Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers Being Snubbed in Newport Beach

Drug and alcohol rehab centers in Newport Beach may be few and far between, but now they shall be even scarcer. Newport expects to be hit with a legal challenge to a new ordinance aimed at curbing the spread of rehabilitation homes within the next two weeks, Assistant City Manager Dave Kiff said Tuesday. Two other groups have already challenged how the city has handled the drug and alcohol recovery issue - they say, "Not very well".

The Pacific Shores Recovery Center filed a federal fair housing complaint against the city earlier this month alleging the city discriminates against recovering addicts and alcoholics who live in rehabilitation homes in Newport. The resident group Concerned Citizens of Newport Beach filed a $250-million lawsuit against Newport, and more than 10 of the city's drug and alcohol rehab center operators in January. The group alleges the city has violated residents' civil rights.

City officials said the ordinance would go into effect immediately, but the date was miscalculated and postponed, Kiff said. The ordinance requires most sober living homes in the city get a use permit to remain open. This is not only discriminating, but further shows the typical rich Californian's shallow and artificial concern of how they appear to others. Drug and alcohol treatment is essential, and enough rehab centers couldn't possibly be built.

When mental and physical health are at stake, it would seem that vanity and artificial concerns would take a backseat to the recovery of your neighbors, but this is not the case in Newport. While many residents support the addiction rehab centers and recovery programs, some of them having family members who may need such help, others are inconsiderate and more worried about how the city will look to others. They want to appear flawless and high-class - so high-class that drug and alcohol addiction would be impossible.

No matter where you live, the reality of addiction is everywhere. It could be your neighbor, your sister, or your pastor. You have no way of knowing who is fighting these demons, but everyone should be aware of the size of this issue. It's rapidly increasing everyday, and the number of people who require treatment is alarmingly high. That's why it's crucial for Newport Beach residents to win this battle. Without various drug and alcohol rehab centers available, people are not going to get the help they need.