Nearly 300,000 veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom have been seen by the VA Health Care system, and over 40 percent of these individuals were diagnosed with mental health conditions. 

Separating from military service can be a very difficult transition.  Mental and physical wounds make it even more difficult for a veteran to adjust. 

Unfortunately, many veterans turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their mental and physical wounds.

According to the VA Health Care Utilization Among US Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Veterans, VA Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards January 2008, 48,661 OEF/OIF veterans have met criteria for substance use disorder. 

This number only reflects veterans who have been seen by the Veterans Health Administration, which means that the total number of veterans with substance use disorder is likely higher. 

According to the November 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 7 percent of veterans met the criteria for a past year substance use disorder, and approximately one-quarter of veterans age 18 to 25 met the criteria for a past year substance use disorder. 

Lower income veterans also have a higher prevalence of substance use disorder. 

To address this issue, Ranking Member Miller and I introduced the Veterans Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008. 

Our legislation will require the VA to provide the full continuum of care for substance use disorder, and it will require this full spectrum of care to be available at every VA medical center. 

Our legislation will also direct the VA to conduct a pilot program for internet-based substance use disorder treatment for veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.  This will enable our newest generation of veterans to overcome the stigma associated with seeking treatment and receive the necessary care in a comfortable and secure setting. 

This bill is not a finished product and I appreciate the comments from the witnesses today. 

Substance abuse can tear apart families and ruin lives.  I look forward to working with the VA, my colleagues and interested stakeholders to ensure that the appropriate care and treatment is available throughout the VA system, and that we explore new ways to encourage our newest generation of heroes to seek help.