Scottish veterans 'need access to treatment for addiction'

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by Change | 12 Feb 2009

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A group has been launched to help Scottish veterans receive treatment for their drug and alcohol addiction problems.

An organisation has been launched which offers drug and alcohol addiction support for veterans returning from overseas, which could include rehabilitation centres.

The First Base Agency in Dumfries offers counselling and has received funding from the Scottish government, the BBC reports.

Mark Falkland, speaking on behalf of the agency, says help with drug and alcohol addiction must be provided whatever people's opinions of the conflicts the veterans have fought in.

He tells the news provider if the country can afford to send the troops overseas it can make the funding available to help them rehabilitate into society on their return.

Mr Falkland states: "We are way behind the Americans on this, they are much, much better at looking after their veterans than we are - but hopefully that is now beginning to change."

The organisation will facilitate ex-soldiers accessing rehab clinics, counselling and addiction support provisions, the source reports.

Recently, Dr Nora Volkow, director of the US National Institute of Health's National Institute on Drug Abuse, told Reuters more addiction treatment centres were needed for troops returning from overseas.

She claimed substance abuse problems are more difficult to treat in those who have been in combat and could be suffering the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.

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