Pubdate: Thu, 28 Mar 2002 Source: Bucks County Courier Times (PA) Copyright: 2002 Calkins Newspapers. Inc. Contact: http://www.phillyburbs.com/feedback/content_cti.shtml Website: http://www.phillyburbs.com/couriertimes/index.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1026 Author: Joan Marie Brown Note: Joan Marie Brown is a resource director at Libertae Halfway and Family House, Bensalem. Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh