Federal Agencies Collaborate for Military Substance Abuse Research
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism (NIAAA), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are collaborating with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to create a funding project to support research on substance abuse and associated problems among US military personnel, veterans, and their families. The $7 million project will focus on the causes, prevention, and treatment of substance abuse, as well as screening and identification.
Many military personnel need help confronting a variety of war-related problems upon their return, including traumatic brain injury, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and substance abuse. Many of these problems are interconnected and contribute to health and family issues, yet there has been little research on how to prevent and treat these unique substance abuse issues.
"Active duty military personnel and the community of veterans have sacrificed so much for our country that we owe them nothing less than the best that research can offer," said Acting NIH Director Raynard S. Kington, M.D., Ph.D.
The collaboration was prompted by a meeting held in January 2009 to gain a better understanding of the substance abuse intervention needs of military personnel, veterans, and their families and to develop recommendations for prevention and treatment. This project is specific to those serving (or who have served) in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Working in collaboration with key federal agencies, we hope to learn more about how to address the array of social and emotional problems caused by the trauma of war that bring so much pain to soldiers and their families," said NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow. "Even though they are no longer in combat, many of these brave men and women are now fighting substance addiction—another dangerous enemy."
NIAAA Acting Director Kenneth Warren added, "The transition period as soldiers withdraw from battlefield stress and face the rigors of re-adjusting to life at home can be a critical turning point. This partnership will enhance our efforts to find solutions to the complex alcohol and substance abuse problems that plague our soldiers and their families.”
Each agency will fund grants that are relevant to its mission: NIDA will fund $2 million, NIAAA $2 million, NCI $1 million, and the VA $2 million. As the research evolves, the VA will look for new tools to confront the complex problems that threaten its patients.
Dr. Joel Kupersmith, the VA's chief research and development officer, said, "VA has long supported a strong research program for veterans, and this request for applications provides the opportunity to clearly focus on essential issues encountered by the newest generation of veterans in conjunction with federal partners."
