Pubdate: Wed, 04 Mar 2015 Source: Baltimore Sun (MD) Copyright: 2015 The Baltimore Sun Company Contact: http://www.baltimoresun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/37 Author: John Winslow Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n129/a02.html HOGAN'S REALISTIC PLAN TO ADDRESS ADDICTION Regarding your recent report on heroin overdoses, I applaud Gov. Larry Hogan's efforts to reduce such deaths ("Hogan wades into Maryland's long battle against heroin," Feb. 28). As a treatment professional, we are facing a much more complex problem than drug use. Addiction is a powerful thing, and the governor's new approach is anything but more of the same. Treatment and prevention lie at the heart of the work ahead. The advocacy community and families impacted by the opioid epidemic approached Mr. Hogan several months ago to share their concerns regarding the devastating impact addiction is having on communities. However, the early coverage of Mr. Hogan's plan harked back to his election campaign and politicized the issue. Your recent article appropriately refocused on the essence of the problem, which is that "addiction is a disease," as Mr. Hogan pointed out. By facing the stigma of substance use disorders head-on we can begin a process that will not just be a temporary reaction but a well thought out effort to improve the lives of all Marylanders. Treatment can be effective and we need leaders who are committed to improving access to treatment and capacity throughout the state. Recent years have seen devastating reductions in treatment dollars directed to communities. Mr. Hogan has made no further reductions. The treatment community will be working with our legislative leaders to demonstrate why treatment must be among the state's highest priorities as it looks to address the projected budget shortfall. Maryland must see to it that treatment is readily available for all those who need it. John Winslow, Cambridge The writer is president of the Maryland Addiction Directors Council. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom