MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Service members aspiring to shed harmful addictions need not feel alone. The Substance Abuse Counseling Center offers education and assistance for any type of chemical dependency.
The primary purpose of the SACC program is to provide screening and evaluation for clients ailing from addictive disorders. The SACC counselors arrange a treatment program or referrals to appropriate treatment facilities as needed. Counselors conduct individual and group counseling or interventions.
According to Staff Sgt. Lamont D. Wilson, Marine Corps Community Services substance abuse counselor, the substance abuse program utilizes three chief avenues of treatment: education, group sessions and one-on-one counseling.
"We have education about what the substance is, how it affects you and what the consequences can be," said Wilson. "There are also group sessions every Thursday where service members have a safe environment to talk about stuff they can't talk about in their shop.
"Most of the Marines that come here were usually told to by their command," said Wilson. "But anyone can come here for help. If you have a legitimate concern about your drinking problem, it's time to do something about it. That means taking a risk and coming over here."
According to Wilson, service members perpetrating alcohol related incidents are normally referred to the center for six weeks. But since January, 119 people have been treated at this counseling center due to alcohol related incidents.
Wilson hopes service members will seek help, vice becoming a statistic.
"But Marines have to take the risk and be willing to open up," he said.
No matter what the substance is, Lamont said the center is ready to deliver the needed help. Once the treatment is completed to the satisfaction of the counselor, an after action plan tailored to the individual is implemented.
"Sometimes Marines are scared," Lamont said. "But if they know they have a problem, they need to start utilizing the resources that are available to them. Life is in the palm of your hands. It's up to you to do something with it."