By Daniel Klote, The California Democrat
 
September has been proclaimed National Alcohol and Drug addiction Recovery Month.

Recovery Month is an annual observance that focuses on the positive contributions of substance abuse treatments, the negative effects drug and alcohol addiction cause millions of Americans every year and the message that recovery from these addictions is possible.

Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

The theme of this year's campaign is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Saving Lives, Saving Dollars.”

Its focus is not only on the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction, but the financial effects those addictions can wreak on families and individuals.

It is estimated Americans spend over $90 billion dollars on alcohol each year.

The abuse of alcohol and drug addiction costs taxpayers more than $294 billion annually in health care costs, extra law enforcement, automobile accidents, crime and lost productivity.

Recovery Month is also used to raise awareness about the national health crisis alcohol and drug addiction has caused in America.

The disease, though, is treatable, through a variety of means. Educating the public about the serious need for support and understanding is also highlighted during the month of September.

Alcohol and drug addiction can be debilitating diseases that not only affect those in their grip, but their friends and family.

Help and a life without drugs or alcohol is often seen as impossible for addicts. During Recovery Month, those who know addicts are encouraged to reach out.

President George W. Bush, during the National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month proclamation, said, “Alcohol and drug addiction can ruin lives and devastate families. We must continue working toward a society in which our citizens can lead lives free from the influence of alcohol and drugs.”

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Image from book: High Society: How Substance Abuse Ravages America and What to Do About It by Joseph A. Califano (National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University)

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