Pubdate: Fri, 25 Feb 2005
Source: Tennessean, The (TN)
092937
Copyright: 2005 The Tennessean
Contact:  http://www.tennessean.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

MORE TREATMENT, MORE HELP

Plans for expanding Cumberland Heights treatment programs merit broad public
support.

For nearly 40 years, the not-for-profit center has treated alcohol and other
substance addictions. Testimonies to its success are legion among those who
have used Cumberland and their families.

Now the center is broadening its base, embarking on an estimated $12 million
expansion to embrace more families and adolescent concerns. The facility's
supporters hope to build a Family Life Center and Adolescent Residence. =09

Addiction knows no age, income or racial boundaries. Nor is harm from
addiction limited to a user; the impact on family and friends can be
devastating, and family support is an essential part of treatment to the
addict.

The challenges in treating chemical addictions are perhaps greater than ever
making the expansion of Cumberland Heights so significant. Alcoholism is a
chronic problem that will always demand facility space. But there are newer,
ever-more insidious chemical addictions that threaten lives and families.
The growing methamphetamine epidemic is a particularly vicious addiction
that puts pressure on centers like Cumberland Heights. The center is at
capacity. Adolescent care sadly demands growing space.

Cumberland's effort to reach out to young victims of addiction promises to
bear long-term results: Children of alcoholics or other addicts are three
times more likely to follow that pattern of behavior. Early intervention
with children in treating their own fears about a parent could change those
tragic statistics.

For now, however, more beds and programs are desperately needed. Cumberland
Heights can only be wished success and support in its latest endeavor to
meet the need. 
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MAP posted-by: Josh