Substance abuse counseling can’t match demand

By Shamane Mills, Wisconsin Public Radio

MADISON (WPR) The federal agency which tracks substance abuse shows the need for help in Wisconsin is greater than the supply.

Treatment facilities for alcohol abuse have declined in Wisconsin, a state that has some of the highest alcohol consumption rates in the nation. A report by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration shows treatment facilities going down from 324 to 290 over the course of four years ending in 2006. Along with fewer places for alcoholics to get help, there is the matter of money to pay for treatment. Jason Brame of Community Advocates in Wauwatosa says half a million people in the state don't have insurance. And those who do may find it is inadequate for their addiction.

"Insurance tends not to cover addiction treatment to the extent needed. By that I mean they tend to place higher than normal requirements on cost sharing deductibles, co-pays and they limit the number of visits that one can make to a treatment facility," says Brame.

Community Advocates officials say the recession is likely to further increase alcohol abuse, widening the gap between need and supply of available treatment services.

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Information from Wisconsin Public Radio, www.wpr.org