In an effort to reduce the millions of dollars lost by Utah business annually because of problems caused by alcohol and drug abuse, several people have formed Utah Business-people Against Drugs.
The organization's first project was establishment of a hotline (521-5835) that people can call to get support in their attempt to recover from alcohol and drug abuse, according to Howard Johnson, chairman of the board of UBAD.Johnson said the hotline will be manned 24 hours per day, usually by recovered alcohol or drug abusers, rather than having a machine answer the telephone.
Other officers are Milton Whitesides, president; Craig Williams, vice president; and Milton Jouflas and C. Philip Bamberger, members of the board of trustees.
UBAD is soliciting funds from businesses for its programs, and a letter signed by Johnson notes, "The disastrous results of drug and alcohol abuse are destroying the very fabric of our society.
"It is stifling the potential of our youth and destroying the productivity of our businesses."
In addition to monetary contributions, Johnson is seeking volunteers to help with the various projects which are:
- 90 meetings in 90 days, which will provide transportation to and from support meetings each day for 90 days.
- Reach treatment fund, which will assist eligible people to receive help from professional alcohol and drug recovery centers.
- UBAD recovery center (36 beds) to provide recovery help for people with low or no income.
- Reach me program, which will provide education and recreational trips and group support sessions.
- Junior and senior high support groups, which will provide support for drug and alcohol abusers in junior and senior high schools.