September 2, 2004

To further highlight the public health impact of alcohol and drug addiction in Michigan, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has declared September as Michigan Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

“This month affords us the opportunity to celebrate the successes of those currently in alcohol or drug addiction recovery, and challenge the stigma of these diseases in a very public way,” said Yvonne Blackmond, Director of the Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy. “We need to honor those who have changed their lives for the better by breaking the cycle of addiction.”

Celebrate Recovery IV – an annual southeast Michigan event honoring National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month – will occur on Saturday, September 18 on Belle Isle in Detroit.

During Recovery Month each September, communities nationwide join together join together to help people recognize that alcohol and drug use disorders are treatable diseases.

The national Recovery Month 2004 theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery…Now!” encourages communities to take immediate action to improve local residents’ access to recovery. Recovery Month celebrates the successes of people in recovery and acknowledges men and women in the treatment field who dedicate their lives to helping people with alcohol and drug use disorders.

Despite the progress Michigan has made in the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction, more work still needs to be done, Blackmond said.

In 2002 in Michigan, an estimated 265,000 residents aged 12 or older needed but did not receive substance abuse treatment for illicit drug use. This percentage was highest for persons aged 18 to 25. During the same year, an estimated 850,000 Michigan residents aged 12 or older needed but did not receive substance abuse treatment for alcohol use. This percentage also was highest for persons aged 18-25.

“We need to work together to challenge the status quo and encourage more Michigan residents to seek treatment for these debilitating diseases,” Blackmond said. “Michigan’s problem is part of a larger national issue that must be addressed – recovery is a reality for millions of Americans.”