September is National Recovery Month

For thousands of successfully recovering substance abusers in North Carolina, every day they are clean, straight and sober is not only a victory but also a cause for celebration. September is set aside as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. This year’s theme –"Join the Voices for Recovery: Build a Stronger, Healthier Community" – encourages all North Carolinians to learn how they can help strengthen their communities by helping people with substance abuse disorders receive treatment.

According to Mike Moseley, director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, 74 percent of Americans say that addiction to alcohol has affected their lives – an 11 percent increase in just two years.

“Stigma and discrimination present obstacles and can be a mark of disgrace to those with substance abuse disorders who need access to treatment facilities,” Moseley says. “In North Carolina, more than 676,000 people have some form of substance abuse disorders and, although treatment and other support services can guide them through recovery from this disease, only 88,897 have tried to take advantage of treatment.”

Flo Stein, MH/DD/SAS division chief of Community Policy, whose office oversees substance abuse issues, says it is vital to educate everyone about the impact that substance abuse disorders can have on families and children, and that many community-based organizations can develop local educational initiatives to help foster an understanding of substance abuse disorders and the stigma attached to them.

“We need to recognize the achievements of those who seek out treatment services,” she says. “By raising awareness that substance abuse disorders can be treated, just as any chronic disease is treatable, community members will be able to provide a more welcoming and supportive environment.”

Moseley’s message is this – breaking down the barriers to treatment will not only begin the journey of recovery for many people, but will also benefit communities as a whole.

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Last Modified: September 1, 2006