Local drug treatment providers are speaking out against Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed budget. Providers say his plan to save money by eliminating drug treatment would be catastrophic.
Last year in San Diego County, more than 12,600 people received publicly funded treatment for substance abuse. More than a third were treated for methamphetamine addiction. About 10 percent were heroin addicts.
Dennis Whitmyre directs five local drug treatment clinics for the CRC Health Group. He says eliminating services for drug abusers would have an immediate impact.
"They'll be back out on the streets," Whitmyre said. "What we're talking about are some of the hardest core drug addicts that we have. I mean opiate addiction is horrendous."
The governor's plan would end treatment for tens of thousands of Californians. Critics say that would lead to an increase in criminal justice costs and emergency room visits.
