ADDICTION TREATMENT DESERVES MORE SUPPORT

Drug and alcohol addiction is a subject most prefer not to discuss
over the dining room table. However, given the enormity of the
problems that substance abuse causes families and society, it is well
past the time to engage in an intelligent and proactive discussion.

Historically, we wait until the pain and tragedy of addiction is in
our face before we act. We wait until our frustrated citizens are
driven to patrolling their own neighborhoods and holding "No Ice"
signs on the roadsides. We wait until that DUI arrest finally
arrives, after somehow being avoided for so many years. We wait until
the house has been foreclosed and the job is lost, again. We wait
until we can no longer avoid the dysfunction, the unusual behavior
patterns, and the myriad of other signs of abuse and addiction.

Besides the suffering aspects, the cost of addiction is itself
prohibitive to taxpayers. There are huge costs to health care plans,
expensive emergency room use at hospitals and exorbitant costs to our
judiciary and prison systems. We cannot wait anymore.

This year, however, can be different. We have the rare opportunity to
take meaningful steps toward treatment and recovery.

Addiction treatment and support is available to those who are willing
to take that first step out of denial and demonstrate a willingness
to traverse the sometimes difficult path to recovery.

There are nationally accredited clinical treatments that demonstrate
superior outcomes, drug courts with oversight by tough-love judges,
interdiction and interventions, and structured self-help groups that
provide hands-on support.

Faith-based and cultural approaches provide the needed support for
many, and still others find their salvation through psychotherapy
with individual counseling.

Yes, treatment is available, but most are unaware or still stuck in
denial. Clearly much more needs to be done.

Drug addiction, like alcoholism, is a sickness. And in our society,
people who are sick deserve treatment. Especially when you understand
that what we are doing now isn't working.

Our nation and our Hawaii are on the verge of undergoing a major
overhaul in the manner in which medical services will be delivered
and paid. Addiction-treatment professionals must be at the table and
part of that very important discussion.

Residential facilities are perpetually short of bed space and people
without adequate insurance are often excluded from access to the help
and treatment they require.

Parity with regards to medical insurance is an essential component in
order to provide adequate treatment for those in need and who seek help.

The appropriate electronic management of patient information remains
a recurring challenge. We must develop the information technology in
our health care system that can provide the efficient and appropriate
access to patient data as a means to improve treatment effectiveness,
avoid duplication and reduce costs.

Clean and sober houses are essential for the successful transition of
those in recovery and yet are far too often blocked by a misinformed
NIMBY mindset. We must take a comprehensive look at the overall needs
of our entire community before additional laws are passed further
restricting their transitional use.

We have the services available that can help provide the treatment
and the support for you, for a friend or a family member. But we can,
and we must, do more.

Yes, it is a new day in Hawaii -- and members of the Hawaii Substance
Abuse Coalition are here to work with you, to help bring this new day forward.