Pubdate: Mon, 03 Sep 2007 Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal (FL) Copyright: 2007 News-Journal Corporation Contact: http://www.news-journalonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/700 Note: gives priority to local writers Author: Randy Croy, Community Voice Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) TREATING ADDICTION SAVES LIVES September is "National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month," an opportunity to make people aware that quality substance-abuse treatment provided at the right time saves lives, lowers our taxes and creates a safer and healthier community. Research conclusively shows that substance abuse and mental illness are medical disorders. Our medical community works hard to identity and treat conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma. Shouldn't we do the same for mental illness or addiction disorders? It has been documented that more than 72 medical conditions have risk factors that can be attributed to substance abuse. An Institute of Medicine study documents that it costs society $43,200 per year for each person who remains untreated for addiction. According Columbia University's National Center on Addictions, it costs every man, woman and child in U.S. $1,000 in public funds to "mop up" for the problems caused by drug abuse. However, a more promising finding by the Rand Corporation is that for every $1 invested in substance abuse treatment, there is a $7 reduction in costs related to addictive disorders. Interestingly, almost 77 percent of adults classified with substance abuse or dependence are employed. Investing in treatment is associated with a 19 percent increase in employment and an 11 percent decrease in the number of clients who receive welfare. Job problems, such as absenteeism and on-the-job injuries are cut by an average of 75 percent among employees who have received treatment for substance abuse. At times, it seems incomprehensible to those of us in the treatment field that, with such high stakes, the demand for services so seriously exceeds our local capacity to meet it. As of this writing, Serenity House has more than 80 individuals on a waiting list to receive residential care. Every day, I receive telephone calls from family members and loved ones who plead for access to treatment. What can be done? First, consider being part of the solution by informing others as to the true costs of addiction and the value of treatment. Second, consider participating in some of the local Recovery Month events (see www.stewartmarchman.org). Third, consider supporting one of the local providers through donations, volunteerism or advocacy. The United Way of Volusia/Flagler has an excellent list of organizations that provide high-quality, cost-effective services. Finally, please consider thanking our elected officials who support treatment: U.S. Rep. John Mica, state Sen. Evelyn Lynn and state Rep. Joyce Cusack. Our "favorite son," NBA superstar Vince Carter, is a perfect role model for his support of Stewart Marchman's major treatment facility planned for Flagler County. Serenity House owes special gratitude to the members of the Volusia County Council for their recent purchase of a facility that will soon expand our community's treatment capacity by 76 beds. Please join this effort -- it's a matter of life or death. ==================== Croy is executive director of Serenity House of Volusia Inc. - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath