Substance abuse up among active duty personnel

Military drinking
A member of the U.S. Army drinks one of two allotted beers at a dining facility while soldiers gather to watch the Super Bowl XLIII at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006. American troops in Iraq were allowed to drink beer without fear of court-martial for this year's Super Bowl -- an exception to a strict military ban on drinking alcohol in combat zones.
Maya Alleruzzo/AP

New studies continue to show the toll war takes on those who fight them. Rates of prescription drug misuse and binge drinking among active duty personnel is on the rise. Other research shows possible signs of premature aging in American combat veterans. The suicide rate, a topic we covered on The Daily Circuit back in June, continues to rise.

What about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is causing this to happen, and is enough being done to address these problems?

William Milberg, co-director of Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders at the VA Boston Healthcare System and professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, will join the discussion alongside Regina McGlinchey, co-director of TRACTS and associate professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School. David Rudd, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Science and Ramsey Sulayman, legislative associate for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, will also join the discussion.

VIDEO: VA research explores mental health issues of PTSD and TBI

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