Pubdate: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 Source: Register, The (MA) Copyright: 2006, Community Newspaper Co. Contact: http://www2.townonline.com/barnstable/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3597 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) DON'T CUT SUBSTANCE ABUSE FUNDS A recent study by the Institute on Urban Health Research at Northeastern University reported that Massachusetts has the highest rate of illicit drug use in the country and exceeds national average rates of alcohol use. A bill currently working its way through the Legislature would require hospitals and physicians to notify parents when their child is treated for a drug overdose. Supporters of the bill say it is aimed at helping drug-addicted kids get treatment. But while demand for treatment is on the rise, Massachusetts has seen an alarming trend toward cutting funding for substance abuse programs. State funding was cut by 24 percent between 2001 and 2004. While other programs were cut 5 to 10 percent, substance abuse-related service cuts resulted in a 50 percent loss of the state's treatment center detoxification beds. The Northeastern report estimated 40,000 Massachusetts residents are in need of, but don't receive, services to treat substance abuse and recommends that $110 million would be needed to close the gap. The vast majority of the inmates serving time in the Barnstable County Correctional Facility have substance abuse problems. Often drugs or alcohol are the direct cause of them being in prison. A bill approved 6 to 1 by the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee would change the penalty for possessing less than an ounce of marijuana to a $250 civil fine for anyone 18 years old and younger. Currently, someone convicted of such an offense can be sent to jail for up to six months for the crime and pay a $500 fine for a first offense. While this proposed change may lower the prison population, it is unclear how it will decrease adolescent drug use. Among the Cape's homeless, alcohol and drug abuse is a too-common fact of life. These are just the most visible people in need of treatment. The sad fact is that substance abuse affects every profession, every social and ethnic group in every Cape Cod town, and that has been the case for many years. Detoxification programs, assistance for homeless addicts and bilingual services are all part of what advocates say need more funds, not less. At a time when the state budget is up for debate, legislators need to hear from the voters about programs they believe are important. If you have a concern about treatment for people in dire need of help, the time is now to talk to your legislator and push him or her to support funds for programs that help many of our neighbors find a path back to a life free of addiction. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek