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ALCOHOL AND DRUG PREVENTION AND TREATMENT PROFESSIONALS BRACE
FOR SPIKE IN DEMAND FOR SERVICES

Tigard, OR-Treatment and prevention professionals across Oregon are gearing up for what is anticipated to be a definite increase in requests for services in the wake of the HBO televised special, Addiction, to be broadcast free of charge tonight.

“The televised special has peeled back layers of myths and misunderstanding of alcohol and drug addiction,” said Debra Gilmour, executive director for the Oregon Prevention, Education, and Recovery Association, also known as, OPERA. The statewide membership association of alcohol and drug prevention and treatment professionals is taking proactive measures to ensure those calling for help will get the services or information they need.

“Now that people are beginning to realize this is a disease caused by physical injury to the brain from exposure to alcohol or drugs, they are able to better understand the treatment protocols available to keep the disease under control, and seek help for themselves, or a loved one,” Gilmour continued.

Oregon Legislative budget cuts to alcohol and drug prevention and treatment services in the past three sessions have had a crippling effect on the ability of many seeking addiction treatment, to receive vital services. Coupled with an exponential rise in methamphetamine use, resources are now stretched beyond the breaking point.

“Adults face long waiting lists. A serious lack of funding for adolescent programs has left many youth and their parents struggling to get the medical help they desperately need,” Gilmour said, noting OPERA members are ready to provide information and services to anyone calling for addiction treatment. “We are preparing the best way we can for the anticipated increase in requests for help.”

For a list of OPERA members located throughout Oregon, visit their ad in today’s The Oregonian, Metro section, and visit their website at: www.operatoendaddiction.org.