As you are aware, Governor Napoleon has signed the Northeast Gambling Benefits Act II into law.
Further to exchanges I have had with incoming Governor Nix, I wish to outline below the benefits of drug and alcohol treatment programs.
Incoming Governor Nix has pointed out, quite rightly, that details supporting the necessity and benefits for the bill that was passed were lacking.
I realize the bill as passed is not perfect, but I trust the following information will add details that clarify at least part of the benefits and necessity of this bill.
I would as well like the bill to reflect that the funds for financing these programs will not be coming from existing programs, but will be a new tax on casinos.
Should anyone require any further details, please let me know, and I will do my best to provide them, as I am the sponsor of the bill.
I realize the bill is already passed, but perhaps we could improve this bill with an amendment after the fact, if there is such a procedure.
http://www.ctclearinghouse.org/topics/customer-files/Facts-About-Drug-and-Alcohol-Addiction-Treatment-Recovery-and-Use.pdfSocial Benefits of Drug and Alcohol Treatment
Treatment for drug and alcohol addiction cuts drug use
in half, reduces criminal activity up to 80%, increases
employment, decreases homelessness, improves
physical and mental health, reduces medical costs, and
reduces risky sexual behaviors.
The cost of untreated drug and alcohol addiction in the
U.S. in a given year is estimated at $276 billion in lost
productivity, law enforcement, health care, justice,
welfare, and other programs and services. That’s an
annual cost of $1,050 for every man, woman, and child
in America. In contrast, it would cost about $45 per
year per each American to provide the full continuum of
services needed to effectively treat addictive disorders.
Of course, the return on investment in terms of restored
lives is incalculable.
According to several conservative estimates, every $1
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.
Treatment also produces major savings to the individual
and society in the form of significant drops in
interpersonal conflicts, improvements in workplace
productivity, and reduction in drug-related accidents.
Understanding Effective Drug Addiction Treatment
Drug addiction treatment should include behavioral
therapy such as counseling, cognitive therapy or
psychotherapy, or any combination thereof and may
include medications.
In order to be truly effective, especially when treating
at-risk or hard-to reach populations, treatment programs
must provide a combination of culturally competent
therapies and other services. Factors that must be
considered include: age, race, culture, language, sexual
orientation, gender, pregnancy status, parental
responsibilities, housing and employment, physical
disability, the existence of co-occurring mental illness,
and any past history of physical and sexual abuse.
Because drug and alcohol addiction is typically a chronic
disorder characterized by occasional relapses, a shortterm,
one-time treatment often is not sufficient. For
many, treatment is a long-term process that involves
multiple interventions and attempts at abstinence.
