Congress Introduces the Road to Recovery Act
After an average of 91 drug overdose deaths per day In 2015, the Road to Recovery Act has been introduced by Congress in an effort to make treatment more accessible.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), an average of 91 Americans died every day in 2015 from a drug-related overdose. Although the official counts for 2016 and 2017 are still pending, it is believed that those numbers have continued to rise. The CDC also states that more than half of all drug overdose deaths are opioid-related.
Although at times it may seem hopeless it is important to remember that there are things we can do to help:
Make Drug Education and Prevention More Realistic
Drug rehabs are like the emergency room, by the time anyone makes it into treatment they are usually in a crisis situation and their life is most likely in shambles. The best way to cut back on the devastation caused by drug addiction is by doing more to help prevent it in the first place.
When it comes to drug education the idea that “something is better than nothing” is not necessarily correct. More realistic and accurate drug education will equal out to more effective drug use prevention. Although well-intentioned catchy slogans like “just say no” do not usually help when faced with the option of doing drugs. There is a lot that goes into a person’s decision to first use drugs. By addressing these issues at a deeper level that youth can identify with we give ourselves a much greater chance at successfully preventing drug use in the first place.
Make Treatment More Accessible
It is a sad and unfortunate fact that many people who want and need treatment either cannot afford it or cannot afford an adequate health insurance plan that would cover the cost of a quality program. In an effort to make treatment attainable and affordable for more people, Congress is considering the Road to Recovery Act which would permit Medicaid to cover a larger percentage of treatment facilities. Federal law currently limits Medicaid to only cover rehabilitation centers that have 16 beds or less.
By permitting Medicaid to work with a larger portion of rehabilitation centers more people would be able to get the treatment they so desperately need. Many may argue that it would cost the taxpayers too much money to use Medicaid funds to help addicts receive treatment. Interestingly enough The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has published studies and shown research that concludes helping people acquire treatment for their addiction would actually save taxpayers money in the long run.
An article found on the NIDA website states that: “According to several conservative estimates, every dollar invested in addiction treatment programs yields a return of between $4 and $7 in reduced drug-related crime, criminal justice costs, and theft. When savings related to health care are included, total savings can exceed costs by a ratio of 12 to 1. Major savings to the individual and to society also stem from fewer interpersonal conflicts; greater workplace productivity; and fewer drug-related accidents, including overdoses and deaths.”
Don’t Give Up
For those suffering first hand from the negative consequences of addiction, it is important to realize that recovery and a better life are possible. If you are having trouble quitting on your own do not be afraid to ask for help. For those who are suffering as the result of a loved one’s addiction, it is beneficial for you and your loved one to reach out for help as well. There are resources available and people willing to help discuss the best course of action towards recovery.
It is only through effective drug rehab and prevention that we could ever hope to win the war against addiction. If you support the Road to Recovery Act then make sure to take action and call your local and state representatives to let them know.
