Can Baltimore Provide Addiction Treatment On Demand?

Across the U.S., more than 20 million people abuse drugs or alcohol or both. Only about 1 in 10 is getting treatment.

People seeking treatment often have to wait weeks or months for help. The delays can jeopardize the chances they'll be able to recover from their addiction.

In Baltimore, Health Commissioner Leana Wen has been pushing for treatment on demand, so that the moment people decide they're ready for help, it's available. It's something other health officials have sought to achieve, without success.

The need for quick access to treatment came into focus for us when we caught up with Andrea Towson, whom we first met last September.

Towson, known in her West Baltimore neighborhood as Teacup, has used heroin on and off for more than 30 years. She considers herself an active user.

By mid-December, she was looking to change that. "For the new year, I want to be in treatment," she says.

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