life are the best ways that we can help control the number of alcoholics in the United States.