1. BY THE NUMBERS: WHY DRUG TREATMENT MATTERS In the US, an estimated 23.9 million Americans aged 12 or older have used illicit drugs. This estimate represents 9.2 percent of the US population. *2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health- annual survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

2. BY THE NUMBERS: WHY DRUG TREATMENT MATTERS Nearly 75 percent of parolees who leave prison without any drug treatment for addiction (to cocaine or heroin) resume drug use within 3 months.* Treatment reduces drug use between 40 and 60 percent, which is comparable to treatment success rates for other chronic diseases like asthma and hypertension.* Alcohol and drug treatment is cost effective. Each $1 invested in treatment equals $4 to $7 in savings on crime and criminal justice costs.* *Source: Illinois Department of Human Services

3. VOICES OF RECOVERY Austin resident Delvertis Duke battled addiction since the age of 22. He finally got clean thanks to a 37-day stint in jail, which he said saved his life.

4. VOICES OF RECOVERY Tim Ross access to a methadone maintenance program allowed him to reconnect to God, but he had to pay for the treatment out of pocket. Methadone is not covered under Medicaid.

5. *2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health- annual survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration REASONS PEOPLE DO NOT SEEK TREATMENT

6. ROAD TO RECOVERY: AFFORDABLE CARE ACT? The Affordable Care Act (ACA), passed under President Obama, may offer more support to those seeking drug treatment. Prior to ACA, substance abuse and mental health treatment was not covered under some private health insurance plans or were limited in the services provided. With a focus on the Austin neighborhood, LaRisa Lynch is exploring how these changes are playing out, and whether the ACA will fulfill Congressman Danny K. Davis's campaign for Treatment on Demand.