More money for treatment

In Utah, people literally wait for months to enter residential treatment programs. Meanwhile, some addicts relapse, further compounding problems within their families and with the law.

Considering there are 95,000 people in Utah who need treatment and public treatment options for 26,000 admissions, the demand far outstrips available resources. Among those needing help are 15,000 Utahns ages 12-17.

Although treatment and aftercare can be costly, many in the treatment community and criminal justice system believe that treatment ultimately saves taxpayer dollars because it salvages lives and families. Without it, these families remain on a collision course.

Not only is there a shortage of treatment beds for individuals, experts tell us that treatment programs need to assist entire families, not just the addict. Children of addicts are especially fragile because many have experienced abuse, neglect and isolation. They have few playmates, and often they are cared for by strangers. Experts say treatment for mothers works best if their children are included.

While moms undergo treatment, their children are taught prevention and resiliency skills. Some programs teach parenting skills, which may help an addicted mother at risk of losing her parental rights to learn to control her substance abuse and make a better life with her children.

Clients' needs vary greatly. Many lack an education or job training and they have little social or familial support. For those women to be successful in drug treatment, a broad array of after-care services are required. That can mean educational services, child care and safe housing. Without that safety net, some addicts are doomed for failure. Some will continue to relapse in spite of the help made available to them.

Obviously, these programs cost money, and we can provide no concrete plan how to best fund treatment programs. President Bush has asked Congress to expand the nation's drug treatment system over five years. The president proposed $200 million in funding for the Access to Recovery program intended to expand access to clinical substance abuse treatment — including recovery support services. Congress needs to take a hard look at expanding these programs to ensure that people who need help can get it.