Army Tests Confidential Alcohol Abuse Program

Army Tests Confidential Alcohol Abuse Program
by PATRICIA MURPHY

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July 13, 2011
About 20 percent of Army personnel report problem drinking. The number is statistically similar to the civilian population, but a recent study by the Department of Defense finds that binge drinking is increasing among the ranks.

In response, the Army has been testing a new program to reach out to soldiers in need of help by offering a confidential treatment option.

Army research shows that many soldiers are reluctant to seek help because it involves notifying unit command. Binge drinking — defined as five or more drinks in a row — is often intertwined with soldiers' mental health issues like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The results can be deadly: accidents, suicide and family violence.

The Army's Confidential Alcohol Treatment Education Pilot, or CATEP, is designed to get soldiers into treatment before they have an alcohol-related incident. Since the CATEP pilot program started at three military installations in 2009, it's been expanded to six. There are 38 soldiers enrolled in the program at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.

The base sits in the middle of State Trooper Guy Gill's patrol area.
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Army Tests Confidential Alcohol Abuse Program