LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim September 2009, as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, Recovery from alcoholism and other chemical dependencies is a
reality for millions of our valued citizens who make important contrib-
utions in their communities every day; and
WHEREAS, To raise awareness of the value of treating people with alco-
hol and drug use disorders, National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery
Month is observed each September; and
WHEREAS, Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month highlights the need
to improve alcohol and drug use disorder treatment services and encour-
ages people to overcome barriers to recovery; this year's theme, "Join
the Voices for Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal," empha-
sizes the need to use all available resources, both in our communities
and on the Internet, to educate people about the disease of addiction,
seek help, and heal; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month cele-
brates those who have worked to advance the treatment and recovery land-
scape; Recovery Month is designed to help people understand that there
is hope and that help for alcohol and drug disorders is effective and
available; and
WHEREAS, According to the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
(NSDUH), published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an
estimated 23.2 million persons (9.4 percent of the population ages 12
and older) needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem;
and
WHEREAS, In 2007, 3.9 million persons aged 12 or older (1.6 percent of
the population) received some kind of treatment for their problem
related to the use of alcohol or illicit drugs; unfortunately, there are
millions more in need of treatment but who are either unable or unwill-
ing to receive it for a variety of reasons; luckily, there is a wide
range of services available to attack the problem of addiction; and
WHEREAS, Health care, addiction treatment and recovery services for
those in need is a national health priority; in the past several years,
steps have been taken to help expand treatment capacity and recovery
support services in the United States; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim September 2009, as
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in the State of New York; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.