Pubdate: Thu, 11 Dec 2003
Source: Valdosta Daily Times (GA)
Copyright: 2003 Valdosta Daily Times
Contact:  http://www.sgaonline.com/communities/valdosta.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1156

FACILITY NEEDED FOR ADDICTS' CARE

The loss of Smith Hospital's long-term care facility for patients with 
substance abuse problems is truly unfortunate for our community.

The residential facility is housed in the old hospital building in Hahira, 
which won't pass building codes without a minimum $250,000 investment. It's 
jointly operated by Smith Northview Hospital and Behavioral Health Services 
of South Georgia.

After Dec. 23, those who have been treated for detoxification from 
addictions will have no place to go but home after being released from 
Smith Northview's main hospital. The Hahira facility had allowed up to 29 
patients to remain in supervised conditions for up to 100 days. It has 
remained full since opening in July 2002.

Outpatient programs will continue to be available locally, but the closest 
residential programs are in Tifton, Thomasville and Waycross, and they have 
waiting lists.

Anyone who has known an alcoholic or drug addict realizes the circumstances 
of the person's life often impede his or her recovery. Returning to 
problems with finances or relationships or the simple stress of everyday 
life can be an insurmountable challenge.

An addict can be helped considerably through an interim phase in a more 
controlled environment. They often need constant support that might be 
harder to find at home. Finally, there might simply too much temptation at 
home if other family members have problems with drugs or alcohol.

We urge another hospital or healthcare entity to help Behavioral Health 
Services meet this important need.

Our society usually has no problem finding jail cells for even the most 
minor criminal. It should be made an equal priority to provide support for 
the recovering addict.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman