Category Archives: Drug Abuse

Substantial R.O.I. from Funding Recovery Programs

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Melissa Killeen

Melissa Killeen

“Most crucially, everyone must be aware of how logical and smart treatment is from a purely financial standpoint.” – Dr Richard Juman, president of the New York State Psychological Association

Can there be a substantial R.O.I. (return on investment) from government-funded recovery programs? How can funding recovery programs provide high returns on the funding investment when a new report from the CDC says opioid use is at epidemic proportions? When heroin deaths nearly quadrupled from 2000 to 2013? And the trend is worsening: heroin-related
deaths, grew a staggering 39.3% from 2012 to 2013. There were about 44,000 drug drug-addiction-9847058 overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2013, more than 16,000 of them involving powerful prescription painkillers such as Vicodin and OxyContin. [i] Each day, 44 people in the United States die from overdose of prescription painkillers.[ii] How much funding can the government forecast to pump into this epidemic? Addressing the impact of substance use alone is estimated to cost hundreds of billions each year. Is there enough government money to make a dent? We have to, at least, try.

Substance abuse is costly to our nation, exacting over $600 billion annually in costs related to healthcare, lost work, lower productivity and crime. Research from the Massachusetts Opioid Task Force and Department of Public Health established that mental and substance use disorders are among the top conditions that result in significant costs to families, employers, and publicly funded health systems. In 2012, an estimated 23.1 million Americans aged 12 and older needed treatment for substance use. By 2020, mental and substance-use disorders will surpass all physical diseases as a major cause of disability worldwide. [iii]

In June 2006, the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, whose mission is to carry out practical, non-partisan research on issues of importance to Washington State, was directed by the Washington Legislature to estimate whether treatment for people with alcohol, drug, and mental health disorders offers economic advantages, or a R.O.I. (return on investment). By reviewing “what works,” literature, and estimating monetary value of benefits, they reached these conclusions:

The average substance use treatment program can achieve roughly a 15 to 22 percent reduction in the incidence or severity of these disorders.
Treatment of these disorders can achieve about $3.77 in benefits per dollar of treatment costs. This is equivalent to a 56 percent rate of return on investment.
Estimated that a reasonably aggressive implementation policy could generate $1.5 billion in net benefits for people in Washington with $416 million in net taxpayer benefits, and the risk of losing money is small.[iv]

But still, state and federal legislators are hesitant to fund intervention, treatment, and recovery programs.

“Together we must challenge individuals, communities, cities, counties, regions, states, and the nation to be accountable for the outcomes of the justice systems at every level of government.”
— James Bell

Approximately one-quarter of those people held in U.S. prisons or jails have been convicted of a drug offense.[v] The United States incarcerates more people for drug offenses than any other country. With an estimated 6.8 million Americans struggling with drug abuse or dependence, the growth of the prison population continues to be driven largely by incarceration for drug offenses.[vi] Where does this spiral of incarceration instead of treatment stop?

For example, the average cost for a year of an offender treatment program is $5,000, whereas a year of imprisonment costs over $31,000, and far more in areas like New York City where the average annual cost per inmate was $167,731 in 2012. Court ordered addiction treatment programs can seriously reduce prison costs.[vii]

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) examined the return-on-investment for seven programs (e.g. Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Strengthening Families, and Multisystemic Therapy programs) that are supported by the state’s Commission and Department of Public Welfare. It was concluded that these programs represent a potential $317 million return to the Commonwealth in terms of reduced correctional costs, lessened welfare and social services burden, and increased employment and tax revenue. The researchers estimated that the programs produced returns of $1 to $25, for every dollar invested, and could generate cost savings as great as $130 million for a single program.[viii] Are these facts overlooked by legislators in state and federal government?

Maryland voters believe by a five-to-one margin that the drug problem is getting worse. The same poll showed that voters believe by a two-to-one margin that there are too many people in prison, and 86% of respondents favor judges having the option to order drug treatment rather than prison for some offenders. [ix] Have the voters spoken?

“Recovery with justice allows us to bury the ghosts of the past and to live with ourselves in the present.” — William White

So in this election year, I urge you to contact your local state representatives, contact your state senators and congressmen/women and urge them to increase funding for substance-addiction treatment and implement reforms that will send addicts to treatment programs like Drug Court or COPS, (Office of Community Oriented Policing Services) versus prison.

William White just posted an excellent letter to our presidential candidates that outlines the impact opioid addiction has on individuals, families, and communities. White requests a policy statement by the candidates in the 2016 Presidential campaign. Copy this letter and send it to the candidates you support: http://www.williamwhitepapers.com/blog/

And remember:

There are 23 million people in long-term recovery, and we vote.

References used in this blog

[i] The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) March 18, 2015 10:51 AM, Accessed on August 23, 2015 at: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/only-1-9-substance-abuse-145129124.html

[ii] Understanding the Epidemic, Center for Disease Control, access on August 23, at: http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html

[iii] Massachusetts Opioid Task Force and Department of Public Health Recommendations on Priorities for Investments in Prevention, Intervention, Treatment and Recovery, http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/substance-abuse/opioid/report-of-the-opioid-task-force-6-10-14.pdf Accessed August 23, 2015

[iv] Washington State Institute for Public Policy, accessed on August 23, 2015 at: http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/ReportFile/945/Wsipp_Evidence-based-Treatment-of-Alcohol-Drug-and-Mental-Health-Disorders-Potential-Benefits-Costs-and-Fiscal-Impacts-for-Washington-State_Full-Report.pdf

[v] Number of people in federal or state prison for drug offenses: Harrison, Paige, and Allen J. Beck. Prisoners in 2005. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics. Estimate of jail inmates held on drug offense derived from James, Doris J. 2004. Profile of jail inmates, 2002. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics.

[vi] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies. 2005 National Survey on Drug Use & Health: Detailed Tables. Table 5.1A Online at www.drugabusestatistics.samhsa.gov/NSDUH/2k5NSDUH/tabs/Sect5peTabs1to82.htm#Tab5.1A

[vii] The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD)March 18, 2015 10:51 AM, Accessed on August 23, 2015 at: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/only-1-9-substance-abuse-145129124.html

[viii] EpisCenter, Penn State University, Cost-benefit Assessment of Pennsylvania’s Approach to Youth Crime Prevention Shows Dramatic Return on Investment access on August 23, 2015 at: http://www.episcenter.psu.edu/sites/default/files/Fact%20Sheet%20-%20Cost%20Benefit%20of%20PA%20Prevention.pdf

[ix] Justice Policy.org accessed on August 23, 2015 at: http://www.justicepolicy.org/uploads/justicepolicy/documents/04-01_rep_mdtreatmentorincarceration_ac-dp.pdf

[ix] Maryland Voter Survey. (December, 2003). Bethesda, Maryland: Potomac Incorporated.

Posted in Addiction, Addiction Recovery Posts, alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse | Tagged addiction, alcoholism, Center for Disease Control, drug addiction, EpisCenter, JusticePolicy.org, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Opioid Task Force, Office of Applied Studies, Penn State University, Sex Addiction, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington State Institute for Public Policy | Comments Off

Adverse Childhood Experiences Study

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Melissa Killeen

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is one of the largest investigations ever conducted to assess associations between childhood maltreatment and later-life health and well-being. The study is a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente’s Health Appraisal Clinic in San Diego[i].

More than 17,000 Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) members who underwent a comprehensive physical examination were also asked to provide detailed information about their childhood experience of abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction. The initial phase of the ACE Study was conducted at Kaiser Permanente from 1995 to 1997. More than 17,000 participants completed a standardized physical examination and an ACE survey. No further participants will be enrolled, but the study group is tracking the medical status of the baseline participants.

The ACE Study findings suggest that certain experiences are major risk factors for the leading causes of illness, including addiction, leading to poor quality of life, as well as death. It is critical to understand how some of the worst health and social problems in our nation can arise as a consequence of adverse childhood experiences. Realizing these connections is likely to improve efforts towards prevention and recovery.

Compared to persons with no adverse childhood experiences, the risk of heavy drinking, self-reported alcoholism, and marrying an alcoholic were increased twofold to fourfold by the presence of multiple adverse childhood experiences, regardless of parental alcoholism. Subsequent reviews of the study found that the prevention of adverse childhood experiences and treatment of persons affected by adverse childhood experiences may reduce the occurrence of adult alcohol problems[ii]. Adverse childhood experiences seem to account for one-half to two-thirds of serious problems with drug misuse by adolescents[iii].

Children in alcoholic households are more likely to have Adverse Childhood Experiences. The risk of alcoholism and depression in adulthood increases as the number of reported adverse experiences increases. Depression among adult children of alcoholics appears to be largely, if not solely, due to the greater likelihood of having had Adverse Childhood Experiences in a home with alcohol-abusing parents[iv].

Clearly, children that have experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse in their early childhood are at a severe risk for addiction. To show you how small an amount of abuse is needed to tip the scales of raising a healthy child or an at risk child, read the last series of questions from the ACE Questionnaire, which are highly revealing questions.

Did a parent or other adult in the household swear at you, insult you, put you down or humiliate you?
Did a parent or other adult in the household push, grab, slap, or throw something at you?
Did you often or very often feel that no one in your family looked out for each other, no one felt close to or supported each other?[v]

This survey gives you an idea how delicate and impressionable a young child is.

For a sample of the ACE Questionnaire, click on this link: http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/questionnaires.html

References used in this blog:

[i] ^{^[i]} “The Relationship of Adult Health Status to Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction“, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in 1998, Volume 14, pages 245–258.

And

http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/index.html

[ii] Addict Behav. 2002 Sep-Oct;27(5):713-25.

Adverse childhood experiences and personal alcohol abuse as an adult.

Dube SR¹, Anda RF, Felitti VJ, Edwards VJ, Croft JB.

[iii] Pediatrics. 2003 Mar;111(3):564-72.

Childhood abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction and the risk of illicit drug use: the adverse childhood experiences study.

Dube SR¹, Felitti VJ, Dong M, Chapman DP, Giles WH, Anda RF.

[iv] Psychiatr Serv. 2002 Aug;53(8):1001-9.

Adverse childhood experiences, alcoholic parents, and later risk of alcoholism and depression.

Anda RF¹, Whitfield CL, Felitti VJ, Chapman D, Edwards VJ, Dube SR, Williamson DF.

[v] Center for Disease Control web site

http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/questionnaires.html

Posted in Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, Family Dynamics, Research | Tagged Adverse Childhood Experiences, alcoholic parents, Anda RF, Anda RF1, Chapman D, Childhood abuse, Croft JB., depression, Dube SR, Dube SR1, Edwards VJ, Felitti VJ, household dysfunction, http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/questionnaires.html, neglect, risk of alcoholism, risk of illicit drug use, Whitfield CL, Williamson DF | Comments Off

Danny Trejo’s Path from Drug Abuse to Prison, Sobriety to Acting Fame

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Melissa Killeen

Melissa Killeen

Iconic Hollywood “tough guy” Danny Trejo has lived an incredible life, and he’s been sober for 46 years of it. A new AARP documentary, produced by Washington, D.C.-based filmmaker TJ Cooney, tells the story of how the Desperado actor transitioned from a life of substance abuse and violence to becoming a drug counselor, Hollywood actor, and mentor for young people.

“I thought that drugs were my answer. As long as I stayed loaded, I’m okay,” recalls Trejo in a clip from the film, released exclusively to The Fix. “But life would turn into chaos.”

As a teen, Trejo was in-and-out of juvie and prison, where he started boxing. In his mid-20s, he was released from prison and made a decision to get sober. “I dedicated my life to helping other people,” he says.

After beginning a career as a drug counselor, Trejo ended up on a Hollywood movie set while helping one of his clients, who turned out to be an actor. He was hired as an on-set boxing coach, and was ultimately cast as an extra in the film. The role jumpstarted his acting career, and he has since appeared in up to five movies a year alongside actors like George Clooney and Robert De Niro.

“Everything good that has happened to me has happened as a direct result of helping someone else,” he says.

Trejo continues to mentor young people and speaks at college campuses across the country. “My passion is talking to young people who want to stay out of trouble,” he says. “My message is: staying away from drugs and alcohol, and education, is the key to anything you want to do.”

He uses his notoriety to get young people to listen, and hopes his own story will inspire others to follow in his footsteps. “I love that responsibility of being able to help people do right,” he says. “I was an addict and alcoholic and I know that road. That road leads to death, institutions or insanity. I’ve been sober for 46 years and have had a great, great life.”

This article appeared on 7/30/2015 at thefix.com and was written by May Wilkerson. The video is courtesy of the AARP.

Editor’s note: I was introduced to Danny Trejo by researching Bob Timmins’ story. Bob is recognized as the first recovery coach. When Bob was in San Quentin, he was friends with Danny. Upon Bob’s release Bob went to Danny’s house, expecting to start where he had left off, robbing and drugging. He knocked on Danny’s door, Danny gave him a room, fed him a meal and took him to his first 12-step meeting. Danny introduced Bob to his first sponsor, a sponsor/sponsee relationship that lasted over twenty years. Danny was pivotal in saving Bob’s life.

Posted in Addiction, alcohol, Drug Abuse, Recovery Coaching | Tagged AARP, Bob Timmins, Danny Trejo, Desperado, Machete, thefix.com | Comments Off