HEROIN EPIDEMIC

Kudos to the Chicago Tribune for "Suburbia's heroin addiction" (Page
1, Aug. 1). With this article the Tribune sheds light on the stark
reality that is the growing heroin epidemic in Illinois. This is
backed up by the recently released study from Roosevelt University
that found that Chicago leads the nation in heroin use as well as the
number of emergency room visits resulting from heroin overdose.

Historically the perception of a heroin user is someone who is
bedraggled and poor with track marks covering his arms. However, as
the article points out, there is a growing number of young, middle-
and upper-class suburbanites using heroin. Regardless of who is
struggling with this disease, the only way we are going to address
this crisis is by making funding for prevention and treatment services
a priority.

Research supports the fact that addiction can be prevented and treated
successfully. However, only a small percentage of people who are
addicted are actually able to access treatment. Over the last several
years, addiction prevention and treatment services have been subjected
to budget cuts, increasing the waiting lists for treatment services in
Illinois. While state budget constraints continue to be a reality, the
state must concentrate its priorities on preventing and treating this
disease.

Why must we continue to see front-page news about more heroin deaths
yet do nothing to provide the necessary funding to save these lives?

- - Sara M. Howe, CEO, Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association,
Springfield