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Declaring September “National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.”
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WHEREAS, “National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month” (Recovery Month), now in its twelfth year, seeks to highlight the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, applauds the contributions of treatment providers and promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible: and
WHEREAS, Drug and alcohol use, abuse and addiction continues to rank high among the nation’s leading public health problems. Those suffering from this devastating disease are at an increased risk for very serious health problems, criminal activity, automobile crashes and lost productivity in the workplace. Research has shown that long term drug use results in significant changes in brain function that persists long after an individual ceases active use; and
WHEREAS, Addiction is often described as a three-fold disease of the “mind, body and spirit.” Family members and friends also experience financial and psychological repercussions that place them “at risk” and often in need of support to help them better understand addiction and the recovery process; and
WHEREAS, 2001’s theme “We Recover Together: Family, Friends, and Community” is intended to focus the Nation’s attention, for the month of September, on the needs of, according to a national survey, approximately 2.9 million American in dire need of treatment; and
WHEREAS, The cost of untreated drug and alcohol addiction in the U.S., has been estimated at $276 billion per year in lost productivity, law enforcement, health care, justice, welfare, and other programs and services in comparison to about $45.00 per year per each American to provide the full continuum of services needed to effectively treat addictive disorders; and
WHEREAS, In light of the American tragedy of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, there has never been a better time to cast aside our differences and reach out our hands to all Americans, including those suffering from the pangs of addiction, in an efforts to rebuild and unite; now therefore
Resolved, by The Council of the City of Philadelphia, That September is declared “National Alcohol and Addiction Recovery Month”. We commend The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHA) and The City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health for their efforts to educate the public on the crucial role treatment plays in reclaiming lives ravaged by alcoholism and drug addiction. In addition, we applaud Recovery King for the outstanding work that they have done with many who have entered their doors seeking to begin living life on life’s terms and for their contribution to the Germantown community.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That Engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to representatives of SAMHA, the Health Department and Recovery King as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
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