Substance Abuse/Addiction: Command or Medical Responsibility?

Maj Kim Patterson — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 03:44:50 -0400

In a recent USA TODAY article, "The Army is placing medical officials in charge of substance abuse treatment for soldiers in the wake of a USA TODAY investigation that uncovered poor treatment and a spike in suicides among those suffering addiction." This move follows a change to Management Command in 2010.

"The Army plans call for placing substance-abuse counselors within mental health clinics now "embedded" with combat brigades to make care more accessible and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. Currently, drug and alcohol counselors work in separate clinics on each Army base."

Although the article specifically cites the USA, where does it belong across the services?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Oct 21 at 2015 3:48 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 03:48:14 -0400

I would say a command responsibility to get their service members the medical treatment they need. BUT, also a medical responsibility to ensure that the members are receiving the proper level of care.

So in other words, it's both a command and a medical responsibility though I would say the brunt of it should be on the command to get the member treatment in the first place.

Make sense?

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Oct 21 at 2015 5:39 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 05:39:20 -0400

IMO it should be a medical responsibility.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 6:53 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 06:53:57 -0400

Both. Leaders cans use their "command influence" to get the soldier to treatment and if neede to keep him there. Medical needs to find a treatment that is accountable to the soldier so he can see results, thus he'll want to complete the treatment.

We know if the soldier is not commited, nothing will work.

So, in hindsight, the soldier has to be added to the mix. The Soldier needs to want it, Command needs to be the conduit to get the Soldier treatment, and Medical has to devise a treatment that works.

De Oppresso Liber.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Oct 21 at 2015 9:31 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 09:31:28 -0400

Maj Kim Patterson Medical, but I feel that Command needs to be aware of the what the deal is. Commanders need to be aware so that they can make the tough decisions, regardless of MOS/AFSC/Specialty. Medical should be in the treatment business, COs should be in the leadership business.
The only stigma reduction will be from those who "self report". Those in denial may have issues in performance that get noticed...ergo stigma.