I commend the Tribune for its article to educate the public about the disease of addiction (“Why the scourge of alcoholism defies a cure,” Page 1, July 26). Alcohol and drug addiction directly affect an estimated 50 percent of the population. One in two people are either addicted themselves or someone they know — a family member, friend, colleague or loved one — struggles with the disease.
And addiction is a disease.
Research supports the fact that addiction can be prevented and treated successfully. However, as the article points out, only a small percentage of people who are afflicted with the disease are actually able to access treatment.
A recent University of Illinois survey of Illinois substance abuse treatment providers found that 6,467 people had been on waiting lists during 2007. Research states that once an individual indicates a readiness to get treatment for his or her addiction, there is a much greater likelihood that he or she will be successful.
That more than 6,000 Illinois citizens who wanted help could not get that help is truly appalling. In no other medical field are waiting lists tolerated.
Addiction is a disease that knows no socioeconomic, ethnic, religious or class boundaries. Whether for Lindsay Lohan, an attorney working on State Street, a suburban soccer mom or an unemployed father of three, treatment services should be available when needed.
The Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association has asked the Illinois General Assembly for a $41 million increase to the fiscal year 2008 budget to eliminate the waiting list and improve existing services due to years of state neglect.
The governor and Illinois lawmakers should not tolerate waiting lists and the consequences — such as fatal alcohol or drug-related traffic accidents — and include the $41 million request in the new budget to expand treatment availability across Illinois.
