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CommunitySubstance abuse recovery support needed
Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006
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Substance abuse is a problem that is affecting growing numbers of people. Approximately 63 percent of Americans say that addiction to drugs or alcohol has impacted their lives in some way, such as the addiction of a family member, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
St. Mary’s County is not immune. Walden⁄Sierra, which provides substance abuse treatment services to Southern Maryland, received approximately 2,600 requests for services during fiscal year 2006, up from 1,800 in fiscal year 2005. Of course, not everyone seeks treatment. The Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration estimates that 6,046 individuals in St. Mary’s County suffer from a substance abuse problem.
The issue affects everyone, as the associated costs to society are tremendous. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug use is involved in more than half of all violent crimes. Additionally, alcohol-related crashes account for an estimated 20 percent of auto insurance payments in Maryland. Substance abuse is clearly a dangerous and costly issue that cannot be written off as a problem for the individual alone.
The link between substance abuse and crime is significant. In fact, approximately 70 percent of the people in state prisons and local jails have abused drugs regularly, compared to 9 percent of the general population. While it is important to maintain strong interdiction efforts and criminal sanctions against those who distribute drugs, it is also necessary to recognize the effectiveness of drug treatment and crime prevention for those who are addicted. Studies have shown that every dollar invested in addiction treatment programs yields a return of $4 to $7 in reduced drug-related crimes. In some instances savings can exceed costs by a ratio of 12 to 1.
Fortunately, our county commissioners have recognized the need for increased funds for substance abuse treatment and responded by supporting more beds designated for St. Mary’s County residents at Walden’s Anchor Intermediate Care Facility in Charlotte Hall.
The struggle to meet the growing need for these services in Southern Maryland remains, however, as does the effort to reduce the stigma and discrimination surrounding substance abuse. In honor of September — National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month — I urge the citizens of St. Mary’s County to support substance abuse recovery and celebrate those who have sought treatment for this serious health problem that affects all of us. The professional staff at Walden⁄Sierra continues to provide ‘‘Help for Today; Hope for Tomorrow.”
Kathleen O’Brien, California
