News
ENLARGE
On Sept. 12, Douglas County joined the nation in observing the 20th Anniversary of National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month, as more than 70,000 people participated in events across the nation.
Recovery Month, a campaign supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is a national effort to recognize and support personal determination and support that make long-term recovery possible for more than 20 million Americans.
The 2009 theme of Recovery Month is “Join the Voices of Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal,” emphasizing the need to use all available resources to educate people about the disease of addiction.
Locally, Umpqua Partners for a drug-free future recognized those in recovery by celebrating our 2nd Annual Ramble for Recovery, a 10K run/5K walk and resource fair.
More than 100 people participated in the run/walk and many more attended to demonstrate their support. Forty-five of the 100 participants are in recovery. More than 60 businesses and individuals joined the Voices of Recovery by contributing time and resources.
According to SAMHSA, an estimated 23.2 million people in America, aged 12 or older needed treatment for a substance use disorder in 2007 and 85.9 percent of people aged 12 or older who drank alcohol in the past year did so before they reached the legal age of 21.
Raising awareness about the millions affected by the disease of addiction is essential if we want to reduce the stigma and expand treatment options. By supporting people in recovery, their families and those who provide treatment, we are making a positive change in the how addiction, treatment and recovery are perceived in our communities.
By educating ourselves and our communities we can and will dispel the common misconceptions:
Myth: Addiction is a personal choice, a character flaw.
Fact: Drug addiction is a brain disease. Each drug changes how the brain functions in a specific way.
Addiction is a real disease and can be treated and managed. Recovery from addiction is possible and attainable. However, for many, barriers to obtaining treatment include worries of the negative perception of others.
As September comes to a close, it is my hope that the vision of Recovery Month — to educate people about the disease of addiction, seek help, and heal — will continue throughout the year. Across the nation people are affected by this chronic illness. Together we can support them on their path of recovery. Together we can increase the perception of harm in our youth and change attitudes to prevent early onset of alcohol and other drug abuse. Together we can make a difference in the future of our children, our families and our entire community.
A resident of Roseburg, Patti LaFreniere is the executive director for Umpqua Partners for a drug-free future (formerly DC CAPS). The mission of Umpqua Partners is to reduce and prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse through collaboration and advocacy, promoting healthy lifestyles and drug-free environments in Douglas County. For more information call 672-5905 or visit our Web site: www.updrugfree.org
Recovery Month, a campaign supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is a national effort to recognize and support personal determination and support that make long-term recovery possible for more than 20 million Americans.
The 2009 theme of Recovery Month is “Join the Voices of Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal,” emphasizing the need to use all available resources to educate people about the disease of addiction.
Locally, Umpqua Partners for a drug-free future recognized those in recovery by celebrating our 2nd Annual Ramble for Recovery, a 10K run/5K walk and resource fair.
More than 100 people participated in the run/walk and many more attended to demonstrate their support. Forty-five of the 100 participants are in recovery. More than 60 businesses and individuals joined the Voices of Recovery by contributing time and resources.
According to SAMHSA, an estimated 23.2 million people in America, aged 12 or older needed treatment for a substance use disorder in 2007 and 85.9 percent of people aged 12 or older who drank alcohol in the past year did so before they reached the legal age of 21.
Raising awareness about the millions affected by the disease of addiction is essential if we want to reduce the stigma and expand treatment options. By supporting people in recovery, their families and those who provide treatment, we are making a positive change in the how addiction, treatment and recovery are perceived in our communities.
By educating ourselves and our communities we can and will dispel the common misconceptions:
Myth: Addiction is a personal choice, a character flaw.
Fact: Drug addiction is a brain disease. Each drug changes how the brain functions in a specific way.
Addiction is a real disease and can be treated and managed. Recovery from addiction is possible and attainable. However, for many, barriers to obtaining treatment include worries of the negative perception of others.
As September comes to a close, it is my hope that the vision of Recovery Month — to educate people about the disease of addiction, seek help, and heal — will continue throughout the year. Across the nation people are affected by this chronic illness. Together we can support them on their path of recovery. Together we can increase the perception of harm in our youth and change attitudes to prevent early onset of alcohol and other drug abuse. Together we can make a difference in the future of our children, our families and our entire community.
A resident of Roseburg, Patti LaFreniere is the executive director for Umpqua Partners for a drug-free future (formerly DC CAPS). The mission of Umpqua Partners is to reduce and prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse through collaboration and advocacy, promoting healthy lifestyles and drug-free environments in Douglas County. For more information call 672-5905 or visit our Web site: www.updrugfree.org
