Conclusion

In the search for effective ways to deal with the Nation's alcohol and other drug problems, it is often ironic that communities and local officials waste precious resources and time fighting the establishment of treatment programs. However, effective models exist for winning community and official approval to site new programs and expand facilities, and when those efforts fail, strong legal protections exist to fight discrimination.

It is also important to remember, however, that once a treatment program has opened its facility, either through legal action or through a persuasive educational campaign, the battle is not over. Fences must continually be tended and repaired. Studies show that communities that opposed treatment programs generally become more accepting over time, as they see the benefits that the programs bring. However, neglecting community relations, even for a short time, can open old rifts or create new ones that can make future operations or expansion difficult.

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