A common and mistaken belief is that abusing alcohol or drugs is a personal weakness. Nothing could be further from the truth. Alcoholism and drug addiction is a brain disease that tells the person there is nothing abnormal about his or her use. In fact, addiction is a medical condition that should be considered in the same context as any other illness. It is a brain disorder that, like other disorders, is a treatable disease. When addiction is properly addressed, those affected can lead productive, healthy lives.
According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one in every eight Americans has a significant problem with drugs or alcohol. Many of us can see this among our family members, friends and colleagues. What can we do?
Now more than ever education is needed about the benefits of treatment and recovery. It is also essential for keeping our community strong.
September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month and this year's theme "Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal," emphasizes the need to use all available resources in our communities and on the Internet, to educate people about the disease and to help those with substance use disorders, and those close to them, get support.
By opening a dialogue about the harmful effects of alcohol and drug addiction on families, friends, business and communities, we can provide hope, healing, and better support those struggling with substance use disorders. To maximize this opportunity, I urge local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations to showcase details about local treatment and recovery resources on their Web sites and link to additional information available at http://www.recoverymonth.gov.
We all need to take advantage of these resources, particularly in light of current budget conditions. Over the years our community has supported, time and time again, the board's mission and services. They have done this by voting in favor of a local levy that has funded important treatment programs for substance abuse. Unfortunately, this past year the state has cut funding for these same services. This comes at a time when some of our family members, friends and co-workers need it most. The most disheartening part is that I believe there will be additional cuts in the future. It's time for the state to live up to its commitment and adequately fund these services. In the meantime we will continue to do what we have always done – work to take care of our own.
For more information about the programs and services funded by CMHRB please logon to www.communitymhrb.org or call 740-522-1234 or 1-866-559-6650.
Wendy Williams is the Executive Director of the Community Mental Health and Recovery Board of Licking and Knox Counties.
