LAKE COUNTY – The Lake County Alcohol and Other Drug Services (AODS), a division of Lake County Mental Health, is joining together with community agencies nationwide to celebrate September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

During September, communities nationwide join together to help people recognize that substance abuse or addiction to drugs and alcohol is a treatable disease, and that treatment is as effective as it is for other chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

AODS is planning multiple activities, in cooperation with other local agencies, to promote recovery from addiction.

President George Bush has proclaimed that “National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month provides an important opportunity to promote the values that have given people the strength to beat drug and alcohol abuse and remain drug-free ... it emphasizes the critical role of communities in encouraging individuals with substance abuse problems to seek help.

“While those who suffer from addiction must help themselves, it is also crucial for family, friends, and people with shared experiences to support those fighting to overcome substance abuse,” President Bush said. “Those in recovery play a key role in helping others achieve healthy lives. They can convey important information about the toll of alcohol and drug addiction and the benefits of recovery, inspire others to succeed, and allow young people to learn valuable lessons about their experiences.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that each $1 spent treating Americans who suffer from alcoholism, substance abuse or addiction saves about $24 in lost productivity, law enforcement, health care, justice and other costs.

Experts also report that treatment for addiction is as effective as treatment for other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, but only 20 percent of the people who need treatment are getting it.

“Drug and alcohol abuse and addiction have devastating health and societal consequences. Substance abuse is the root cause of a myriad of health problems – it causes tens of thousands of deaths each year, and untreated addiction takes an enormous economic toll – an estimated $294 billion annually,” said Laura Solis, Administrator of the Alcohol and Other Drug Services. “But it can be successfully treated.

For this reason, the Recovery Month 2007 theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Saving Lives, Saving Dollars,” is especially appropriate. Recovery Month is the right time to highlight the benefits of substance abuse treatment and encourage individuals with drug and alcohol problems to begin their journey of recovery,” said Ms. Solis.

 

Lake County AODS activities for Recovery Month include:

• Sept. 4: Board of Supervisors’ Proclamation to declare the month of September as Recovery Month in Lake County.

• Sept. 5: AODS staff will be transporting a group of recovering clients to Sacramento for an all-day rally in support of Recovery Month to be held at the Capital steps.

• Sept. 15: AODS is hosting, along with staff from the Mental Health Department, New Beginnings, Lake Family Resource Center, and other community organizations that help recovering addicts, a “March for Recovery” and community picnic in Clearlake. The march will begin in Redbud Park at 11am, we will be walking to Austin Park where there will be a free picnic, speakers, and other activities for families to enjoy.

For further information about these events, please call AODS at 263-8162.

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