DRUG PROBLEMS OF IRAQ/AFGHAN VETS COULD DWARF THOSE OF VIETNAM ERA:

That is the alarming (but not surprising) headline of a news story in JoinTogether. And yet, when it comes to vets dependent on opiates (whether illicit drugs or prescribed painkillers), the DoD not only erects barriers but has an absolute bar against provision of the "gold standard" of care, "maintenance" with methadone or buprenorphine. TRICARE, the insurance policy for vets and their dependents, simply denies coverage for such treatment, without qualification or explanation. The article notes that only 1/4 to 1/3 of vets choose to get medical care through the VA - the only option for most of the others is TRICARE, but not if they need and want medication-based treatment for opiate dependence. And yet, US taxpayers fund methadone programs around the world - e.g., in Vietnam. Go figure! Full story click here>