Drug & Alcohol Abuse in the Military
By: Charlotte Ames
Updated: September 17, 2012
A new report calls for a change in the way the military handles alcohol and drug abuse. The Institute of Medicine says addictions are increasing in the armed forces and that new approaches are needed to prevent and treat substance abuse.
Government numbers show 11% of active duty personnel reported misusing prescription drugs. And almost half are binge drinking .
The panel says screening and intervention should be part of basic medical care and that military health professionals need better training. And the report says patients also need more access to services that work.
The Department of Defense says it's looking at the recommendations and will work on areas if they need improvement.
Government numbers show 11% of active duty personnel reported misusing prescription drugs. And almost half are binge drinking .
The panel says screening and intervention should be part of basic medical care and that military health professionals need better training. And the report says patients also need more access to services that work.
The Department of Defense says it's looking at the recommendations and will work on areas if they need improvement.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.