WHY WE DO THIS
Drug addiction is a disease that actually alters brain circuits and behavioral patterns. It is characterized by a compulsive need to consume legal or illegal drugs, despite the harm they cause.
Today, an astounding number of people struggle with drug addiction. Data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics suggest that 53 million (19.4%) people (ages twelve and up) have misused illegal or prescription drugs in the previous year.
It’s no secret that drug addiction has dire consequences. Apart from taking a toll on a person’s physical and mental well-being, the illness also jeopardizes relationships. Homelessness, criminal activity and prison are all potential consequences.
But, addiction is treatable, and obtaining treatment gives a person the opportunity to get professional help to stop using drugs and begin to build or resume living a productive life. Substance use disorder can't be cured, but it can be successfully managed. This is why we do what we do.
08/23/2023
NIH-funded study also shows younger adults reported marijuana, vaping, and hallucinogen use at or near historically high levels
10/24/19
Dramatic Increase Opioid Overdoses & Deaths in Monterey County
Press release and press conference held October 24th, 2019 to alert the community.
12/3/19
Fatal opioid overdoses in Monterey County have more than tripled this year compared to 2018. Many are blaming counterfeit street drugs laced with fentanyl that have started showing up in the community.
10/02/19
"...early intervention is the key, in many cases, to break the addiction, and that’s why Valley Health Associates in Salinas has created a treatment program specifically for young people, 12-24 years old."
