National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month Begins

White House issues proclamation as September marks the 16th annual National Recovery Month celebration.

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month is an annual observance highlighting the successes of drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation throughout the country.  The initiative is now in its 16th year and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT).

According to the Recovery Month website, the observance also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective substance abuse treatment for those in need.  This year's theme is Join the Voices of Recovery: Healing Lives, Families & Communities.

There are currently over three hundred community events and celebrations planned across the country in support of Recovery Month as well as more than two dozen proclamations from community leaders and elected officials.  One proclamation was issued by the White House from President Bush.

Part of the President's statement includes, "The devastating effects of alcohol and drug addiction have destroyed the lives and families of countless Americans. During National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, we recognize the dangers of substance abuse and renew the hope of overcoming addiction for individuals across our Nation."

President Bush continued by writing, "To aid citizens seeking treatment and recovery for substance abuse, my Administration also has provided $200 million over the past 2 years for the Access to Recovery program. My 2006 budget requests an additional $150 million for this program to further expand treatment choices."

One of the nation's largest and most successful drug rehabilitation programs is Narconon Arrowhead.  A spokesperson for the facility said that they continue to participate in Recovery Month activities to promote awareness locally as well as nationwide. 

Narconon Arrowhead attributes its proven results and growth to the application of American author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard's drug-free rehabilitation methodology.  The organization has helped to promote Recovery Month by holding events, distributing public service announcements and getting proclamations from elected officials.

To learn more about National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month log on to www.recoverymonth.gov/2005.  For additional information about drugs and addiction, or to get help for a loved one in need, call Narconon Arrowhead at 1-800-468-6933 or visit www.stopaddiction.com.

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