September is “Treatment Works” Month, and it’s time to acknowledge the important role treatment plays in reducing alcohol and other drug addictions. Treatment programs come in all shapes and sizes, long or short-term residential treatment hospitals, therapeutic communities, and Intensive Outpatient Programs to name a few, and the results are promising. Study after study shows that, in addition to individuals reclaiming their lives, participation in treatment reduces medical costs, prison entries, overdose deaths, DUI accidents, and less of a burden on the criminal justice system, families who bury their loved ones, as well as government and other private systems that are impacted by drug and alcohol addiction. In short, treatment makes good sense because it is effective and saves money.
The success of treatment programs is not limited to one particular part of the country or one specific audience. In a recent report on the effectiveness of Substance Abuse Treatment, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cites numerous instances across the country where treatment has had a tremendously positive social and economic impact. Yet, it seems as if treatment’s effectiveness is addiction’s best-kept secret. Treatment for substance abuse problems should be as common as a household word as chemotherapy is for cancer patients. The fact is that people don’t believe that addiction is a disease that needs to and can be effectively treated, just like any other.
Many people say, “Using alcohol and other drugs is simply a matter of choice.” That may be true for the first-time user. Once addicted to drugs or alcohol, however, the disease takes over. Left untreated, this disease can affect everyone and everything surrounding the drug users and/or alcoholics. Mentally, the drug/alcohol addicted individual becomes obsessed with thoughts of using. Physically, they develop a compulsion to continue using, regardless of the consequences. Spiritually, they become totally self-centered in the course of their addiction. Scientists, doctors, and researchers concur that chronic, hardcore drug and alcohol use is a relapsing disease, and anyone suffering from a disease needs treatment.
In the United States, there are more than 18 million people abusing alcohol and another 5 million people who are abusing drugs other than alcohol. Twenty-five to forty percent (25-40%) of all people entering the hospital for care are admitted due to alcohol-related problems.
The good news is that this disease can be treated successfully given adequate resources. Substance Abuse Treatment is a good investment in America’s future because the long-term economic and social gains far outweigh the initial cost. Treatment for substance abuse directly translates into reduced crime and health care costs, stronger families, and increased productivity. Treatment programs not only benefit the substance abuser and his/her family, but we all benefit from the treatment programs.
It’s time to open our eyes to the fact that addiction needs treatment like any other life-threatening illness. The disease of addiction is fatal and incurable; however, it can be arrested through treatment programs. It’s time to open our ears and hear what researchers are saying about people who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. It is not a choice. It’s time to open our minds to the fact that treatment is an effective means of controlling addiction, and the longer a person is in treatment, the more impressive the results become. Finally, it’s time to open our hearts to the millions of people who are actively recovering from addiction, to support them in their efforts, and understand that recovery is a life-long proposition.
If you have an alcohol and/or other drug problem, you should do three things immediately. First, admit it to yourself and acknowledge that you do have a problem and that something must be done. Secondly, admit your problem to the members of your immediate family and/or closest friends. Mobilize your family and friends to help provide you with the strength and support needed.
Third, contact a treatment program or start attending 12 Step Meetings. Your future and your life depend on it.
This is Rev Dr. Wm. Rocky Brown, 3rd, letting you know that GOD and I Love you, and we approve this message because we want to motivate your mind, body, and soul. So be happy and enjoy the blessings of The LORD today, my friend!
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