Stop the bleeding of treatment funding......

Washington state is nearing a crisis in addiction treatment if our legislators don't act soon.   

There are going to be unforeseen consequences that will shut down treatment centers for addicts needing treating due to levels of funding being reduced and cut.  If this happens communities across the state will see addicts in emergency rooms and in jails at an unprecedented level. With prescription medication and heroin addiction at all time highs this is not the time to allow treatment to fall by the way side.  Historically, governments are quick to cut funding for this area due to the continued stigmatization of addiction.   Even with all the research that clearly shows addiction as a medical condition that requires treatment and ongoing care, we are again facing another round of cuts to funding.   

A person who is able to receive treatment and on going care is able to regain control of their lives and become productive members of society.  Those who aren't able to access treatment continue to weigh on the system through continued emergency room visits, repeated criminal behavior and subsequent incarcerations.  

Families who have an addicted person are taxed in more ways than can be counted in dollars and cents.  They have huge emotional costs that effect everyone in the family system.   Our state must act to not allow addiction treatment to be reduced below the already paltry levels they are.   This IS a crisis that will effect communities across the state.

I urge citizens to contact their law makers and encourage them to act to allow treatment to continue.  

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Thousands-could-lose-addiction-recovery-services-in-W-248301551.html

David A Douglas MS CFLE

Certified Family Life Educator

Nationally Certified Addiction Counselor

Communication Pathways