Which of the following is a goal of the Coast Guard drug and alcohol policy?

• A. Reduce incidence of substance and alcohol abuse by CG members
• B. Prohibit all on-duty caffeine use
• C. Increase penalties for all minor misconduct
• D. Replace counseling with punitive measures

Answer: (A)

The main aim of the Coast Guard drug and alcohol policy is to reduce the incidence of substance and alcohol abuse among Coast Guard members, which supports safety, health, and mission readiness. The policy emphasizes prevention, education, early identification, and access to counseling or treatment, while also holding members accountable for violations. This balanced approach helps people stay safe and stay capable in their duties, rather than relying on punishment alone.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: prohibiting all on-duty caffeine use isn’t the policy’s focus, since caffeine isn’t the kind of impairment the policy targets; increasing penalties for all minor misconduct isn’t aligned with the emphasis on prevention and treatment alongside accountability; and replacing counseling with punitive measures would undermine the rehabilitative and preventive components that are central to reducing abuse and maintaining readiness.