6/12/10: Governor Quinn Signs Law to Help Veterans With Addiction, Mental Health Disorders
6/12/10: Governor Quinn Signs Law To Help Veterans with Addiction, Mental Health Disorders – CHICAGO — June 12, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that creates the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act. The new law allows counties throughout Illinois to create special judicial courts for Veterans who may have mental health or substance abuse disorders. “Many of our brave servicemembers come home suffering from the effects of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injuries, substance abuse and other service-related disabilities,” said Governor Quinn. “This law will help us take better care of our Veterans who need treatment, not jail.” House Bill 5214, sponsored by Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) and Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-Crystal Lake), allows the chief judge of each judicial circuit in Illinois to create a Veteran and Servicemembers Court Program (VSCP) for military Veterans charged with nonviolent crimes. Veterans who receive approval for enrollment in the VSCP will receive mental health and substance abuse screenings, and must submit to treatment. Upon successful completion of the program, the original charge(s) may be dismissed. “This is groundbreaking legislation that allows qualifying veterans the opportunity to pay their debt to society while also receiving much-needed treatment for service-related disabilities,” said Dan Grant, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “It is a proven and successful method of restoring mind, body and spirit to a veteran in need.” The VSCP models other …
Male Military Veterans More Likely to Seek Alcohol Abuse Treatment
Filed under: drug abuse help for veterans
“The findings suggest not only that Veterans Affairs treatment is available to help young veterans who have a history of heavy drinking, but that it is an effective service outreach to young veterans that can improve their health and overall quality of …
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'Veterans Court' helps Los Angeles' ex-soldiers find the right path after …
Filed under: drug abuse help for veterans
Veterans Court, however, allowed him to avoid prison and receive mental health and substance abuse treatment instead. On Monday, Brown graduated from the program and Judge Miguel Tynan dismissed the charges against him. "I was in deep trouble," …
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Veterans Stand Down serves up help and hope
Filed under: drug abuse help for veterans
While eating a breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage links, Ducusin said he intends to take better care of himself, get help for his substance abuse issues, and realize his ambitions and goals. “I want to be something positive, not …
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Invisible War Wounds and the New Face of Addiction
Filed under: drug abuse help for veterans
Prescription drug abuse within the military has tripled between 2005 and 2008, and nearly one-third of our returning Iraq War Vets showed signs of alcohol abuse. Our soldiers frequently report their alcohol issues, yet they are rarely referred to …
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