ADDICTION HAS HUGE IMPACT ON ALL OF SOCIETY

The problem of addiction is much easier to ignore than to confront.
As a nation, we tend to marginalize those who fuel their bodies with
drugs or alcohol. We're more inclined to show pity or disdain, rather
than understanding. "Why can't they just stop?" we often ask, without
really pursuing an answer.

But our society pays dearly for addiction in terms of broken lives,
dysfunctional families, unproductive workplaces and unsafe streets.

Perhaps if we were willing to better understand the issue, we could
make better progress in helping people recover.

The Substance Abuse Council's Celebrate Recovery Committee on
Thursday held a town hall forum. The event included a screening of
the HBO documentary series "Addiction," as well as a panel discussion
as part of Celebrate Recovery Month during September. It was one of
many similar public forums being held across the country to educate
people about addiction.

Among the points that the sessions seek to convey is that addiction
is not a "choice," but rather a disease of the brain, caused by a
variety of genetic and psychosocial factors.

Overcoming addiction is not a matter of "will power" but rather of
seeking help through a number of evidence-based medical and
behavioral treatments. The technology of brain imaging has allowed
scientists to see how the brain of an addicted person is affected by
the addiction. This has led to the development of effective treatments.

Such treatments are not sudden, "miracle" cures but rather usually
involve sustained efforts related to a scientific-based regimen
monitored by health professionals.

In addition to treatment, family and friends often are vital in
overcoming addiction - just as a person with any disease benefits
from the support of those close to them.

That is why it is important that we all try to better understand
addiction and its implications. Addiction is far more prevalent than
most of us want to admit. It is estimated that one in four Americans
has a family member who is struggling with the disease. And while
there are approximately 23.2 million Americans who need treatment for
illicit drug or alcohol abuse problems, only about 10 percent
actually receive treatment.

We need to do a better job of helping those who want to overcome
addiction. The first step is creating a better understanding of the issue.

The town hall sessions involving the HBO series are a project of
AddictionAction.org, a partnership of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions
of America, Faces and Voices of Recovery, and Join Together.

If you missed last Thursday's session sponsored by the Substance
Abuse Council, the information also is available at
www.addictionaction.org. You can go online to view the HBO series, as
well as how to get involved in helping fight addiction in your community.