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32-day wait for help is deadly for drug addicts
By Greg Cima
gcima@pantagraph.com
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BLOOMINGTON — Adam Hearon asked his family for help with his heroin addiction when he was 19.

When he was 20, he spent three months on a waiting list for a drug treatment program, only to drop out after one day in November 2005. He began outpatient counseling late last year after he couldn’t get admitted to a treatment center.

After an arrest for driving without a license because of his prior drug use, Hearon spent three months in jail. He was ordered to get treatment for his addiction.

But the treatment center he was assigned to was full, and there was no indication when he’d get in. He walked out of the DeWitt County Jail at noon April 10. He died of an overdose less than 24 hours later at the age of 22.

Tammy Hearon said her son would have returned to treatment earlier if it had been immediately available. But the jobs he worked didn’t provide insurance, and he was too old for coverage through his mother, who is a nurse at a Twin City hospital.

“When they’re at their worst and they’re going on a downward spiral, that’s when they need help,” she said. “And that’s usually when it’s (treatment) not available.”

Her son was one of about 6,100 people statewide waiting to get substance abuse treatment this spring, and there were another 370 waiting for a higher level of care, according to a recent University of Illinois at Chicago survey commissioned by the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association, or IADDA.

Illinois residents without insurance or the means to pay for treatment are forced to wait an average of 32.4 days, according to the study.

About 250 people were waiting to get into Bloomington’s Chestnut Health Systems facilities at that time, said Alan Sender, Chestnut’s chief operating officer.

“When you have people on a waiting list for substance abuse treatment, nothing good happens to them,” said Sender, because most continue using, driving, committing crimes, neglecting or abusing children and running into the law.

Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of the IADDA, said the average delay in receiving treatment is “an extremely long waiting time, especially for an illness like addiction.”

“You want to get people right in the door when you can, and sometimes one day alone is not going to be enough,” she said. “They’re ready today. Tomorrow, they might say, ‘Well, yeah, I’m not interested anymore.’”

Lack of funding causes delay

Administrators of treatment centers in Bloomington, Springfield and Peoria say the delay is largely a money issue.

“The rates that the state provides for us do not cover the actual cost of treatment for indigents,” said Steve Knox, CEO of Triangle Center, a Springfield-based treatment facility.

The reimbursement rate given to providers for indigent clients has gone up just 3 percent in the last seven years, Sender said. “There are a lot of decision makers who would rather engage in new and flashy programs, not tending to the very sophisticated infrastructure in the substance abuse arena,” he said.

Knox wants lawmakers to update the state’s formula for reimbursing treatment centers. If nothing is done, “Will the result be a reduction in service and a longer wait list? The answer is yes,” he said.

Treatment costs vs. jail costs

State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, agreed the state isn’t investing in treatment services with the same effort it invests in jailing people.

He cited a report by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse that shows Illinois spends 12 percent of its budget, or nearly $3 billion, addressing the consequences of substance abuse, such as costs associated with the criminal justice system and child/family assistance.

He and other lawmakers have tried working with the Blagojevich administration to get more money for drug treatment centers.

The facilities, Brady said, are among the agencies held hostage during state budget negotiations, and there is no indication of any significant increase in the negotiations that have, so far, failed to produce a new state budget for fiscal 2008. Because of the impasse, it’s not known what they will get.

A spokesman for the Illinois Department Of Human Services, which administers state funding of treatment centers, didn’t respond to a request for information last week.

At Chestnut, Sender said adults admitted to the Bloomington facility in March waited an average of 29 days. There were 21 youths and 228 adults in the area waiting for assessments or treatment at Chestnut.

“There’s always been something of a waiting list, but it has become worse the last several years,” Sender said. “And I think it’s worsened by the fact there’s no new funding to deal with what is a burgeoning problem.”

More heroin, meth patients

Mike Boyle, president and CEO of the Peoria-based Fayette Companies, said his company’s treatment facility has been seeing more people for heroin and methamphetamine in the last five years, and fewer people with addictions to alcohol.

Knox said his facility is underwriting the cost above what the state is paying — a practice that can’t continue indefinitely.

“Yes, we have a waiting list. It’s about two months long, and it’s very hard to get people in,” said Knox, adding the wait has, at times, been as long as three months.

“When people summon the courage to come and help themselves, that courage can go away very quickly,” Knox said. “And it’s very troublesome to us.”

To Sender, abuse and addiction aren’t being treated as seriously as other medical problems. He likened it to a doctor saying, “You may have cancer and I know you want tests, but we’ll see you in 45 days.”

That’s Shelley Finfrock’s point, too. Hearon was her nephew. It was unfair, she said, that he was turned away for treatment when drunk drivers injured in crashes are served immediately and punished later.

“They don’t look at you and say, ‘I’m sorry, you have to wait because you don’t have insurance,’ ” Finfrock said.

In the end, Sender said, it’s “penny wise and pound foolish” not to make treatment available. The average treatment regiment costs $3,500, far less than incarceration or the societal costs of no help, he said.

Knox said costs not covered by the state are paid by people who have private insurance, people who can pay for their own treatment and the facility’s contracts with the federal government for programs such as post-incarceration care. There could still be a wait list even if the state covered the actual cost of treatment, Knox said, but the facility also could treat more people.

Even more may be waiting

Moscato Howe noted the study commissioned by her organization doesn’t count everyone who wants help — only those who didn’t hang up the phone when told they would have to wait. And Boyle said about half the people who call for treatment never make it to an initial assessment.

Michael Dennis, senior research psychologist for Chestnut, cited a study published in 1994, when he and three others studied the effect of increased funding and capacity on methadone treatment at a Pittsburgh facility. The number of applications for treatment skyrocketed when workers tried to reduce the wait time for treatment. Within three months of a grant program, the waiting list was longer than it was the year before.

People weren’t applying for treatment before because they knew they’d have a difficult time getting in or paying for it, Dennis said.

“When they increased the capacity and decreased the time to get in, the demand went up,” he said.

Moscato Howe argued more money spent on addiction treatment would pay for itself in reduced societal costs connected with health care, child welfare and crime and the criminal justice system.

“We spend so much money each year in corrections to just house people as a result of what is truly their addiction going untreated,” she said. “And when you treat somebody, the recidivism rate goes down.”

Her organization has requested about $41 million more for treatment providers in the coming year. That includes a 6 percent cost-of-business increase and additional money for prevention and treatment.

Tammy Hearon said it was never obvious to others that her son, who liked NASCAR, bowling and being outdoors, “had a problem with drugs.” But he sought help, and she hopes something changes because other young people avoid treatment because they have no way of paying for it.

“It is very difficult for these kids to get treatment in a timely fashion,” Hearon said. “Without our help, these youth could easily end up dealing with the penal system or death.

“If they end up in jail, we will be paying for them in some way or another.”  



The waiting game

An estimate of people waiting for treatment from the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Alcohol and Substance Abuse department’s services:

4,429: Illinoisans waiting for a full treatment assessment

1,670: Illinoisans assessed and waiting to start treatment

372: Illinoisans waiting to get the level of care their assessment suggested

6,467: Total people waiting for treatment last spring, including about 250 at Bloomington’s Chestnut Health Systems

SOURCE: “Waiting for Treatment: A Survey of DASA Funded Treatment Facilities,” April 2007, University of Illinois at Chicago



As months go by

Average waiting times for treatment in facilities supported by the state’s Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, according to an April 2007 study from the University of Illinois at Chicago:

17 days: Waiting time between initial contact and treatment assessment

15 days: Wait between assessment and first treatment appointment

32 days total: Wait in state-supported facilities from first contact to treatment

SOURCE: “Waiting for Treatment: A Survey of DASA Funded Treatment Facilities,” April 2007, University of Illinois at Chicago

Take a look
Tammy Hearon looks at photographs of her son Adam Hearon, who died of heroin overdose earlier this year, Thursday (Aug 2, 2007) in Normal. Administrators at treatment facilities are saying they aren't getting enough money from the state. (Pantagraph/CARLOS T. MIRANDA)
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Reader comments on this story - 92 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

question for the 17 yr old wrote on Aug 17, 2007 6:21 PM:

" Where were the parents when the 17 year old was getting addicted?And who was helping him get addicted? I know he wasn't born with the addiction.Imagine when you find out some of your childrens friends and their parents are supplying the offending substance. Keep in mind someone gave something to someone illegally to begin with. I think there should be stiffer sentences on the providers. Had I known that some grocery stores and gas stations were allowing sales of alcohol to minors they would have been reported instantly. I don't think much of anyone who supplies alcohol or drugs to addicts. If they can't get it they can't continue their addiction can they? So there are 2 problems here - the addict and the irresponsible subhuman who supplied them with the stuff. "

No Good wrote on Aug 17, 2007 4:13 PM:

" If people can't get un-addicted, they are no good to society or themselves anyway. some things happen for the good of all. "

Sad Family wrote on Aug 16, 2007 6:03 PM:

" I have two family members who tried to get help in the past. We sat down with a phone book and called every place we could think of to help them. But, nobody could get them in sooner than two months. We were all very frustrated. It is very hard for an addict to seek out help, and it takes a lot of courage. Being denied help was a slap in the face for my family members. They have since given up on the idea of getting help, and they're locations and conditions are unknown to me at this time. "

To "augie" wrote on Aug 16, 2007 4:50 PM:

" take your head out of the sand...Chicago or Chicago projects is NOT the corporate headquarters for drugs -- "

for change wrote on Aug 15, 2007 5:48 PM:

" Presidential candidates Ron Paul , and Dennis Kucinich would end the drug war as it is being currently fought and disastrously lost. They would deal with this issue from a public health approach rather than as a war. This is also advicated by the group Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. It is truly time for a change. "

I'm sure to Aunt Shelley wrote on Aug 15, 2007 12:28 PM:

" I'm going to do my best to make sure I NEVER learn that much about addiction. I've seen all I need to know not to start something like that in the first place. My point still remains. If you try and give something up, you keep it away so you can't get it on an "urge". If you can't get it right away, you give youself time to think about it...then you can get help. "

to "i'm sure wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:27 PM:

" I have tried hard to bite me lip and not respond to many of the comments. But this article was about getting help and the wait for help. Please stop being so critical, you did not know Adam or what he was thinking or who he talked to about what. Because if we could have as his family we would have done whatever we could the night of his death to stop him. Will also will never understand that night. But I spent many hours with him trying to understand the addiction and what herion did to his decision making process with the urges. I don't think he planned his next fix. The urge hit, he couldn't resist it and it caused him his life. Try to learn about addiction and not judge the person who can't defend themself. Adam's Aunt Shelley "

I'm sure wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:40 PM:

" he was really trying to get off his addiction. For 90 days in the slammer, he knew exactly where he'd get his next fix after being released. If he really wanted to get off that drug, why didn't he rat out his dealer? Why not rat out every single source of the drug he could think of? He had the opportunity to make it very hard to get his next fix and instead walked right back to it. "

Lost a few too many wrote on Aug 11, 2007 9:55 PM:

" Miss and love you guys Bubs and Craig "

I say wrote on Aug 11, 2007 8:41 AM:

" quit blaming others for your problems. If he dropped after 1 day before what is to say he wouldn't have done that over and over. I think drug useage is a symptom not the disease. Fix the disease and the symptom will lessen. Counseling is available always whether you can pay or not. One problem we have is the constant blaming and wanting external help when the answer is to take responsibility and solve the problem internally. Noone else can fix your problems. You have to. So everyone needs to quit whining. Period. "

HUmmmm wrote on Aug 10, 2007 10:38 AM:

" I say we ban drugs! Oh wait... Anyhow, the real shame here is that originations like "TRUTH" are spending MILLIONS OF DOLLARS to try and get people to going the smoking nazi party, while we have people that truly need help, that have real issues, that cant get it. How much do you think one of their commercials that they run 24/7 cost? How many homeless, addicted, disabled people could have used the money? Good job smoking nazi's... good job! "

From Dewitt Co. is pathetic to "I would" wrote on Aug 9, 2007 3:28 PM:

" Addictions can be hereditary. My ex-husband was an addict & unfortunately my eldest son inherited the addictive personality & followed in his dad's foot steps. The difference is my son realized he had a problem and sought the help he needed. Ever see a 17 year old go through the DTs? Not a pretty sight when it's your child & you love them. It's a very heartbreaking & emotionally rough ride but my present husband & I were there for him all the way. His dad could have cared less. My ex has had a triple bypass brought about by all the years of drinking & drugging & he is still using & still drinking. Now you know why he's an "ex-husband." The man will probably never leave to see 50. "

And wrote on Aug 9, 2007 3:24 PM:

" Who keeps the drug dealers in business? The addicts. Use my tax money to build bigger jails. Get them off my streets!! "

to "I would" wrote on Aug 9, 2007 2:35 PM:

" Most "addicts" would never give your kids drugs, they would tell them to say no and Run. It is the dealers that give drugs to your kids and make them readily availiable for your kids to try. "

I would wrote on Aug 9, 2007 11:55 AM:

" Like to see my tax dollars spent on the poor, not drug addicts. I did not tell them to do the drug. I'm sure they were told at one point in their lives that drugs are bad just like I was and that is why I don't do them. Put them in jail where they belong and away from my kids. When one ODs, that's just one that won't give my kids drugs. "

My sympathy........ wrote on Aug 9, 2007 10:54 AM:

" I went thru this with a coworker. She was/is addicted to cocaine. She lost her house, her kids, her husband and almost her job. When she finally hit rock bottom SHE decided it was time to get treatment. Myself and another person tried to get her into inpatient treatment here locally and we were given the same story......minimum 30 day WAITING list. We then called Peoria, Champaign, and Decatur and their waiting lists were longer than ours. She still is not in treatment and still continues to use. Her addiction is just that! Its an addiction. If she could stop herself she would but she cannot! She does not have the willpower that some of us do (myself included). We are all individuals with different GENETIC MAKEUP and its very hard to read the previous posts by the self absorbed ignorant people. If there were an easy answer millions of americans would not be drug addicts. Our tax dollars will be spent on something regardless......Id rather see them spent on something positive than (hate to bring it up) the war in Iraq! "

Dewitt Co. is pathetic when it comes to helping those in need. wrote on Aug 9, 2007 7:06 AM:

" My son is a recovering alcoholic & addict in Dewitt Co. He left the state to live with family in order to get away from drinking/doping buddies & to receive the help he couldn't get in our state. He came back & was disappointed with the so called AA meetings in Dewitt Co. compared to what he was going to out of state. They planned outings & activities to keep your mind off drinking & to provide group support, something not done here! He still backslides once in awhile, that's part of the addiction but at least he's not as bad as he used to be. He also travels to Piatt county for counseling to help with his problems because once again, what he needed was unavailable in Dewitt Co. He has no insurance, but The Center charges him based on his take-home pay from work & he didn't have to be "waitlisted" to get the help he needs. Where is the help for people like him who are trying to improve & get on with their lives? NOT in Dewitt Co., that's for sure. "

it's "obscene".. wrote on Aug 8, 2007 8:26 PM:

" ..the amount of money made by these clinics, and those that write/enforce the law. "

treatment pro wrote on Aug 8, 2007 2:28 PM:

" There is a lot of blame to go around. The court system could have held on to him until a bed was available which is the safe thing to do with a addict assessed the need for residential. The Individual still has to take responsibility to pick up or not and to use resourses that are available even if a meeting is not convienient. I have yet to see an addict put as much effort into their recovery as they did to their disease. The government has to take some of the responsibility. A few years back they decided to limit the number of beds available by cutting the funding of treatment centers that had more then 16 beds. This had the result of taking hundreds if not thousands of beds out of play. Oh I do not like the handout thing but staistics show that money spent for treatment saves money overall with less criminal justice activity, and healthier individuals who are not needing medical treatment all the time. "

Lady wrote on Aug 8, 2007 8:11 AM:

" Prayers for Adam and his family. Drugs are a sickness - IF you haven't been there, you just can't image. It is "Hell" for everyone involved. "

Heroine wrote on Aug 8, 2007 7:00 AM:

" I work with Addicts on a daily basis. I Know that there is no point in "slapping the wrist" of the person and giving the old guilt trip of you should not have started in the first place, this only makes them HATE YOUR FACE AND WANT TO USE MORE!. Like it or not public Heroine is a problem and yes getting into treatment is a problem. I make phone calls every other day to get people in and I know that there are wait lists insurance, medical card or no money. Yes this young man walked out of treatment the first time, as most do because "he felt better". He was then taken off the list. I only wish that the Pantagraph would seek out a person for an article who is actively pursuing treatment and seek their perspective. And Please try not to hate the local mental health centers we are all trying to work for the same goal. Path is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. "

sue wrote on Aug 8, 2007 6:06 AM:

" Not sure why people think everyone in this world should pay for there mistakes, by handing out free!!!!!! "

Belle, MO wrote on Aug 7, 2007 8:42 AM:

" We have all made bad choices in our life. Adam made a choice that cost him his life. An addict doesn't control the addiction, the addiction controls the addict. Adam was a good person, hard working and loved his family. He is in a much better place now, he is no longer battling the drug addiction. He will always be in my heart and in my thoughts. I love you, Adam. Adam's Grandma "

Nobody wrote on Aug 7, 2007 8:14 AM:

" Yes, there is a reason state funded agencies should NOT put the insured first on the list. There are plenty of rehabs out there that will take the insured client. The agencies depending on DASA funding are geared for those without insurance. They are NON-PROFIT. It is immoral to put the already insured in front of someone who may be dying. The bottom line is that we need more decent facilities who serve the uninsured. Not more jails or caskets for those who had to wait while their more privileged counterpart gets help. "

come on wrote on Aug 6, 2007 10:02 PM:

" State Aid? That is why they can't house more people??? Please, this place charges $450 a DAY for their stay, that's right around $12,000 for the 28 or so days they are all there. Do the math, 30 or so people total at any given time, roughly $360,000 a month! Hmmmm, not to mention the other services that they bill for. Believe me they can afford more, but for some reason they just don't have the money. Interesting. :) "

Danielle wrote on Aug 6, 2007 5:17 PM:

" Rest in Peace Adam. Will always miss and love you "

I am sure this will go over well wrote on Aug 6, 2007 5:09 PM:

" is there a reason why a treatment center shouldn't take a person with insurance first? They are a business - insurance guarantees payment. I guess I am a little mean but I don't feel sorry for addicts, my father is a raging alcoholic and he won't get help, won't admit his problem regardless of how many "interventions" there are. He will stop for a few days and say he feels great and then go back to it. I have seen addiction and I also have seen it caused by HIMSELF!!! You can't help someone who doesn't want it and you can't be there to stop someone from doing stupid stuff 24/7 "

to gonna catch it for this, but wrote on Aug 6, 2007 4:51 PM:

" thank you! This article did nothing but make me mad! HE made his choices. Why does everyone have to place the blame on the system? He didn't want the help he was given the first time. Honestly it doesn't sound like he was trying to recover. It must be horrible to deal with the loss of a child this way, when you have tried to help but there are some people who do not want help. I truly feel for this woman but I feel she is trying to find someone to blame because she feels guilty that she couldn't stop it. It wasn't her fault, you can only do so much. "

To "Clinton residents and other comments" wrote on Aug 6, 2007 12:58 PM:

" Adam did walk away the first time. Timing is everything, and by the time he got to go, he felt it was undercontrol and that he could handle it. Addiction is alot of ups and downs for addicts, they feel in control - then out. Many can go several months drug free and then urges hit and the process begins again. And once a child is 18 you can't force them to do anything or believe me it would have been done that day. And we all know as parents we can tell them till we are blue in the face, we can educate, but the person still has to have the ability and strength to walk away! All the talking and love in the world was not enough to save Adam becasue his choice when he first used was a poor one he paid for with his life. We all wish at one time or another we could turn the clock and change something we have done. Thanks for all of the comments whether postive or negative. The sharing was for education and awareness. God Bless, Adams Aunt Shelley "

clinton resident wrote on Aug 6, 2007 10:08 AM:

" Adam was a great hard working young man that lived down the street. He was a very quiet person, but the best hard working young men I have ever worked with. We spend more money in the court system and jail time than we should for the people who need and are asking for help. For example: Clinton Lake fatal boat crash case, tax payers here in the county spent a lot of money for the guilty to walk away with a slap on the wrist. For a young man like Adam who was asking for help, he should've done something more serious to have the court system sentence him to a longer term, or maybe just a different JUDGE (peters). But in the second paragraph, it states that Adam was in a program and dropped out, why would you let him? If he dropped out, because it was tough, too bad, force him to stay. Second: Adam made a bad choice that eventually cost him his life, but the life is based upon choices and it starts with friends and family and how they educate. Hope the article helps someone else! "

Nobody wrote on Aug 6, 2007 9:50 AM:

" From all I've read in this article one thing is NOT made clear. If this individual were insured he would have gotten into the local rehab without waiting. All insured clients are moved to the top of the list. This is wrong. I realize that the agencies must wait for funding, however do not be deceived. Money/Insurance talk. Also, IV heroin users are considered a priority. Something went terribly wrong. Were I his family, I would NOT let this drop. This happens over and over again. "

thank you wrote on Aug 6, 2007 12:08 AM:

" thank you, adam's family, for this story. heroin is a terrible drug, only those who have first hand experience with the battle truely know. the courage you have to stand up and share your experience is amazing... hopefully it will open everyones eyes to the flaws we have in our healthcare system. "

mother of two addicts wrote on Aug 5, 2007 9:44 PM:

" I am a mother of not one but 2 herion addicts, this drug has ruined any form of happiness our family will ever have again. Both sons have done prison time and have watched 4 other friends die of a herion overdose. Still the drug calls them back. They have had treatment several times and they have the love and support of many friends and family. As of now they are clean but struggle to deal with effects this has left behind. My sons knew Adam and had a very hard time dealing with what happened. I know that only the family who loves the addict will understand what other families have to go through. When you have a child wiht an addiction you learn to have a relationship with the drug and not that child anymore. Nothing anyone can write negative about addiction will hurt anywhere near the pain the family has already been through. Adams family are in my prayers. "

Hillsboro friends wrote on Aug 5, 2007 9:38 PM:

" Tammy and family, We love you guys - so proud of you! "

to" NA forever" wrote on Aug 5, 2007 9:17 PM:

" DeWitt County where Adam lived doesn't have NA meetings! The closest ones are Lincoln and Bloomington. This article was not about "responsibility" it was about a broken mental health system. If you read the article his mother doesn't blame anyone, just wants treatment for "addicts" at their time of need regardless of ability to pay. We need to compare treatment costs to penal system costs. I am sure a lot of "addicts" are behind bars when they could be potentially be in recovery, earning a living and paying taxes. "

a family friend wrote on Aug 5, 2007 8:03 PM:

" You all are making comments on it being Adam's choice- he never said it was anyones fault but his!!! I never realized myself 'til I saw him battling the addiction how truly miserable this is to try to kick. Part of the problem is the fact the kids are taught in school to just "say no" they are not told because you will never truly be rid of the addiction. Most kids want a reason for doing or not doing something!! Just "SAY NO" is not a huge help if they are not told why. "

NoCompassion wrote on Aug 5, 2007 7:02 PM:

" Yeah, right. I have no compassion, I am a foster parent that works with Crack babies. For the Chidren that are born to the addicts, I have the utmost compassion. They had no choice, it was their parents that made the stupid choice to use drugs. So, to the people who are willing to make such a choice, you reap what you sow. Sorry, there is too much information out there that proves drugs are dangerous. If you decide to use them, then deal with the problems "

Prevention wrote on Aug 5, 2007 5:24 PM:

" I recently attended an seminar given by the Illinois State Police on meth addiciton. For those of you who think you know it all about drug addiction, the effects to the addict, families, and the community at large, and how treatment works should attend one of these seminars if you ever get the chance. I learned that the treatment needed for a person addicted to even have a glimmer of a chance at recovery does not even exist in this state - insurance or not. Not only that, but a person who uses that drug continuously over a period of time develops irreversible brain damage. I imagine that is true with most of the other drugs, too. I think we need not only more treatment to be available, but definately more drug prevention programs for our young people as well. This seminar should be manditory at all high schools and maybe junior highs too. The photographs they use that show how a person changes after as little as 6 months of use is mind boggling. Let's give our youth some tools to prevent that first fatal "choice" to try a drug. "

NAforever wrote on Aug 5, 2007 5:22 PM:

" I am an addict and also work in the recovery field. This article gives no responsibility to the addict. Treatment centers are not a cure. The 12 step community is large, free of cost, available 24/7, and the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using. What about the people that do get in treatment and leave, and others use while in treatment and are asked to leave. Don't put all the responsibility on us. "

Nobody wrote on Aug 5, 2007 5:21 PM:

" The bottom line is that this individual should NOT have died. The hospitals are not willing to help, the psychiatric community is unwilling to help and the so-called rehab facilities can't help either. Why? MONEY. That's why. Nobody out there has any right judging another. What we ought to be judging are the facilities. We need to be addressing WHY an individual who is uninsured dies because he/she cannot get help. Once again I state, there are NO waiting lists for the insured. This is a FACT. "

nursypoo wrote on Aug 5, 2007 5:18 PM:

" My heart goes out for this mother. I am an addict in recovery and work in the field. The article was good although it shows no accountability for the person trying to recover. Many do get in treatment and leave, or continue to use. The 12 Step community is large and the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using. And it is free and immediately available. Treatment is not a cure and it often takes more than one episode. "

a family friend wrote on Aug 5, 2007 5:04 PM:

" I have known Adams family for nearly 35 years and I do not believe any one of them would not say that were not mistakes at many levels. The point is that getting help for your addiction is not easy unless you can write a big fat check!! Every one reading this has some sort of addiction of one type or another unfortunately Adam's turned deadly!!! Adam was a smart, hardworking,courteous young man who made 1 bad mistake and paid for it with his life! In a perfect world drugs,alcohol,cigarettes and anything else that is addictive would just disappear, but since that will not happen the system needs help. Face it food is a bad addiction for alot of people and yes, you have to eat to live, but how many people are killed by obesity in a year and nobody says it was their choice! "

Ignorant people wrote on Aug 5, 2007 4:59 PM:

" Unfortunately I am not surprised at some of the "holier-than-thou" comments on this board. It seems to be the norm from people in this area who don't have "problems" to have stupid pat answers about everything. It is painfully obvious that these people have absolutely no idea what addiction is or how it is treated. First of all, jail does NOT treat addiction. Secondly, without insurance an addict cannot get treatment at the most critical time - when they can admit they have a problem and want help. Additionally, even for those who have insurance, treatment for addiction is often not covered or if it is, it does not cover the ammount of treatement a person needs to have any kind of a chance of overcoming the "choice" they made years before that has now destroyed their lives. Don't any of you think that given the chance to go back and NOT make that original choice that they would?? The ignorance of the "perfect" people in this community never ceases to amaze me. "

everyone wrote on Aug 5, 2007 4:14 PM:

" all the family grieves but no one tried to help. Ever hear of tuff love "

TO: to: Nobody wrote on Aug 5, 2007 1:41 PM:

" wow...you really have no heart. i would HATE to see what your home life and family is like but i hope nothing like this ever happens to you and your family...and i am a smoker and i still have a heart "

Grateful Mom wrote on Aug 5, 2007 1:26 PM:

" Thank you, Pantagraph, for printing this article. To Adam's family, my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your beloved son. I, too, have an adult son battling heroin addiction, and our stories are very similar. But for the grace of God, it could have been my son dying from an overdose. It took months and months of waiting and red tape to get him into a treatment program, and every day of waiting was a nightmare. Every day, I wondered if today would be the day he would overdose, if he would commit suicide (depression goes hand-in-hand with drug addiciton), or if he would die in a drug deal gone bad. Clearly, many of you people posting have no inkling of the severity of addiction or the devastation a family goes through, or you would keep your thoughtless comments to yourself. Thank you, Adam's family, for having the courage to tell your story in the hopes of helping others. God Bless you. "

Nobody wrote on Aug 5, 2007 1:10 PM:

" In many cases a person becomes addicted (physically and mentally) after the first time trying the drug. The rest of their addiction is spent trying to recreate the original high. These drugs are manufactured to addict instantly. Everyone's brain chemistry is different. Crack is a drug that alters brain chemistry after just one use. A person who is in enough mental pain with seize this high because it relieves the psychic pain and spend a lifetime 'chasing the jones.' Your judgementalness only perpetuates the problem. "

To: Nobody wrote on Aug 5, 2007 12:55 PM:

" I think you missed the point. Everyone had a CHOICE when they FIRST tried Cocaine, Heroine, etc. How did you react the first time you had a CHOICE to do cocaine? Probably the same way I did and refused. Unfortunately for this young "man", he made a poor "choice" and used drugs. The results, however unfortunate for his family, are a result of his own initial CHOICE. "

Reality Check to "No More taxes" wrote on Aug 5, 2007 12:55 PM:

" This paper prints "News" reality, that's what we read it for right ? What if someone in your family truely needs help and you nor the others could afford to get them that help either, I would much rather see my tax money help a local family member or a human being from the US then to all the others our money goes to over seas, these are Mothers, fathers, sisters or brothers or Sons and Daughters to either our neighbor , or others we may know, we should take care of our own and those who really do want and or need help, lets be real.. "

Nobody wrote on Aug 5, 2007 12:19 PM:

" To Always a Choice: To put it very simply - NO, it is not always a choice. Addicts DO NOT CHOOSE to be addicts. They die or go to jail from their disease. They need help and that help is not there for the uninsured. It's very simple. PROFITS BEFORE PEOPLE. Do you honestly think a person would choose that lifestyle? Do a bit of research before you shoot off your mouth. "

Nobody wrote on Aug 5, 2007 12:15 PM:

" To Bromenn Health/Emergency Room: I can't keep count of how many times addicts have been 'stabilized' and set away. No insurance, no treatment. I have had many, many people sent to me who are in the throes of active withdrawal, vomiting blood and suicidal because they do not 'qualify'. (Translation: No Insurance) No, Bromenn is NOT the answer, unless you are insured. St. Joe is a bit more compassionate, but the same thing applies. However they will, on occasion keep a client who is very ill. Bromenn will not. "

No more taxes wrote on Aug 5, 2007 12:06 PM:

" People need to handle their own problems. I shouldn't have to fund someone else's illmoral and/or illegal behavior. This paper prints too many guilt trip stories. Be it hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, tidal waves, and many others, people need to rely on themselves. "

HeartFelt wrote on Aug 5, 2007 11:31 AM:

" my heart goes out to the family ....Addiction is a horrible thing to deal with in life.. I too was there, also with several of my family members and close friends and you people have no right to be talking horribly about this man until you have walked in his shoes.... you havent so be nice............. God be with his family "

Opinion wrote on Aug 5, 2007 11:21 AM:

" Reality once again here is that the situations do happen and when these people get to the final point when they are asking for help and can't get in to get it, some end up where this young man did or in a worse situation then before. My younger brother is a severe alcoholic, he went from making $110,000. a year to trying to go into treatment and went through the same exact senerio with the waiting list thing, he now makes nothing between losing job after job to living off foodstamps and about to be divorced after 18 years of a good marriage, people need to realize it is an addiction, I could never understand myself because I do not have an addictive personality, but some do, there needs to be more clinics and options to cover these people with no insurance, we send enough money to Iraq why not help some of our own. "

Gwen424 wrote on Aug 5, 2007 11:05 AM:

" To Adams Family: My heart and prayers are with you. I also lost a son due to drugs. He tried and tried to get help. No insurance. I called Michigan they said sure bring him in with 20,000!! Unforunately my daughter was with him when his car went under a semi from dozing off. He left 2 small kids behind. We know there are choiced but there also should be a law when 2 or more family agree they need help there should be room in a facility. Our lives will never be the same, nor his rother and sisters. I am so sorry for your grief and unless alot of you been there dont critize. It just shows your ignorance. God Bless You all...... "

to another mother wrote on Aug 5, 2007 11:01 AM:

" blaming this on the borders? You need to take a look around you. Just a few days ago the headline was about all the pot seized in good old Heyworth. There are more meth labs than you can shake a stick at out in your farming community with all the anhydrous available. And sorry but heroine is not a specialty from Mexico and is a caucasion drug of choice mostly. Stand up and take responsibility for your own area problems. Instead of pointing fingers try getting involved in your elections and play a part in putting people in office who will get the programs and funding your area so obviously needs. "

In recovery wrote on Aug 5, 2007 10:45 AM:

" I see that someone suggested bromenn hospital that doesn't work, they will only take you if have insurance, Chestnut has a big waiting list partly do to the courts ordering people to under go treatment as part of their punshiment. Most of those ordered to go don't want to be there or really care if they are there or not. the only reason they stay is they don't want to go to jail. that takes up space that could be used by someone who is at the end of their rope and wants to change or truly needs the help. If you do the crime do the time. Not get a slap on the wrist. "

To Loon, the Bible Quoter wrote on Aug 5, 2007 10:37 AM:

" Being a Christian, I was quite disturbed at your Proverbs reference. While it was clever...Why don't you try this one on? Matthew 9:12 (if you don't know how to look it up, Matthew is the first book in the New Testament, or just go to Bible Gateway online and plug in Matthew 9:12. I think you'll find a bit of Jesus' compassion and maybe try and use it. "

An Addict wrote on Aug 5, 2007 10:22 AM:

" I am a recovering addict. Most people who end up addicts do not plan to do so. Recovery is near impossible because there is no real help for uninsured. I was lucky enough to find a Doctor who was in it to help and only for that. But the system has to change, people need to stop ridiculing and start looking at addiction as an illness, that is in fact what it is. Regardless of how it starts. many addictions start due to a Doctor not disclosing risk factors when prescribing medication. In my case I was in an accident where I was hospitalized for months when released I was already addicted to pain meds without even realizing it. It just grew from there and I eventuallly sought help. But the Doctors who prescribed all these pills never once told me how addicting they are and I didn't know until it was too late. There are more ople addicted this way then any other. And I am sure most people know someone close to them with a problem. "

To One Thing and Bromenn wrote on Aug 5, 2007 9:58 AM:

" First off, Bromenn might have a psych ward but try getting in there if you have no insurance. It's not going to happen. They will offer you out patient counseling in about 3-months and/or a bus token out of town to a place that has a State hospital (say Chicago). Also for the person who things they she alone got her husband off of crack needs to drop the god-complex. She cant get anyone off of drugs......neither can we, or the treatment centers........all we can do is offer the help /support and pray that the addicts takes it and "see's the light." To blame the family of this boy for not sitting on their kid, and "making him stop" is insane. This family is in enough pain.........those comments are just ridiculous! "

"Catching" the Truth wrote on Aug 5, 2007 9:44 AM:

" It is always a person's individual choice to begin drugs, it was his individual choice to leave treatment when he had the chance. It's not societies' job to clean up your mess. There is not an endless pot of money somewhere for decent, hard-working individuals to keep putting into to pay for other's irresponsible behavior. No one except those of us expected to pay the bill for another's crappy choices are the victims. "

To: To all the would-be MDs wrote on Aug 5, 2007 9:25 AM:

" You are right. We are better off without them. Society, as a whole, improves with each passing of a drug addict. If one has altered their ability so much that they can no longer function, I say that we put Dr. Kevorkian in charge of the drug rehab clinic. "

Unbelievable wrote on Aug 5, 2007 9:21 AM:

" I agree with "gonna catch it for this, but ." This story is titled for the delay in treatment and thus resulting loss. Twisting the facts of the story to meet the author's agenda is disgusting. This kid had every oppotunity to kick the addiction, Beth. He chose not to and paid the consequences. I remeber when Nathan Ruch was murdered by Normal Polie, and the resulting trial. Where are all those people asking how this family failed to raise a good son. Surely the parents take some responsibility for raising a drug addict? "

Personal responsibility wrote on Aug 5, 2007 9:09 AM:

" As powerful and horrible as any addiction is, the fact is it all began with a choice. The choice to take the drug, drink, smoke, etc. the very first time. Addiction may need to be treated as an illness to overcome, but it's 100% self-inflicted. "

Agree with gonna catch it wrote on Aug 5, 2007 8:51 AM:

" He previously waited 3 months to get into treatment and then dropped out after one day. To blame no room for treatment of his death is wrong. There is no way to tell if he were to be placed in to treatment right away would have helped. He was ordered to get treatment after getting in trouble with the law. It is a known fact you can not help until one is ready to admit he has problem, mandatory treatment has a very low success rate. That being said, my sympathy goes to the family. "

To "all who would" wrote on Aug 5, 2007 8:39 AM:

" Great point, and it is a shame that once these kids hit "18" their families are powerless. At that time they are "adults" in the systems, and without the person who is addicted permission your hands are tied! Timinig is critical in addition, they want help today, but tomorrow is different. And to "Lucky" sounds like the Netherlands are way ahead of us! "

A relative wrote on Aug 5, 2007 8:31 AM:

" The ignorance of some of the previous posters is obvious. They should have printed the poem Adam wrote the day he died and these people would know that Adam did not want to die. It is unfortunate that this happened to our family, but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and it is my goal as a mom to see that this does not happen to my boys! All we can do is give our kids a firm foundation as children, love them and guide them and hope that as adults they make good choices. If we do all we can then we can sleep at night knowing that we did all we possibly could! Thanks for the article, maybe it will make a difference! "

iam a addict too wrote on Aug 5, 2007 8:26 AM:

" its not a will power thing once you start you cant stop!and whos the blame ?the good ole usa!drugs come here at a alarming rate and the us is making money off of it.people need to wake up and smell the junk and stop looking for roses!drugs people is the number one stock in america!and its sad until someone in power really takes a stand and not just tell us to SAY NO!it will cont. to be as such "

To "Choice" wrote on Aug 5, 2007 8:19 AM:

" They teach to say "No" but I don't think it is enough. And dealers need to be caught and off the streets! "

To gonna catch it wrote on Aug 5, 2007 8:16 AM:

" Please read about heroin, it affects your brain and how it works. Adam never blamed anyone but himself. He only wanted people to tell their kids to say no so on one else would go through what he and his family did. His worst fear was that it would kill him. But all he wanted was the tools to shut off the urges that controlled him. And the reason he walked away was because when he finally got in after a long wait he felt he could handle it. Timing is everthing like the article mentions. We as a family did this for education not to be judged. "Catch it" until you walk in the shoes, which I hope never happens in your family don't be so judgemental. We wanted people to know about lack of help, we will never know it Adam got help if he could have beaten his addition, herion is one on the worst, but the system of mental health is not functioning properly!! Adam's Aunt Shelley "

Hubert wrote on Aug 5, 2007 8:15 AM:

" Another tragic casualty of the drug war. I grew up hearing stories from my dad about life as a drinker during prohibition. Thank God he wasn't arrested during one close call. He grew up, sobered up and became a wonderful husband and dad. We learned from that era that prohibition doesn't work. Treat drug addiction as a disease not as a crime. "

Always a "CHOICE" wrote on Aug 5, 2007 7:42 AM:

" Who's fault that this guy started drugs in the first place? He KNEW the dangers and have been taught since he was young to say "NO" to drugs... So... why do I have sympathy for those who CHOSE to do something stupid in the first place? It is NOT my problem if someone gets fired or lose their relationship because someone decided to get "stupid"... I have sympathy for this guy as a person - but him as a drug addict - sorry... they have devious ways to trick you and there is so much one can do... I know someone like that- but I gave up on that person because that person won't listen.. so I won't help that person anymore.. "

To all the would-be MDs wrote on Aug 5, 2007 7:41 AM:

" It's a nice fairy tale that addicted people can, by themselves, throw off the yoke of their addiction and get on with their lives. Some can, but the vast majority cannot, and even with professional help, many never truly get cured. To those who slammed this kid because he left rehab, expecting young people to think rationally and maturely about their future, here's a fun experiment you can do at home: ingest some mind-altering substance, then try and make coherent, rational, productive decisions about _your_ future. Not so easy, is it? "

Bromenn Health/Emergency Room wrote on Aug 5, 2007 7:38 AM:

" There is always Bromenn Health counseling.. they have mental wards there... And why didn't he go to the E.R.? The doctor(s) there could order him to be admitted there ASAP... "

One Thing wrote on Aug 5, 2007 7:37 AM:

" when a heroin addict is drug free (in this case 3 months) they don't understand that they just can't go back and do the amount that they were doing before they were jailed. That is #1 cause of drug overdose. I personally feel that the family should take a bigger stance. I think it is time for family members to sit on their relatives. Get your head out of the sand. Ignore everything they tell you and put your foot down. I successfully got my husband off of crack but it took a tough stance. "

Lucky wrote on Aug 5, 2007 7:30 AM:

" Unless you've had a family member or you, yourself have gone through the treatment plusses and minuses, you really can't make an informed comment. 90 days of incarceration is not treatment. Incarderation doesn't give a person the tools and understanding to be able to walk out and get continued help through the 12 steps, etc. But I also think that because a person has one drunk driving conviction, it does not make them an alcoholic. Too many courts are tying up treatment centers for those who may have drank too much on one occasion. With that said, we intervened with my brother 3 times before he quit drinking. While I agree that in order for an addict to quit, he/she must want to do it for themselves, but a family can help push them to that point with conditions that they MUST be willing to follow through with. Divorce, loss of job, etc. Get help for yourself too! When an addict changes and you don't, there's trouble down the road too. "

augie wrote on Aug 5, 2007 6:59 AM:

" Put the blame where it should be. The damn drug dealers and crooks who push this crap in our society. With the influx of the Chicago projects south things are only going to get worse. "

I am going to catch it too wrote on Aug 5, 2007 6:56 AM:

" Addiction is a bad thing, take a look at all the smokers trying to quit, or alcoholics falling off the wagon. I have never used drugs so it is probably apples to oranges. We could all point the finger of blame, Why did the family not purchase insurance, why did he leave the facility when he knew he was an addict, why did his friends introuduce him to this junk, why did he not say no... the list is endless. What I can not understand is after 90 days in the hole, and he knew he was addicted to it... why on earth did he go back to it. "

Been there........... wrote on Aug 5, 2007 6:32 AM:

" My heart goes to this family - I too have been there - my husband's life was controlled by drugs till his death also - I am just thankful that our children saw what drugs do to the human brain and starting on them is a choice/decision personally made and not forced upon you - unless you are physically restrained and then that is a different situation - as for the system of help out there? I say what we do have should be for those that are truly DESIRING the help and not just saying they want it - professionals KNOW the difference - my husband? said it but did not mean it and now I am left to raise our children! "

been there done that wrote on Aug 5, 2007 5:58 AM:

" 4 DUIs, 3 drug offenses and too much time in county jails and rehab centers over the last 25 years to remember. Until the day aperson decides for their self that they truly dont want to use anymore no amount of family, friends or outside influence will have any affect. To blame the system is just wrong. The majority of people in rehab are there because the court sent them or their family forced them, not because they chose to go. He was in rehab and walked out. He was in jail for 90 days which is longer than any detox in any facility I know. Until the day a person does it for themself and not the outside influences they don't have a chance. They walk the walk and talk the talk to use another day. Sorry to the family for their loss it seems like its always the good that die young "

Nobody wrote on Aug 5, 2007 4:21 AM:

" Here are the facts: If you are insured you will go to the top of the waiting list. You can also pick from several rehab facilities. If your addiction has progressed to the point that it is affecting your mental status, the same holds true. There is no place to send a client who needs mental health care. UNLESS you have insurance. The motto is: Profits before people. I know, I was there. I have seen people die because 'there is no room in the inn', unless you're insured. This goes for the 'not for profit agencies as well. It's sickening. If you all only knew the truth. "

Another Mother wrote on Aug 5, 2007 3:31 AM:

" This has for over 25 - 30 years, that I know of. A even more reason to have CLOSED OUR BOADERS, A LONG TIME AGO. The drugs come into this country along with many illegals, who decide to stay. We have been so kind to even educate these people. Now they are in our country in sometimes high positions. Dr's & Lawyers. HELLO- WHAT WERE THEY THINKING. If not dead from the war, dead by drugs, or food from China, try on animals first, then people. I'm sorry, this is a society problem, FIX THE BOARDERS, WE ARE NOT PROTECTED. "

Beth wrote on Aug 5, 2007 1:18 AM:

" In response to "gonna catch it for this" I am Adam Aunt and there is not a day that goes by that myself and my family does not grieve for the loss of Adam. Your comment shows your ingnorance on addiction. I feel sorry for people like you, that show no compassion for people. Adam did not want to continue his addiction; does the fact that he returned to the use of herion after three months in jail not show you the power this horrible drug has over you. You need to educate your self before you make comments like that. Addiction is an illness that deserves to be treated as such. "

I'm wrote on Aug 5, 2007 12:14 AM:

" with "gonna catch it for this", the guy walked away from treatment after one day. There is such a thing as personal responsibility but no one seems to consider that anymore, everybody's a "victim" these days. "

gonna catch it for this, but wrote on Aug 4, 2007 11:46 PM:

" He was in a treatment facility and then walked out after one day? And we're supposed to feel sorry for him? He was in jail for 3 months where he effectively had to quit cold turkey. There was his chance. Soryy for his mother's loss, but he led himself down his own path. Don't blame his death on the lack of treatment facilities, he was in one. "

Tiffany Dawn Varnell wrote on Aug 4, 2007 10:42 PM:

" This was my cousin. I wished he would of gotten the help. I know this wasnt his fault. the Drug controlled him. I was the last person to hug him or anything. The night we talked, he said he didnt want to touch heorin anymore but he didnt get the help in time. He didnt deserve to go, I knew it wasnt time but I know he's in good hands right now. I could barely read all this without tryin to cry. They need to do something about this. They deserve the same amount of equal help just as much as drunk drivers do. "

To Lady Justice wrote on Aug 4, 2007 10:23 PM:

" We don't handle drug offenders correctly in this country. How about looking to the Netherlands for ideas on how to handle distributors and abusers? The core features of the Dutch system are rooted in the concept of harm reduction, i.e., the minimization of the risks and hazards of drug use rather than the suppression of all drugs. Dutch drug policy gives priority to health care and prevention while, simultaneously, directing aggressive enforcement measures against organized crime. "

loon wrote on Aug 4, 2007 10:16 PM:

" proverbs 10:27 "

Addict wrote on Aug 4, 2007 10:07 PM:

" 1. We admitted we were powerless over our addiction and that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understand him. 4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. 5. Shared with God, ourselves and another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. etc. etc. The twelve steps are free. You don't have to wait. In fact we're waiting for YOU. Keep comin' back. We'll love you 'til you can love yourself. "

Oh my wrote on Aug 4, 2007 9:59 PM:

" Oh my gosh. As a mother myself, this turns my stomache. My heart aches for this women. May God bless her and may her sons death save someone elses life. "

Adam's Aunt wrote on Aug 4, 2007 9:20 PM:

" Nice article Greg! One other point, Adam asked for help through the court system or he might not have got a sentence for treatment. He spent 30 days for court date to ask for help, another 30 being evaluated, the final 30 for a court date for sentencing. We as a family could have posted bond and got him out during the 90 days but he was desparate for help and thought this might be a way to get it, since other ways failed. It only takes one use to get hooked, please just say no!!!! We all miss Adam terribly! "

Michael wrote on Aug 4, 2007 9:15 PM:

" It is sad, but it's a fact, the agencies are willing to help if they have can. I went into the mental health office in Bloomington a few years ago and told them I was so enraged at my ex-wife and her boyfriends that I was afraid I was going to kill them all. They told me they didn't have a therapist available for me to talk to, try back in a few months - and they told me not to kill anybody too. "
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