MENTAL HEALTH: Step up, Idaho

At age 22, I was heavily addicted to opiates, homeless, unable to hold a job long term, disowned by my family and unable to take care of my daughter. I also had undiagnosed bipolar disorder.

On Jan. 1, 2014, I was admitted to the Chemical Dependency unit at Kootenai. I have been clean and sober ever since. (More than 100 months.)

This program saved my life. Not only was I able to get clean and heal from the trauma that caused my addiction. but I was also able to continue care at Kootenai Outpatient Psychiatry, where I was able to get my bipolar in check so I could live and function in the world.

I have had many successes in my life since then, from buying a home, having a happy marriage, healthy friendships, close family relationships, raising four healthy children, getting an education and running an incredibly successful business. All of this was a result of being able to recover at Kootenai Health’s chemical dependency unit.

Kootenai Health has announced that they are closing both their inpatient chemical dependency unit and their outpatient psychiatry office. As treatment availability and therapists are very limited, the state needs a plan to address mental health care and addiction treatment in North Idaho.

MARIE ADAMS

Coeur d’Alene