CHAT TRANSCRIPT FOR THE FRAYING SAFETY NET: WAGING WAR ON ADDICTION

Welcome to today's online discussion with PG staff writer Steve Twedt about
his recent series: (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05219/550111.stm)The
Fraying Safety Net: Waging War On Addiction

JO: After having researched the use of treatment options as a necessity for
drug users in the area, do you feel that it is unreasonable for the loved
ones of those caught in the addictions of heroin and other drugs to believe
that the user is "clean" if they have not gone through any sort of
rehabilitation, whether public or private? Who is to force the issue of
rehabilitation if the resources are being depleted?

Steve Twedt: Hi Jo, I imagine "rehab" can take many forms and not
necessarily involve any formal program. But believing someone is clean is
not as certain as knowing, and it is not uncommon for users and their
families to mistakenly convince themselves that the problem is not that
bad. I would think the family would want a professional opinion.

bill: This is probably more of a comment than a question but on my bus into
work everyday it passes by what I guess is an out patient drug rehab, but
what I don't get is that they don't seem to be helping those people that
get on my bus, because all they talk about is that they can get this drug
for x amount of $ and sell this one for X in this area and so forth. Common
sense tells me it might be lack of funding that is slowing their rehab, but
is there anything in place that gets people like the ones I see on the bus
moved to another level of rehab, or do we wait until they get arrested to
get to that next level?

Steve Twedt: We talked to former drug users who said they went through
previous rehabs half-heartedly, looking for nothing more than a "tune-up"
before going back on the streets. A detox may get the drug out of their
system, but not get it out of their lifestyle. That's why the jail programs
were so striking -- the inmates basically relearned how to lead their daily
lives without the drugs or alcohol. It probably takes funding, but it most
certainly takes time.

joe: my son is a heroin addict. he stole our credit card to make purchases
in exchange for drugs. we have given up on drug rehab programs and are
considering pressing charges against him in hopes of getting him help
through the justice system. I would rather see him alive in jail than dead
on the streets. After reading your article, I have some hope. However, I
fear he may go to jail because of me and get lost in the system and not get
help. Any advice for me?

Steve Twedt: There are many families who have faced similarly tough
choices, and knowing the right thing to do is not easy. Yes, the jail
programs show success. But, by definition, participants come out with a
criminal record that could make re-integration into the community a hard
road. Pressing charges is an extreme measure but, as you point out, it
certainly is preferable to a life-threatening existence on the streets. I
would recommend getting in touch with the county's Office of Behavioral
Health as a start. They may have some guidance for you. Good luck.

JO: Good afternoon. Steve, what steps do you feel are necessary to both
control the growing drug problem and also assist those suffering from
addiction, although money seems sparse?

Steve Twedt: People more expert than me have wrestled with this question
for years. It does seem to me that we might consider rethinking our
approach, though, starting with the traditional 28-day rehab stay. One
state prison official told me that if someone can get clean after a 28-day
stay, they likely would have done it on their own eventually anyway. On the
other hand, for hard-core users, 28 days is not long enough to break a
habit that's been years in the making.

bill: So what besides the control that prisons have over the prisoners are
these out reach programs lacking? I do realize that the prisons having
control over the inmates is a big thing, but I hate see my tax dollars go
to waste on the out reach programs that don't work, and would rather have
them go to the prison's drug rehabs which seem to work

Steve Twedt: I see your point. The question is, is there something short of
a prison setting where people get effective treatment, even if it involves
involuntary confinement? Prison is very expensive, and everybody comes out
with a record. Drug courts seem another possibility that Pennsylvania could
explore further. But it would seem everyone would benefit if effective
treatment could be provided before crimes get committed.