September 1, 2005

As part of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is promoting awareness of substance use disorder.

Together as residents of Michigan we face a difficult challenge of overcoming alcohol and drug use problems. People in recovery from this disease come in all walks of life, and deserve to be treated with respect for fighting and winning one of the hardest battles there is.

MDCH supports this effort to help protect the health of every Michigan citizen, which includes addressing the problems of drug and alcohol abuse that continue to affect the lives of so many here in Michigan.

During Recovery Month each September, communities nationwide join together to help people recognize that substance use disorders are treatable diseases. This years theme: “Join the Voices for Recovery: Healing Lives, Families and Communities.”

The theme is a reminder that recovery is possible and that treatment services will help the lives of substance users and also the people surrounding the user.

“As residents of Michigan we must ensure that other residents are aware that addiction is a disease, and should be treated as one,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “Let’s continue making the positive strides towards drug and alcohol abuse recovery.”

Local businesses can play a large role in making treatment affordable and referring employees for treatment, through the support of the National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

“An estimated 35 percent of Michigan’s students used alcohol, and 12 percent used marijuana before age 13,” said Yvonne Blackmond, Director of the Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy. “Young people who begin drinking before age 13 are four times more likely to become addicted than those who begin at age 21.”

Throughout September, Recovery Month events are taking place nationwide to encourage communities to properly assess people’s need for assistance to over come this disease and so that the citizens of Michigan can lead a happier, healthier lifestyle.

For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/odcp.