Golf classic scheduled to help tackle substance abuse in South Florida

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A coalition to fight substance abuse in Palm Beach County is hoping an event this summer will help provide badly needed  money for addiction treatment programs.

Peter Sesso knows the price of addiction. He battled alcoholism for several years before taking steps towards recovery.   

"I couldn't be doing this tonight several years ago if it weren't for the people how helped me get to where i am today, " says Sesso.

Sesso is now trying to help others beat their addictions to alcohol and drugs.

As president of the South Florida Coalition Against Substance Abuse, Sesso realizes rehabilitation is costly.

"The cost can ran from $3,000 to $40,000 a month," he says.

Sesso and the coalition are  organizing a fundraiser called the Tea Time Golf Classic. Money raised will help pay for treating addicts.

 According to the coalition, 85 percent of illegal drugs in the U.S. enter through South Florida. And what's even more alarming, says the coalition,  75 percent of people relapse because of no help, after they've graduated rehab.

The coalition  is made up of lawmakers, law enforcement and private businesses. Together, through fundraisers like the golf charity, the group is trying to fund new rehab centers.   

"This is an opportunity for families to help families and support a worth cause, says Chuck Schumacher.

 The coalition hopes finding new ways to help addicts can help save big public costs down the road.