Friday was an historic day for addiction recovery in this country. Congress passed the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act of 2008, which ends discrimination by insurance companies against addicts and alcoholics who need treatment. (It was attached to the bailout bill.) The legislation is far from perfect, but it’s a HUGE first step. groundbreaking.html
Hi Benoit: I agree 100% that parity legislation is HUGE for drug treatment. Even more than mental health, drug treatment is the stepchild of the healthcare system. Many people with substance abuse disorder suffer from significant psychiatric and physical illness, but instead of getting help are oftentimes punished for their problems. We’re not sure what this legislation will actually mean in insurance dollars for public programs, but it already has achieved a great deal in redressing discrimination towards addicts.
Looking forward to reading your book. Best wishes, Isobelle