SOUNDING OFF:Newport, take pride in those seeking help

Americans have come a long way in their understanding of alcoholism and other drug addictions as a disease. It seems that more often than not, we all have of a friend, neighbor or family member who has been afflicted by this disease. So it came as a disappointment that some Newport Beach residents have been complaining about housing being used in the area for recovery (“Rocky path to control over rehab homes,” Feb. 2). Hopefully, those in the neighborhood who have expressed concerns will have their fears put to rest if they become educated about the facts of recovery from addiction.

Studies for years have supported that successful treatment of alcohol and other drug addiction is instrumental in improving an individual and his or her family’s quality of life, decreasing healthcare costs, improving our national productivity, shrinking absenteeism, and reducing HIV infection. The list of positives goes on and on.

People are coming to Newport Beach seeking help for their troubled lives. They are looking to the treatment professionals here and this wonderful therapeutic environment to interrupt the progression of this potentially fatal condition. It is a significant financial investment these people are making.

Interestingly enough, and something the public should be aware of, the treatment providers in this area have to evacuate their clients out of the peninsula every Fourth of July. If you really want to see why so much treatment is needed, not only here in Newport Beach but around the country, come to the peninsula on the Fourth of July. It is a very sad commentary on the abuse of alcohol and drugs in society.

Walk by the recovery homes and licensed treatment facilities in our area: You will not see the litter, trash, beer cans and bottles all over the patios as you do with so many other properties that are leased to students and the like who enjoy partying. What you will most likely see from the treatment facility housing are residents who are in the process of learning life skills and how to take pride in their personal recovery, which in turn means taking care of one’s self and surroundings.

We should be applauding these people rather than criticizing them. These are not people anyone should be ashamed to have in their community. Ask some of the local merchants whether they have profited from the local treatment providers and those residents they serve. The city of Newport Beach should do an accounting of the revenue and tax dollars generated by these programs and understand all the employment opportunities and jobs that these programs provide. I believe the city would be shocked to see what the real numbers are. You can ask any landlord in the area if treatment programs and recovery homes have not been beneficial to them. Usually these tenants pay their rent on time and invest their own money into the upkeep and maintenance of the properties.

I urge state Sen. Tom Harman and Assemblywoman Mimi Walters to invite the treatment providers into a discussion on their concerns. List the various issues that are of concern. Allow the providers an opportunity to listen and respond. Diplomacy is a skill in handling these types of situations. I would expect this from our local leaders.

In going forth, please be reminded that the disease of addiction is bigger than you — it is bigger than life. People just do not get well on their own, and these individuals have the right to get help. Some of the most reputable treatment centers around the country refer their former patients to extended-care treatment facilities and recovery homes in Orange County. The reason why is the excellence in the delivery of care. We should be very, very proud of the lives being saved daily here in Newport Beach because of the existence of these treatment facilities.

Alcoholism and drug addiction is not a weakness; it is a condition, a dreadful, horrible condition that eats away at the person, his or her family, and society at large. Let’s come together in favor and with deep pride that the Newport Beach area is not only a destination for world travelers, but is an attraction for those individuals needing help.

lives in Newport Beach.