RELAPSE RATES ARE LOWER FOR THOSE RECEIVING LONGER EPISODES OF CARE:

An LA Times article on Nov. 11 reported that relapse rates - after treatment of addiction - while still high - are lower for those receiving longer episodes of care. Obviously, though, those with different lengths of stay differ in a host of ways, and none is more critical than the ability to pay. Thus, the article cites Betty Ford Center charges $24,000 for one month and $8,000 for each subsequent month. The glib quote with which the article ends suggests a suprising disregard for reality: "Even if you have to lose a job, so be it" (A comment ignoring entirely the vast majority of users who have no jobs to begin with)

While facilities like Betty Ford seek to attract and retain patients who can pay their fees, society mustn't forget those who desperately want and need - but can't afford - help for their drug problems.