Iraq Vets Face Mental Trauma, Drug Addictions

Enemy contact involves tactics, coordination, and concentrated firepower. Fighting an enemy in Baghdad or Fallujah, soldiers had an array of support which included air support, armour, and logistics.

Fighting a no less deadly enemy at home, these same veterans are often abandoned by the very system that sent them to Iraq.

“Drug addiction and alcoholism  are affecting almost 30% of the troops returning from Iraq,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director of Narconon Drug Rehab GA. “All Americans admire the courage and sacrifices these troops have made to keep our nation safe, no matter what their opinion is of the war itself. However, when fighting drug addiction or alcohol abuse, these same troops who have risked their lives often feel abandonded.”
 
According to The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University and Join Together, almost one in five Iraq veterans met criteria for either post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depression, and 31 percent met criteria for traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, or major depression.  These conditions tend to co-occur, often with substance abuse and drug addiction. 

The majority of such individuals who need substance abuse and other mental health services do not receive minimally adequate care, and fewer than 10 percent of those with alcohol problems are even referred for treatment.

Without appropriate care, they cannot function in our society, hold down jobs or raise families. Many join the homeless population; some are even driven to commit suicide.

“Organizations such as CASA and Join Together are to be congratulated for their efforts in bringing this problem to the public’s attention,” comments Ms. Rieser. ‘The incidence of drug use among returning vets may have an adverse effect on our society in the near future.

"Unfortunately, our vets, and the population at large, are not fully educated on the dangers these vets face. We as a Nation need to become educated on not only the dangers of illegal drug abuse, but also prescription drug abuse, and help these courageous men and women in what might be a fight for their lives."

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Call Narconon Drug Rehab in Georgia at 1-877-413-3073.
      
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