Treatment available for addictions
It's another good news, bad news situation. The bad news is that 22.5 million Americans 12 years of age or older had some form of substance dependence or abuse issues in 2004, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Another 17 million children lived in a household where a parent or other adult was a binge or heavy drinker. More than 9 million children lived with a parent or another adult who used illicit drugs. (American Journal of Public Health)
What's the good news?
Simply put, the good news is that these statistics do not have to remain like this. Each and every life that's being injured or endangered can be rescued, and that's good news!
September is National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
The goal of Recovery Month is to educate the public in the benefits of treatment and to remind everyone that recovery from alcohol and drug use disorders is possible.
The cost of substance abuse is tremendous.
We can measure the cost to the economy in dollars. It is estimated in 2001 that these disorders cost the U.S. economy about $18 billion.
The cost in lives was more than 46,000 people when drug-induced and alcohol-induced causes of death are combined.
The cost of addiction to family and friends is much harder to measure; stolen dreams, goals, friendships, and faith.
But research shows that substance use disorders are medical conditions that can be effectively treated. Recovery is possible when the person is helped to make changes in his or her life.
And that's what Recovery Month is all about — celebrating the life-giving and life-saving road that leads to abstinence and improved health.
So, if you or a loved-one is struggling with a substance use disorder, please contact one of the many professional who are here to assist. There are several treatment programs available in our local area.
If you know of someone who has or is struggling to free himself or herself from a substance use disorder, you can offer emotional support and encouragement for them to remain on the path of independence.
If we all work together, we can make a difference!
If you'd like more information, please contact the Mental Health Center of East Central Kansas at (620) 343-2211 or (800) 279-3645.
— Bev Cress
Executive Assistant
Mental Health Center of East Central Kansas
