National Recovery Month
September 2008 is the 19th National Alcohol and
Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an arm of the Department of Health and
Human Services, Recovery Month highlights the benefits of substance abuse
treatment, celebrates the contributions of treatment providers, and promotes
the message that treatment works and recovery is possible.
Every year since 1988, Recovery Month has encouraged people
from all walks of life to take action to help improve and expand the
availability of substance abuse treatment for those in need. Celebrated across
the country in cities and towns, big and small, Recovery Month provides an
opportunity to recognize the efforts of people in recovery, as well as those of
their biggest supporters – family, friends, and concerned members of the
community.
Each year, Recovery Month has a different focus and theme,
and this year's theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Real People, Real
Recovery,” recognizes the impact that real people and real stories have on
recovery, and celebrates those who have worked to advance the treatment and
recovery landscape.
Addiction affects millions of people every year, with 69
percent of Americans reporting that they know someone who struggles with
alcohol or drugs. In 2006, 22.6 million people aged 12 or older were living
with a substance use disorder, making it more common than coronary heart
disease.
Like other diseases, addiction can be overcome. Research
shows conclusively that successful prevention and treatment efforts lead to
reductions in traffic fatalities, crime, unwanted pregnancy, child abuse, HIV,
cancer and heart disease. Treatment reduces drug use, improves health, improves
job performance, reduces involvement with the criminal justice system, reduces
family dysfunction and improves quality of life.
Yet, in 2006, while 22.6 million people met the criteria for
a substance use disorder, only 4 million people (1.6 percent of the population)
actually received treatment for it. Nearly 25 percent of those who needed
treatment but did not receive it cited reasons related to stigma, such as a
negative effect on a job or concern that it might cause neighbors or the
community to have a negative impression.
Substance use disorders are a reality in the United States.
But, treatment is available and recovery is possible. By encouraging and publicizing the discussion
of alcoholism and addiction and sharing stories of real people in long-term
recovery, communities and family members can support and encourage those with
problems to get better. In doing so, people are helping to enrich lives, while
improving health and celebrating the real recovery of addicted individuals and
their families throughout the country.
All of us know someone with a substance use disorder,
whether that person is a family member, friend, colleague, or neighbor. Those
who have lived through these experiences have the most compelling stories to
tell and can truly make a difference in helping others seek treatment.
For Recovery Month
information and materials, visit www.recoverymonth.gov
or call 1-800-662-HELP. For information on treatment options in your area and
the special services available, visit www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov, a
searchable database of more than 11,000 U.S. treatment facilities.