Addictions are a part of life for many people in Nevada and around the world, but what can be done about them?

Well, that is where Solutions Foundation and Solutions Inc., come into the equation. Their belief is that addictions are biologically based and responsive to a variety of treatments.

Solutions Inc. offers both in-patient and out-patient treatment. There are several facilities in the Las Vegas area for both, and it hopes to bring those types of treatment facilities to Pahrump.

David Marlon, president and CEO of Solutions, said, "We have applied for a grant, and if we receive it, we will begin the process of building or acquiring a property for a residential program."

The state grant would pay for the residence and residential treatment, and Solutions Inc., would pay for the outpatient follow-up and treatment.

"Each facility provides the right environment for treating those with addiction issues. Once the person has arrived, an assessment is made to determine their biological, social, psycho-therapeutic, home life, job, and medical status as well as other information. Once the final determination is made, a defined treatment program is developed," said Marlon.

The treatment program includes a plan to prevent relapse so the home environment is essential to success in stopping the addiction. Treatment starts at check-in and continues for up to two years after checkout. Patients prepare their treatment plan for out-patient status with the assistance of their therapist at the time of check-in.

Marlon said "We have also found that most domestic violence is the result of some form of addiction, so we try to bring the family in and get them involved in the treatment process. The home atmosphere must be conducive to stopping the addiction."

The program includes a 30-day minimum stay, medically monitored services, psychotherapeutic services, recovery/rehab and holistic services. In-patients have a regular schedule of activities and outpatients must remain in contact with their therapist as well as other requirements.

Marlon also said, "We have discovered that 80 percent of those chemically dependent also have psychological problems. The most notable basis for problems is depression, However, schizophrenia, prescription drugs and anxiety are also frequently present."

Psychotherapists are well educated and properly licensed; many hold either a master's or doctoral degree in their specific field of treating addiction. Others are licensed to practice at the independent level. Current therapists include: Michael Adams, Melanie Bison, Alana Markuson, and, Jane Schmidt, all of Las Vegas.

The Solutions Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is responsible for providing education, increasing awareness on drug related issues in schools. It is receiving bids for a contractor to work with the state and state coalitions to find a solution to the problem in Nevada.

Marlon closed by saying, "I believe addiction is a biological disease and we should not be ashamed to seek treatment or get help to be addiction free. We should be able to live a proper life, not a dependent life.

"I plan to make Pahrump a better community by helping those with addictions live more productive lives. I hope to make families more cohesive as to eliminate addiction."

If you would like more information about Solutions Inc., call 1-702-228-8520 or toll-free 1-800-771-8599.