The American Academy Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry Applauds Representative Kennedy

Main Category: Bipolar
Also Included In: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 17 May 2006 - 7:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) applauds Representative Patrick Kennedy for his courage in speaking openly about his recent struggles with substance use and bipolar illness.

For many years, Representative Kennedy has been a staunch advocate for children and adults living with mental illnesses. He has dedicated much of his time in public service to reducing stigma associated with mental illnesses and to fighting for better access to mental health treatment.

As a public figure, his openness has made a real difference in our ongoing efforts to destigmatize mental disorders and to remove the secrecy and shame that so often accompanies mental illnesses.

Substance abuse is a psychiatric disorder that affects more than 20 million Americans. Those struggling with substance use disorders need treatment that allows them to live full and productive lives. Treatment for substance use disorders is as effective as treatment for other chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.

Though treatment works, not enough people seek it. The 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed that 23.48 million people needed treatment for an alcohol or illicit drug use problem. Of these, only 2.33 million received the type of help that they needed.

In addition, Representative Kennedy has shown leadership in recognizing the tremendous burden that the national shortage of child mental health providers places on our nation's children and families. He responded to this crisis by sponsoring the Child Heath Crisis Relief Act (H.R. 1106), that provides education incentives for more professionals to be trained in treating children with mental illnesses, including substance use disorders.

We greatly appreciate Representative Kennedy's commitment to improving access to quality treatment for children and adolescents living with mental illnesses and their families. We support him in his recovery and look forward to his return to public service.

http://www.aacap.org

• Additional
• References
• Citations