DRUG ADDICTION AS A DISEASE

In the midst of all of the task forces, drug arrests, and violent crimes
committed as a result of the drug problem, many have asked what can be done
to rehabilitate drug users. Drug and alcohol treatment facilities and
programs have formed in large numbers over the past two decades, and most
of them focus on treating drug addiction as a disease, rather than a mere
behavioral problem.

A Public Broadcasting report featuring psychologist Dr. Janet Firshein
showcased the fact that addiction to alcohol and other drugs is a
phenomenon that has been "clouded by myth, misunderstanding and moral
judgments. The very nature of the problem - what addiction is - has long
been debated. Most people probably continue to think of addiction -
particularly to illicit drugs - as primarily a moral or character problem,
something caused by degeneracy or lack of willpower."

Firshein's report also states, "Scientific research into addiction,
however, has led experts to conclude that addiction is actually a disease,
a chronic illness like diabetes or hypertension."

Donna Danelutt of Caradale Lodge in Sylacauga said she thinks treatment of
drug addiction as a disease would help curb the number of drug-related
arrests and crime.

"We spend a lot of money on law enforcement to arrest these people and put
them in jail," Danelutt said. "But that kind of money is not being spent on
actual treatment."

She said she thinks many of the people arrested for drug offenses end up
committing those crimes again because the addiction was never treated.

"I think what is happening is that these people are going to jail, and when
they get out they go back to drug use," she said.

"If they were treated for their addiction before they went to jail or upon
their release, maybe we wouldn't have the problems we have."

Caradale Lodge, which is the only drug treatment facility in Talladega
County, offers both an outpatient and inpatient program.

The facility is part of the Cheaha Substance Abuse Program, and conducts
its program in several locations throughout the county.

"Before anyone can get in, you must have a psycho-social assessment,"
Danalutt said. "That gets a good bit of information because it deals with
your history and drug background. After the assessment, we can make a
recommendation as to where this person should be placed."

She said the program at Caradale focuses on 12-step programs for the
treatment of alcohol and drug addiction.

"We give them the tools to understand their addiction and we help them find
alternatives to their addiction."

Caradale Lodge is located at 1721 Old Birmingham Highway in Sylacauga. For
more information on the program, contact the lodge at 256-249-2395.