WHAT YOU CAN DO

With Intervention And Treatment, Addicts Can Reclaim Their Lives

What can you do if someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol?
Every day, people we know put themselves and others at risk due to
addictions. Although the decision to drink alcohol or use illegal
drugs is a matter of choice, many become addicted. The disease of
addiction is often progressive and fatal.

The economic cost of addiction is staggering. In the United States
alone in 2000, costs for addiction-related health care, law
enforcement, crime and lost productivity were estimated at $160.7
billion, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Many states spend more on addiction/abuse annually than on education.

Addiction treatment has proven to be a cost-effective remedy.
Treatment restores addicts to productivity, produces reductions in
healthcare costs, reunification and preservation of family units and
safer neighborhoods. Each child removed from foster care and reunited
with his or her family saves $3,600 per year. A yearly savings of
$6,000 results for each person who leaves welfare and becomes
employed. A $48,000 to $150,000 savings is realized for each baby
delivered uncomplicated by substance abuse.

At a time when treatment outcomes indicate huge savings over the cost
of addiction, state Rep. Gene DiGirolamo will hold public hearings on
drug and alcohol funding from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19 at the
Bensalem Township building.

The drugs available on our streets and in the schools are highly
addictive. One heroin addict, who lost her brother to an overdose,
was admitted to Libertae Halfway House for treatment. After six
months of intense therapy, she overcame the addiction, secured a good
job, custody of her child, and is a productive member of our
community.

Marijuana can be laced with deadly components, including embalming
fluid (formaldehyde). Ecstasy, PCP and other pills can be cut with
additives such as powdered bleach or rat poison to increase
profitability for the drug dealers.

Alcohol is the No. 1 drug of choice in Bucks, according to the county
Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency. It reports increased usage of
heroin, marijuana and cocaine.

Evaluation at a drug and alcohol assessment center is necessary to
determine the extent of a problem, and the treatment needed. No one
makes a decision about treating a heart problem, diabetes, or any
medical condition without a comprehensive medical evaluation.

Treatment options include:

Long-term residential care with intense clinical therapy, life skills
and job training.

Comprehensive medical and psychological services, in- and outpatient
care, including detoxification, physical, spiritual and emotional
services.

Youth services, including long- and short-term inpatient treatment,
outpatient re-entry/halfway house.

Living with addictions can be a demoralizing experience for the
addicts and those who love them.

Family members can contact Al Anon at 215-222-5244 or Nar-Anon at
215-446-8452 to learn how to care for themselves, and allow the
addict the dignity to do for himself or herself what is needed to
recover.

If you know someone who is experimenting with drugs, or struggling
with addiction, remember that assessment is essential for proper
treatment and intervention. The first step is get help. Don't
hesitate. Call these assessors for information: Bucks County Council
on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency, 215-345-6644; Aldie Counseling
Center, 215-345-8530; Livengrin Foundation, 1-800-245-4746; Penn
Foundation Recovery Center, 1-800-245-7366 / 215-257-9999; Family
Services Association, 215-757-6916; Jewish Family Services,
215-934-5551; Northwest Human Services, 215-788-5800; Today Inc.,
215-968-4713; Warminster Hospital Detox & Assessment, 215-441-6770.

Also, Libertae Halfway and Family House, Bensalem, provides three-to
12-month residential treatment for parenting women, 18 and older,
with up to three children; and nonparenting women recovering from
chemical addiction. Call 215-639-8681, ext. 219.

Joan Marie Brown is a resource director at Libertae Halfway and
Family House, Bensalem.