We all know someone who has lost a loved one to drugs.

"Everybody's somebody's baby," said Kathy Repsher, of the Schuylkill Drug & Alcohol Program, speaking to a grass-roots citizens group formed to address growing drug problems in the Tamaqua area.About 30 members of STEP-Up Tamaqua met recently at Trinity UCC's Founder's Hall, where they heard Repsher speak about the intake process for treating drug addiction, and reviewed the services provided by her office.She said detox typically lasts three to five days, though sometimes longer; short-term rehab is usually 28 days; long-term rehab is usually three to six months; and a halfway house stay can last up to a year.Repsher said the longer a person stays in treatment, the better their chance of recovery.She then discussed drug and alcohol program screening, as well as assessment outpatient treatment providers throughout the county.Repsher said patients aren't always treated just for drugs and alcohol, but are also treated for mental illness and anxiety as well."So please, don't judge anybody," she said. "Habits and attitudes are hard to change."Repsher told the group that people are dying, and that "it just doesn't suck to save a life.""I think we all know someone who lost loved ones," she said.Participants broke into action groups for support, treatment and prevention. Members of the enforcement team were not present at this particular meeting.At the end of the session, the action groups gave a report on accomplishments and plans.Member George Taylor said "I think we had another good turn out, and many of the same people did return, plus a few new people.""People need to understand we're in this for the long-haul," Taylor said. "There are no quick solutions. This is going to take time and effort."Taylor said he believes the treatment group has two goals; one, to secure a screening/out-patient service in Tamaqua so that people seeking help do not have to travel; and secondly, to encourage more people to go into treatment, which he said can be done by working more closely with law enforcement, EMT services and local health care providers, as well as developing channels of communication.The next STEP-Up Tamaqua meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 22, at Trinity UCC's Founder's Hall (bottom floor in the rear of the church), Washington and Lafayette streets, Tamaqua.Repsher also made the group aware of an upcoming event sponsored by Drug & Alcohol at Martz Hall, from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 1.Schuylkill County Addictions and Recover Awareness Solutions will feature former NBA player Chris Herren, a nationally recognized speaker on addiction.Step-Up Tamaqua is sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network, under the umbrella of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership.