Treatment, Not Incarceration for Vets

NEW BEDFORD, MA — U.S. Sen. John Kerry and U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy used New Bedford District Court as a backdrop Monday to announce legislation that would create drug courts across the country similar to New Bedford’s program.

Joined by local politicians, judges and veterans advocates, the Massachusetts senator and Rhode Island congressman said the Services, Education and Rehabilitation for Veterans Act will help servicemen and women receive treatment — rather than incarceration — for substance abuse struggles.

“The warrior still faces certain challenges when they return home,” said Kerry, noting a study last year that found one in six veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan struggle with substance abuse.

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