Pubdate: Sat, 29 Aug 2015
Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2015 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.utsandiego.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386
Note: Seldom prints LTEs from outside it's circulation area.
Author: Mandy Manalastas
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n475/a07.html

THOSE WHO NEED HELP SHOULDN'T BE PUNISHED

The article related to heroin addiction ("The rising epidemic of 
heroin addiction," Aug. 21) showed the painful reality of how many 
lives are victimized by this epidemic. The piece addresses national 
and local statistics and what is being done politically and fiscally 
to reduce the problem. However, I believe more people would benefit 
by knowing more about available treatments.

Despite new laws, such as Propositions 36 and 47 preferring treatment 
rather than punishment for addicts, there is still a negative stigma 
attached to treatment.

Idealistically, more people are drawn toward abstinence but are less 
cognizant about the high effectiveness of harm reduction and 
medically assisted treatment. As a local clinician, I've personally 
witnessed multiple transformations utilizing methadone treatment at 
SOAP MAT (treatment program) in Oceanside. If you need help, enroll 
in medically assisted treatment today.

Mandy Manalastas

Oceanside
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom