Pubdate: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 Source: Maui News, The (HI) Contact: 2003 The Maui News Website: http://www.mauinews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2259 Author: Christina Fisher Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) Note: The author is the Maui County substance abuse coordinator, chair of the Icebreakers Committee and the volunteer chair of the Maui Mental Health Association in Maui. She lives in Haiku. To read about the "ice epidemic" in Hawaii, go to http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Hawaii. COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH NEEDED FOR ADDICTION TREATMENT September marks the 14th annual observance of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. The theme for 2003 is "Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Health." Considering the media coverage on "ice" addiction and skyrocketing underage drinking statistics in Hawaii (Editorial, Sept. 15), it is a fitting time to dedicate ourselves to bringing awareness to the issue of those who are in need of alcohol and drug treatment, including those with co-occurring disorders. Make no mistake. Treatment is effective and we need to make policy changes and more funding available so that recovery is possible. A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association compared treatment for drug dependence, including alcohol, with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and asthma. The study concluded that medical adherence and relapse rates are similar across these illnesses. Drug dependence generally has been treated as if it were an acute illness. Review results suggest that long-term-care strategies of medication management and continued monitoring produce lasting benefits. Drug dependence should be insured, treated and evaluated just like other chronic illnesses. One example of a co-occurring disorder is when someone is depressed, alcohol or prescription drug dependent and is a diabetic. If one of the co-occurring disorders goes untreated, both usually get worse and additional complications arise. The combination of disorders can result in poor response to traditional treatments, and increases the risk for other serious medical problems. Therefore, the mental health, substance abuse and physical health systems need to communicate with each other and work together for the good of the individual who has co-occurring disorders. One of the weakest links in the health system in Hawaii is with the insurance providers. Those of you who are involved in paying for services can make a great difference by adopting policies that better support treatment. The stigma associated with addiction and mental health compromises the ability of people in need from getting treatment. There needs to be more education at the provider level if we are going to effect a change at the policy level. To be fully effective, service plans should be individualized to the needs of the clients. It is important to take into account the needs of those with co-existing disorders including HIV/AIDS and physical and cognitive/developmental disabilities. Funding and access to treatment need to remain level in a comprehensive system of care so the individual can successfully move from treatment to recovery. Whether you are involved with the health care system or are simply a person who is concerned about this issue, you can be the change that is needed to provide a comprehensive accessible continuum of care. If you are an employer, evaluate your workplace benefits to see if there are equal resources for your employees when it comes to mental heath and substance abuse services. If you are an individual, evaluate your insurance coverage and contact your health care organization to lobby for greater coverage. Rand Health conducted a study indicating that unlimited substance abuse benefits alone accounted for about an additional $5 per plan member per year. This is a bargain considering the costs for individuals who do not have adequate coverage. Those costs can total millions. You can make a difference in a variety of ways. Contact one of the several treatment organizations and ask how you can help. Join a board, volunteer your time or expertise and make a financial contribution. By supporting treatment for those in need, we can help adults, families and our youth in Maui County to find their way to recovery - and join the thousands of others in recovery who are leading full, rich, productive and rewarding lives. - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk