The drug epidemic is gripping the nation and addiction is becoming a growing problem that plagues all counties.

For example, to date this year, Carbon County has seen a reported 18 overdose deaths and figures across the state have jumped from 10 overdoses a day to 13 a day.Because of this, a drug and alcohol treatment provider in Berks County wants to provide another treatment option for Carbon County residents facing addiction issues.On Thursday, Angie Jakubowski, outreach coordinator for Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge of Rehrersburg, approached the Carbon County Commissioners to provide information on the company's faith-based treatment options.Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge has detox, short-term and long-term options available to help individuals who are seeking treatment for various addictions.Jakubowski said that in response to the heroin epidemic, the company has opened a medical detox and short-term 30-day clinical rehab to anyone in need. It accepts Medicaid and county funding, as well as private insurances. These services cost approximately $7,000, about half to a third of what other rehabilitation facilities around the area cost, mainly because of the company's strong donor base.Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge also provides those without available funds to pay for extended period stays with a 10-month long-term residential option at no additional charge if needed.Commissioner William O'Gurek said that he has heard many stories from families looking to get help for a loved one, but are unable to get into a facility for treatment."It seems to me that there is somewhat of a shortage of facilities to take these people," he said.Jakubowski said that Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge is one of the largest facilities in the area with a 28-bed detox, as well as 80 additional rehab beds."We have beds available," she said, adding that in addition to these services, they have round-the-clock admissions staff and transportation available to those who want to get help.She said that individuals can refer themselves into the program.For more information on Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge, call the admissions number at 844-888-8085 or visit

https://www.paatc.org.