ARMY RESTRUCTURING SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FOLLOWING CRITICAL REPORTS

In a recent interview, Army Secretary John McHugh has revealed that the Army's programs for treating soldier alcohol and substance abuse are shifting back to the Army Medical Command from the Installation Management Command. The change comes following a disturbing report from USA Today that detailed the sharp decline in treatment under the Installation Management Command's oversight and a shocking number of suicides among the soldiers who'd received treatment.

As USA Today reports, the shift in oversight came in 2010 when, in a controversial decision, the Army pulled the programs away from Army Medical Command. Under the Installation Management Command, Army clinics treating addiction experienced an alarming decline in standards and much of the veteran personnel reportedly left clinics as under qualified personnel began running the programs.

USA Today's initial report revealed that, since 2010, 90 soldiers who had received treatment had committed suicide. An additional 31 suicides were recorded by clinical staff. In speaking with both former and current clinical staff, USA Today reports that about 3,500 of the 7,000 soldiers screened for alcohol and abuse issues and released with a clean bill of health should have received further treatment and counseling.

A MUCH-NEEDED SHIFT IN APPROACH

The reorganization of these substance abuse programs under Army Medical Command-- which is expected to be complete by October 2016-- is being lauded by experienceds and advocates alike. Former director of clinical services for the Army's substance-abuse program Wanda Kuehr told the paper that "safeguards must ensure that (treatment) clinicians continue to be licensed, trained and certified in substance abuse rehabilitation. If not, soldiers' treatment is not likely to be optimal. In fact, it may well put the soldiers at risk."

Additionally, the Army is moving many of these clinics to be "embedded" in combat brigades, recognizing the substantial correlation between PTSD and combat-related brain injuries with continued substance abuse. Officials believe that the move will also help lessen the stigma many feel about receiving substance abuse help. "Their mental health care and their substance-abuse treatment can be delivered in the same location," said Army Lt. Col. Chris Ivany, director of behavior health. "The people providing that care can make sure it's coordinated and risk is managed even better than it is now."

Are you a military member facing a drug or alcohol-related charge? Then your rights and needs need to effectively spoken for. Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law is a highly sought-after military defense lawyer with more than a decade of experience in the U.S. Army. He has traveled to defend military personnel stationed all over the world and built his reputation on securing favorable results on their behalf.

You do have a choice in defense counsel. Retain an advocate ready to stand with you during this difficult time by calling us at (866) 971-4355 today.


A military attorney performs many of the same duties as his civilian counterpart. The difference is that the attorney works for and with military personnel. Military legal personnel participate in court proceedings in courtrooms on military bases all across the globe.


 

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