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Veteran drug court helping addicts get clean

By Staff Writer

Many individuals turn to illicit substances, such as heroin, to deal with stress. Veterans are no different, and Nick from Eureka, Missouri, is one example of a former military official who found himself addicted to the drug.

The veteran, who did not want his full name disclosed, became dependent on heroin to cope with the horrific images he had seen during the September 11 terrorist attacks. Nick was at the Pentagon on the day when the airplane hit the building, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Eventually, Nick was brought to court on drug possession charges. However, he received the option to attend Veterans Treatment Court - an alternative to jail time that provides offenders with the opportunity to detoxify. Nick is scheduled to graduate after beginning the drug rehab program last January.

Participants are subject to intensive counseling, drug testing and meetings with representatives from the Veteran's Administration.

Approximately 7 million Americans suffer from PTSD annually, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Drug rehab programs developed by the state can help individuals manage the condition over time and become productive members of society.