A Mom responds to the assertion that addiction is a choice:
In regards to Sharon Pangle Baker's letter of April 19 ("Don't let the feds pay for addictions") there are those of us who have a different view. While Baker states addiction is not a disease, I would have to disagree. Having lived with alcoholism and addictions in my family, I can assure you that it a disease, and one that affects the entire family.
I can only speak for myself, my experiences and what I have learned through reading many books about alcoholism and addiction. When I say that while a few people are fortunate enough to be able to remain sober after one attempt at rehab, most find it necessary to go more than once. And while we were fortunate to be able to send one of our sons to several well-known rehab facilities, not everyone is that fortunate. So what should become of those people, Ms. Baker? They should just wander the streets stealing, robbing and filling our jails?
The jails are overpopulated already as a result of drugs and alcohol. Personally, I believe in second chances, or more if needed, whereas it sounds to me that you are ready to write people off after one chance at treatment. I can't help but wonder if you have ever been through this "choice" thing of addiction in your own family.
My husband and I had eight children (without the use of Medicaid, thank you, God.) And unfortunately we also lost a son in 2007 to that "choice" of addiction and alcoholism. I've seen what it does to the person, to their children, their family and the community.
And really, Ms. Baker, I don't think anyone consciously and in a sound frame of mind "chooses" addiction as a way of life. If so, it's a miserable one, I can assure them. However, I don't feel that removing all alcoholics and addicts from Medicaid is the right answer. There is hope for everyone.
I totally agree that there are problems with the Medicaid system. That is the one thing you and I can agree on.
Connie Schlabach lives in Lafayette.
In regards to Sharon Pangle Baker's letter of April 19 ("Don't let the feds pay for addictions") there are those of us who have a different view. While Baker states addiction is not a disease, I would have to disagree. Having lived with alcoholism and addictions in my family, I can assure you that it a disease, and one that affects the entire family.
I can only speak for myself, my experiences and what I have learned through reading many books about alcoholism and addiction. When I say that while a few people are fortunate enough to be able to remain sober after one attempt at rehab, most find it necessary to go more than once. And while we were fortunate to be able to send one of our sons to several well-known rehab facilities, not everyone is that fortunate. So what should become of those people, Ms. Baker? They should just wander the streets stealing, robbing and filling our jails?
The jails are overpopulated already as a result of drugs and alcohol. Personally, I believe in second chances, or more if needed, whereas it sounds to me that you are ready to write people off after one chance at treatment. I can't help but wonder if you have ever been through this "choice" thing of addiction in your own family.
My husband and I had eight children (without the use of Medicaid, thank you, God.) And unfortunately we also lost a son in 2007 to that "choice" of addiction and alcoholism. I've seen what it does to the person, to their children, their family and the community.
And really, Ms. Baker, I don't think anyone consciously and in a sound frame of mind "chooses" addiction as a way of life. If so, it's a miserable one, I can assure them. However, I don't feel that removing all alcoholics and addicts from Medicaid is the right answer. There is hope for everyone.
I totally agree that there are problems with the Medicaid system. That is the one thing you and I can agree on.
Connie Schlabach lives in Lafayette.
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