A resolution proclaiming September 2004 as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

WHEREAS, the acknowledgment of September 2004 as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month offers those involved in substance abuse treatment an opportunity to educate the public, community organizations, public officials, and civic leaders about the effectiveness of treatment, both societal and financial; and

WHEREAS, prevention and treatment help our children succeed in school, provide children with capable and caring parents, and helps thousands of individuals get their lives back through restored health and productivity; and

WHEREAS, even though addiction is a chronic illness that involves significant physical changes in brain function, research shows addiction treatment is as effective as treatment for other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension; and

WHEREAS, recognizing addiction as an illness is key to eroding social stigmas about addiction and is key to creating a society that treats with respect people who are struggling with addiction, in recovery, or at risk for alcohol and other drug problems; and

WHEREAS, substance abuse and co-occurring mental disorders and co-existing physical illnesses are major public health problems that affect millions of Americans of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds and in all communities, and have huge medical, societal, and economic costs; and

WHEREAS, people with co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders can and do recover, and people with co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders deserve access to the services they need to recover; and

WHEREAS, thousands of health care providers have dedicated their lives to the recovery process and to the education of the public about alcoholism, drug dependence, co-occurring disorders, and treatment issues; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment; the Office of National Drug Control Policy; the Tennessee Department of Health; and the Tennessee Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services local members, the Alcohol and Drug Council of Middle Tennessee, Renewal House, and the Samaritan Recovery Center to invite all residents of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County to participate in National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby proclaims September 2004 as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month and encourages all citizens to support this year's theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery…Now! “ by supporting the men, women, and youth who are in alcohol and drug addiction treatment and recovery, and their families.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this resolution to be presented to the Tennessee Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services.

Section 3. This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jim Shulman

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	September 7, 2004
Adopted:	September 7, 2004
Approved:	September 8, 2004
By: