September is National Recovery Month

According to the Office of Drug Control Policy’s 2006-2007 National Survey on Drug Use, approximately nine percent of Tennessee citizens 12 or older reported using an illicit drug in the past month. That means 444,000 Tennesseans are using drugs in a given month. La Paloma didn’t need stats to tell us that drug addiction is a problem here in our home state.

Addiction is an ongoing problem in Tennessee, but it is also a dangerous issue nationwide. Nearly 22 million people in the U.S. (and roughly 200 million worldwide) struggle with addiction, but the issue is still very misunderstood. The idea of offering community-wide support to those affected by the disease and celebrating people successfully living in recovery is just beginning to catch on.

It’s an idea that’s long overdue, though. Sit down and talk to someone who has felt the impact of addiction – you won’t have to look far to find them -- and they’ll tell you how it wreaks havoc on families, relationships, careers and health. It’s an equal opportunity offender. That’s why it’s important for the public to understand, embrace and encourage people who in the throes of addiction and those who emerge on the other side. The cost is too high for all of us if we don’t.

Fortunately, September has been designated National Recovery Month, promoted by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to bring attention to this growing problem that affects more than 1 in 14 Americans.

The National Institute On Drug Abuse estimates the total overall cost of substance abuse in the United States -- including lost productivity and health- and crime-related costs -- exceeds $600 billion annually. Add to that the often-related issues of family disintegration, loss of employment, failure in school, domestic violence and child abuse, and only then can you get a feel for the true scope of the problem.

Drug Addiction Treatment

Visit www.recoverymonth.gov for more information on National Recovery Month and to find events near you. If you or someone you love is in need of drug addiction treatment or other help, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.