DAILY HAMPSHIRE — GAZETTE emcees 2008 NEW ENGLAND NEWSPAPER 0 eee FRIDAY April 18, 2008 wstablished 1736 Norihampioa, Massashuseits By KRISTIN PALPINI Stal Writer AMHERST — Of the 2.5 milion Ameri ans abusing drugsandaleshol i206. t1 percent received treatment. Treatment for drug and aleahol abusers is hard to ome by lt alone afford, sy local healt care professionals In most states, ichuding Massechu- selts, substance abuse training ist a Fequired component of carning a clin- cal psychologist. license, Most health in- surance plans provide litle coverage for mental health treatmont. There's a gap between the public's needs and what medical science is ofler- ing, said Christopher Overtrea, director of the University of Massachusetis Psy- ebological Services Center, Bul UMass is ‘ying to adress this diser=pancy. "This month, UMass announced a new partnership bebween the Psychological Services Center and the Northampton- based Allies in Recovery, an over three- year-old center that works with a sub- Btaneo abusor’s loved ones to convines he abuser to seek treatment, Allies in Recwery is said to he one of a few cen- tors thet offer sorviees for family ond turns to families ions ofsubstane abusers ‘Through this pairing, UMass gradual psvchology students wil participate in Al- ios internships, providing studonts witha training opportunity. Alles will be able to use UMass’ mental health resoureesand, on occasion, send cienis tothe university for counseling. “Clearly, we have a problem here that” there aren't sulicient resources to help solv,” said Overtree, “The contoquences (of substanco abuse) are notas direct and immediate, Ml Seo RECOVERY / Page Ad Recovery program engages families 1 Continued from at but they're long-term and they're serious,” seid Overtree. “Wereally do need {0 invast more, Whether «that’s providing more oppoctuni- ties for einicans to get this kind of training or oponing more spe cially clinics like Allies in Heeov- ery. it's hard tosay” New treatment method. ‘This partnership wil also focus nan emerging treatment meti- 4, called CRA which counsels family and friends instead of the substance abuser. Unlike confroa- tational interventions, CRAFT (Commutity Reinforcement and ‘Family Training) ases a mare pas- sive appmoeh. Tt teaches family and friends bow to reward sober Dehavior, diseourage abusive be- ‘havior and how to discuss treat amient with a substance abuser in a supportive fashion, “We're training them (am ily and friends) tp be agents of ‘change, 10 go and improve their Delavior so that the person Tas very clear boundaries around their drinking,” said Dominique, Levine, Allies’ executive director, ‘Levine said people who nead substance abuse treatment rarely receive if, especially when they face the problem alone, Stumbling blocks along the way to recovery include the cost of treatment, she suid, “Treatment is very limited aeross the state and the nation Insurance companies typically ont pay for miueh treatment, said Levine. “You're left paying ‘out of pocket for treatment,” Residential drug abuse treat- ‘ment can cost about $3,340 por ‘yeas according to the US. Sub- Stance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ‘Without insurance, it ean cost a person §7.415ayear toreceiveout- Dationt treatment with the aid of methadone, Without methadone, ‘asubstanes used to woen addicts off herein, it ean cost $1,433. “typically, people dent pull ant ofaddiction oatheir wn, Some co, Dbutit’s rare,” sald Levine, “Family Imembers ate in better shape and motivated to spend alot ofencrgy trying to gure this out.” ALLIES 1H RECOVERY ONGOING PROGRAMS Allis in Recovery offers woolly sessions for family and triends of people wit substance abuse isgues and adciction ‘The program seeks io give family mombers tools needed to maintain loving efationshins ‘while atthe same time influencing the opurse addiction takes inthe home, Organieers say family members learn ta facilitate recovery, encourage loved ones to enter ‘treatment and help them remain ‘sbber upon their turn. Free drop in sessions are held Wechessays from noon to 1 pm. at94 King St., Northampton, on the main floor ‘The program also offess individual counseling and group ‘ptonste learn what is known as Communty Reinforcement and Family Training, Th taining is Gesonned as a mathod oF telping family members and friends move thei loved ones toward substance abuse recovery For information, call Alles in Recovery at (413) 240-3724 or (413) 685-2779,