A group appointed by Governor Joe Manchin put together the document that includes five key components for an effective substance abuse system for the state.

Manchin was on hand at the Clay Center in Charleston to kick off the 2009 Governor's Drug Summit and give his backing to the plan.

"This plan represents an important step in our approach to a very complex problem and will serve as a guide for our actions in the future,” according to the governor.

The plan calls for a substance abuse system that will evaluate, research and keep track of trends across West Virginia, provide training and workforce development, provide technical assistance to communities, keep the line of communication open from the local level all the way up to state leadership and provide funding and support to help eradicate the drug problem.

Manchin says it's a big job but one that must be tackled. "It's basically a fight we can't afford to lose,” he said.

Manchin says it's all about working together and never forgetting that each drug abuse case is unique and important.

"Can we save a person's life?” Manchin asked. “Can we make them a productive citizen? Can we put pride and dignity back in their life? Can we end the addiction? I think all of these things are something we should pick up as a cause."

Manchin admits fighting the war on drugs doesn't come cheap. The plan calls for the legislature to budget $23.5 million a year for programs, education, community support and research.