Tag Archives: Recovery Month

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 31, 2016

NATIONAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH, 2016
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Every day, millions of Americans prove that recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders is possible — yet at the same time, millions more are struggling with the disease of addiction. These individuals are our family members, friends, and neighbors, and when they are not able to get the help they need, our communities and our country are not as strong as they can be. It is up to all of us to help our loved ones seek life-saving services when needed and steer them toward recovery. Throughout this month, we celebrate the successes of all those who know the transformative power of recovery, and we renew our commitment to providing the support, care, and treatment that people need to forge a healthier life.

Substance use disorder, commonly known as addiction, is a disease of the brain, and many misconceptions surrounding it have contributed to harmful stigmas that can prevent individuals from seeking the treatment they need. By treating substance use disorders as seriously as other medical conditions, with an emphasis on prevention and treatment, people can recover. This month’s theme is, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Our Families, Our Stories, Our Recovery!”. Focusing on the importance of family support throughout recovery, it invites families, loved ones, and other individuals to share their stories and triumphs in fighting substance use disorders to inspire others that may follow in their footsteps. I encourage all Americans looking for assistance to use the “Treatment Locator” tool at www.SAMHSA.gov or call 1-800-662-HELP. Read more

Diversity and Equity Council Celebrates National Recovery Month

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To acknowledge the recovery movement and to spread the word about September Recovery Month, the Diversity and Equity Council (DEC) dedicated their August meeting to the topic of recovery in San Mateo County.

The conversation included a presentation on how recovery could be better integrated with care at every level. The DEC also hosted Eduardo Tirado who is a member of Voices of Recovery in San Mateo County. Eduardo shared his own experience with recovery and reflected on his youth and substance abuse and its consequences. Eduardo said about his youth, sharing “…at one point I had people telling me that I would not live past 21 and that I had no future. I started to get deeper and deeper into my drug addiction and I realized my life was unmanageable and I had no hope.”

Eduardo participated in the Our Common Ground program in East Palo Alto and believes that the experience changed his life. “After a while I accumulated a few months clean and sober and I volunteered at Voices of Recovery San Mateo County and got hired shortly after that. Today I work at Our Common Ground as well and became a Certified Advanced Level (WRAP) Wellness Recovery Action Plan facilitator.”

If you are passionate about serving under-served populations, we want to hear from you at the DEC’s monthly meetings.

The Diversity and Equity Council is a guiding body that works to integrate diversity, eliminate health disparities and advance equity in San Mateo County. The DEC coordinates, informs, supports, advocates and consults with Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and its communities. The goal of the group is to address health disparities and barriers to access in our communities.

For more information contact Narges Dillon at narges.dillon@star-vista.org or Kathy Reyes at ekreyes@smcgov.org.