For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. – African Proverb
2019 has been a year of implementing plans for today while preparing for tomorrow. With the steadfast guidance of our Board of Directors, over 30,000 Californians received our life saving services last year.
In response to the ever-growing substance abuse crisis, we expanded our prevention and outpatient services to serve more young people and their families. We broadened the scope of our efforts to address growing opioid use among teens by organizing outreach and education sessions and group counseling for higher risk youth. We continued to provide residential and in-custody addiction and mental health services to the underserved and uninsured in our communities.
And the need for our services is not diminishing so we are preparing for tomorrow.
- 6% of Californians met the criteria for alcohol abuse but only 10% received treatment.
- Substance use disorders are highest among young adults, ages 18 – 25.
- 90% of addictions begin in the teen years.
- By 11th grade, 50% of California students have used alcohol and 40% have used marijuana.
2020 will be another year of growth for Phoenix House California. We will continue to expand our work in schools and communities to educate and prevent the devastation of addiction and we will partner with like agencies to inform our lawmakers and funders of the growing needs for our services.
Drug addiction and alcoholism have been referred to as “diseases of despair” as they arise from trauma, emotional distress, and mental disorders. There is no cure for drug addiction, but treatment is effective and prevention programs are proven to work. And, we are guided by our mission every day—to save as many lives as possible—we won’t let addiction win.
On behalf of our patients, participants, clients and staff, thank you for supporting Phoenix House California.
We are blessed to have you with us today and tomorrow.