Pubdate: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY) Copyright: 2002 Messenger-Inquirer Contact: http://www.messenger-inquirer.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) MANY CONCERNED OVER DROP IN DETOX BEDS More Substance Abuse Treatment Options Needed Local substance abuse specialists and elected officials have understandably expressed concern over Owensboro Mercy Health System's decision to cut its number of detox beds for patients addicted to drugs. OMHS completed the reorganization of its detoxifying unit in early November, cutting its number of beds from eight to two, and moving rehabilitation services off campus. The move has caused some to question whether those in need of help can get the treatment they need locally. But it's hard to find fault in what OMHS has done. The hospital says that, on average, only two beds were being used a day, and the unit lost $1 million last year. The easy argument is to say that if the detox unit is able to save even one life, it's worth $1 million, or however much it would cost. But it's unrealistic to expect the hospital to operate in that manner. If every department were managed with that mind-set, the hospital wouldn't be around very long. Energies could be better channeled by not focusing on the hospital but rather why this move by the hospital became necessary. It would be naive to suggest that this region doesn't have a problem with substance abuse. So the question should be asked: Why is it that, on average, only two beds each day were being used in the detox unit? The answer likely lies in a combination of factors: People don't know what treatment options exist; they simply refuse to seek help; or they can't afford the treatment that is available. Part of the problem with detox units at hospitals is that the cost is nearly triple that of treatment provided by community health programs, and insurance companies are cutting the number of days they will pay for treatment in a hospital. It would seem more affordable options are needed, and a better job must be done in not only educating the public about treatment options, but providing the support and encouragement needed to ensure people seek help. The issue of substance abuse treatment was an important one to outgoing city commissioner Olive Burroughs, who seemed to have a good handle on the problem. "We're not providing the treatment that's needed in this community," Burroughs said earlier this year. "We have to create an environment where people aren't ashamed to seek treatment. Substance abuse is an epidemic in this community." Burroughs was a proponent of a local residential substance abuse treatment center. She, along with City Manager Ron Payne, hosted a meeting in May to look at what gaps exist and what could be done to improve the delivery of substance abuse care. In Burroughs' absence, it will be imperative that city officials continue the commitment to addressing this issue. The idea of a treatment facility may prove unrealistic, but that shouldn't derail efforts to fill the gaps in care. Daviess County has a lot of dedicated people -- both in law enforcement and substance abuse treatment and prevention -- working diligently to curb the local drug problem. Without adequate treatment options, however, they will never be able to fully break the cycle of substance abuse in this community. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake