Sen. introduces military substance abuse bill

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Sen. introduces military substance abuse bill
By Malia Rulon - Gannett News Service
Posted : Tuesday Feb 24, 2009 18:28:02 EST

WASHINGTON — Sen. Claire McCaskill is calling for the overhaul of alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs used throughout the armed forces.

McCaskill, D-Mo., and Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., introduced a bill Tuesday to require a review and study of existing programs, after problems such as understaffing, mismanagement and lack of confidentiality were brought to her attention by a whistleblower at the Fort Leonard Wood Army Base.

“The situation at Fort Leonard Wood was unacceptable, and now we need to make sure it’s not happening at other bases across the country and around the world,” McCaskill said. “It is time for the military to face the problem of substance abuse head on — that requires command emphasis, resources and a treatment focused plan.”

A phone message requesting comment was left at the public affairs office at Fort Leonard Wood.

According to the senators, more soldiers have needed treatment from the Army Substance Abuse Program following deployment to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/02/gns_senator_substance_abuse_022409/%2e