According to drugfree.org, twenty-three million Americans are currently addicted to alcohol and/or other drugs.  This is a shocking and sad statistic. But what’s worse is that only one in 10 addicts (2.6 million) receive the treatment they need. This results in a treatment gap of more than 20 million Americans. Among reasons for not receiving treatment, is cost and lack of insurance. But perhaps a larger hidden reason is the addictive power of these drugs keeps pulling addicts back into a vicious cycle where there can seem as if there is no way out.

Today on Educate For Life, Kevin is talking to a trio of guests representing Teen Challenge. Teen Challenge is a non-profit organization that relies entirely on the generous donations, funding and volunteer efforts of both individuals and organizations throughout communities in order to offer services that help addicts escape addiction at no cost to the individual. They are on the front lines in cities across the United States helping to close the addiction treatment gap and giving hope and freedom to millions of people.

You will also hear the incredible story of Rita. She is a graduate of Teen Challenge. She will share first hand what it is like to be heavily addicted to drugs and what it is like to find a way out. If you want to learn more about Teen Challenge, check out teenchallenge.org. You can read testimonials or find information on getting treatment. If you are in the San Diego, California area, head to https://www.teenchallenge.org/centers/san-diego-county/.

Tune in to Educate For Life to learn about this important issue. You don’t want to miss it.

This episode first aired on August 25, 2017.