Civic groups partner to commemorate September as Recovery Month

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting Maricopa Mayor Anthony Smith proclaimed September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in Maricopa.

According to the proclamation, 22.2 million people in the U.S. have faced a substance abuse disorder in the past year. The proclamation states: “It is critical that we educate our community members and local businesses that substance use disorders are a treatable, yet serious health care problem, and by taking steps to address it, as well as provide support for the families and children of those with these disorders, we can save both lives and dollars.”

The Recovery Month effort aims to promote the societal benefits of alcohol and drug use disorder treatment, laud the contributions of treatment providers and promote the message that recovery from alcohol and drug use disorders in all its forms is possible.

The city of Maricopa and the local M.A.S.H. Anti-Substance Abuse Coalition are partnering to provide city employee training sessions, organized by the city’s Support Services Department, on the brain and the science of addiction and the effects of addiction on the family. The two entitities will also sponsor a community Drug Dump Day to dispose of unwanted and expired prescription drugs, scheduled for Sept. 29.

Pinal County’s Anti-Meth Coalition is also celebrating the 19th annual National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month this September.

“The coalition recognizes the importance of recovery in its fight to reduce meth and other substance abuse and is supporting local community organizations throughout the county toward that end,” said Pinal County Attorney James P. Walsh, coalition chairman.

“Our priority and commitment to combat drug and alcohol abuse is equaled only by our desire to make treatment available and recovery possible for those afflicted by this terrible medical illness,” Walsh said.

Submitted photo