Ft. Carson says more help for substance abuse, less stigma

Leaders at Fort Carson say soldiers have more access to help for substance abuse problems than ever before.

KRDO Newschannel 13 asked about resources at the Mountain Post after a report was released by an Institute of Medicine panel saying substance abuse in the military has become a “public health crisis,” and the Pentagon isn’t doing enough to address the problem.

“I don’t think we’re in crisis here,” said Kimberly Henry, Alcohol and Drug Control Officer with the Army’s Substance Abuse Program. “I just think we’re trying to stay ahead of the game and open more more doors for soldiers to come for help.”

Henry said there have been efforts to reduce stigma which may result in more troops admitting they have a problem.

“We’re more aware from ten years ago to now,” said Henry. “In the perception of things, it may seem worse, but in reality it’s, ‘I can now come forward.'”

According to the Pentagon, about one in four soldiers who served in Iraq or Afghanistan last year admitted to having a drinking problem. According to data from 2008, one in four soldiers admitted to abusing prescription drugs.

Something lacking at almost all military installations is confidential counseling. Fort Carson, however, lets soldiers talk to someone about substance abuse without it going on their formal record or supervisors being notified.

“People say it’s the army equivalent of AA, “said Henry. “Where soldiers come in, they can come in after duty hours, and see a counselor related to alcohol without telling their command.”

It’s a pilot program that’s only at 6 Army installations. One recommendation made by the Institute of Medicine report is that the program be expanded to all bases and adopted by the Navy, Air Force and Marines.