Published: October 13, 2008 05:54 pm            

LETTERS: Oct. 14, 2008

LifeSpring helps those battling addictions



Last month, LifeSpring celebrated Recovery Month, along with many other communities and treatment centers nationwide. Recovery Month highlights the benefits of substance abuse treatment, while calling attention to the life-threatening disease of drug and alcohol addiction.

While Recovery Month is important, the dangers of drug and alcohol addiction aren’t confined to one month. Drug addiction is equal opportunity, and can afflict members of any family, education level and socioeconomic status. In fact, a report by Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration published in September reported that more than 19.9 million people over the age of 12 used at least one illicit substance during the prior month. More than 22.3 million Americans were diagnosed as having a substance dependence or abuse disorder, with 7.5 percent of the population being alcohol dependent.

The physical dangers of drug and alcohol addiction and abuse are significant. Addicts risk injury while intoxicated, brain damage, damage of their organs, including the liver and lungs, accidental overdose and death. The psychological and interpersonal effects are just as damaging. These include loss of self, family, damage to relationships, psychological impact on children and mental illness.

The impact to the American economy cannot remain unmentioned. The National Institute of Health reports alcohol and drug abuse cost the United States economy $246 billion in 1992, the last year economic data was available. These costs come from lost productivity, increased health care costs, increased accidents, higher employee turnover and increased absenteeism.

The impact of addiction to those affected, their family and the community is undeniable. Even if you are not personally afflicted with the disease of addiction or alcoholism, chances are someone you care about is.

The good news is that there is treatment available. The National Institute of Drug Abuse states that treatment reduces drug use by 40 to 60 percent with outcomes varying based on patient engagement and participation in treatment. In plain words, if you want to get sober, it is possible. Just as a diabetic must learn to maintain appropriate glucose levels, drug addicts must learn to be sober.

LifeSpring is the designated community mental health center for six Southern Indiana counties: Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Jefferson, Scott and Washington. We have a full staff of case managers, therapists and psychiatrists ready to help with the substance abuse problems people in our community face. Please pick up the phone and call 81-280-2080 or 800-456-2117.

— Marta Myszak, LCSW, senior vice president of Clinical Services for Area Offices, and Jana Kixmiller, LCSW, senior vice president of Clinical Services for Clark and Floyd counties.



Reader pleased with voting experience



Monday, Oct. 6, was the first day Indiana residents could vote by absentee ballot this year.

I was one of many people who went to the Voter Registration office in the Clark County Government Building on that day.

I was very impressed by the efficient and friendly treatment we all received from the busy staff. It makes me even more proud to be a citizen of Clark County, and it was good to see so many people registering and voting.

— Vince Grenough, Jeffersonville



Reader encourages Hoosiers to learn about DWF

Recent references to the AARP’s major effort called, “Divided We Fail,” which have appeared on these pages, doesn’t tell the true story behind this groundbreaking initiative.

The goal of “Divided We Fail,” is to compel our legislators in Washington, D.C., to break through the partisan gridlock and find bipartisan, common sense solutions to two of our nation’s major problems: health care and financial security.

AARP is joined in this work by several national groups: The Business Roundtable, the National Federation of Independent Business and the Service Employees International Union. These very diverse organizations understand the lack of quality, affordable health care, and that for citizens, financial security threatens both individuals and businesses.

Thousands of Hoosiers have joined with “Divided We Fail” to demand legislative action and issue answers from legislators and legislative candidates. As citizens head into this crucially important election, I encourage all to learn more about “Divided We Fail” at the Web site, dividedwefail.org.

— Robert White, Jeffersonville

        

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