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Show Consumer Education The first idea that conies to mind when the word "consumer" is mentioned is a person who buys groceries or television sets or new care. To help consumers of such products, there has been a growing grow-ing movement to produce information infor-mation that lets people know "what is the best buy for the money." Organizations buy and test products and publish the results re-sults in magazines available in local newsstands. Supermarkets display unit prices on their shelves, and food producers are including more and more information about nutritional value. Consumers also shop for and buy services. These services include in-clude the medical services of dentists, den-tists, doctors, and nurses; home repairs by carpenters, electricians, electri-cians, and roofers; and auto repairs re-pairs by mechanics. The American Ameri-can public has become more and more sophisticated about its shopping shop-ping practices looking for quality qual-ity at affordable prices from experienced ex-perienced providers. Consumers can also shop for help with emotional problems, alcohol problems, and drug problems. prob-lems. As part of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration's effort to assist the consumer, the next few columns col-umns will tell about the types of services available in these areas. The consumer will want to gather more information by talking talk-ing with the people who provide these services at the different places in the community. In mis limited space, only a few types of services can be described. The consumer can make contact with those who are directly responsible for comparable programs in their own communities. In addition, mention must be made of the fear, for some, that is associated with asking for help for emotional, alcohol, or drug problems. Many people experience experi-ence such fear. In some ways, it is not unlike the fear associated with buying a new car Am I doing the right thing? Will it work for me? What if 1 get a salesperson salesper-son I don't like? Will I be able to say "no"? However, the fear is escalated and feels greater because be-cause this consumer problem is so personal. One concern, too often exaggerated by people, is what will others think? In some cases it may very much feel like, or be, a life-and-death issue. For those who experience fear, it may be helpful to bring a friend or relative who can provide support sup-port and help you ask the questions ques-tions you may want answered. After the first few inquiries, the process of asking questions becomes be-comes easier and less frightening. If you are a concerned consumer con-sumer in need of service, please consult your local directory under mental health, alcohol, or drug abuse. ADAMHA 1080 |