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.