The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart.
Robert Green Ingersoll
The Army needs to double its staff of substance abuse counselor to deal with the increasing numbers of soldiers requiring treatment for alcohol addiction. General Peter Chiarelli, the Army’s vice chief of staff, said that about 300 more counselors are needed to meet the demand. This would include offering counseling services at night and on the weekends.
In 2009, 9,199 soldiers enrolled in treatment for alcohol addiction. This was a 56 percent increase from 2003 when the war in Iraq started. According to data from the Army, 16,388 soldiers received counseling last year. In 2003, 5,873 soldiers received treatment and 11, 309 received counseling.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that since 2001 and being involved in two wars…that we probably have a higher incidence of alcohol abuse,” Chiarelli said.
www.thetreatmentcenter.com