providing more Americans with timely and accessible access to treatment. With the inevitable passage of the


Affordable Care Act, we, in the treatment world, are hoping for even more of an emphasis on the ability for people to get effective substance abuse and mental health treatment. Related to the specific issue of


prescription drug abuse, the DEA has organized two national prescription drug take-back days to collect unused or expired medications. To date, Americans have turned in 188 tons of unused or expired drugs at various sites across the country.4 Increased federal government initiatives


Congress must get more involved by passing laws to assist with our public safety. ...The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act of 2008 and the Affordable Care Act, has been helpful in making mental health and substance abuse coverage more affordable and accessible for individuals and families.


Te crisis of prescription drug abuse


will not go away without a call to action. Te negative consequences of drug abuse and addiction for individuals and for society cannot be ignored. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance abuse costs our nation over $600 billion annually, including productivity, health and crime- related costs. Treatment can help reduce these costs and drug treatment is worth the cost. Te belief that an addict must reach


rock botom before they can get any help is completely inaccurate. Te fact is that the earlier we can get an addict into treatment, the beter chance we have of helping them. Families, loved ones, employers, health care professionals and the legal system can and should require addicts to get treatment for their addiction. As much as I detest too much


government involvement in our lives, 32 datia focus


Congress must get more involved by passing laws to assist with our public safety. In fact, the passage of two important pieces of legislation, Te Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act of 2008 and the Affordable Care Act, has been helpful in making mental health and substance abuse coverage more affordable and accessible for individuals and families. Te Mental Health Parity and Addiction


Equity Act of 2008 was signed into law by President George W. Bush and requires parity of mental health benefits with medical and surgical benefits with respect to the lifetime and annual dollar limits under a group health plan. Prior to the Mental Health Parity Act, insurers were not required to cover mental health care benefits, which meant that access to treatment was limited. Te importance of this act is that it expanded coverage of mental health and substance use disorders,


are a good start but parents, patients, healthcare providers and manufacturers all play a critical role in preventing prescription drug abuse. I have writen much on how to maintain


peace and stability and “future proof” our lives to withstand the inevitable storms of change that we encounter every day. Te same applies to “future proofing” ourselves and our loved ones against the devastation of addiction. It is no longer alcohol or the isolated use of drugs but the complicated interaction of substances for pain management that has caused us to look at addiction with an entirely different perspective. Five things you must know to “future


proof” yourself and your loved ones: 1. Treatment must be accessible and affordable.


2. As a consumer, you must make yourself aware of the consequences associated with the abuse of medications.


3. Te earlier treatment is offered in the disease process, the greater the likelihood is for a positive outcome.


4. Treatment must address the WHOLE: the medical, psychological, social, emotional and vocational needs of the individual.


5. Programs need to match treatment and interventions to an individual’s particular problems and needs. Tere is no other terminal illness that is more treatable than addiction. Only the


fall 2013


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