Answering these questions can help people with substance use disorders take the first steps to get the help they need. Creating Positive Change works hard to inform the residents in our region that dependence on and addiction to drugs and alcohol is a disease that can be treated.

            As one who has worked in the substance abuse field for many years as an educator, counselor and communications professional, I know how discouraging it can be when help seems out of reach. Nationally in 2003, only 1.9 million persons (0.8 percent of the total population and 8.5 percent of the people who needed treatment) received treatment at a facility that specializes in treating alcohol and drug dependence and addiction, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

As a responsible community, we must ensure that addiction is recognized as a disease, and treated as such. We can do this by educating ourselves about the signs to look for in friends, family, and co-workers, such as a sudden decline in performance or attendance at work or school, or sudden changes in behavior or personality. We also can call upon the medical community to actively screen patients for and diagnose dependence and addiction, and ask our employers to help make treatment available.

To help in these educational efforts, CPC has an extensive resource library open to anyone in the community seeking information or support. CPC can also point you service providers and other resources to help you.

These ongoing efforts coincide with the 16th annual observance of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month), a nationwide initiative each September supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This year’s Recovery Month theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Healing Lives, Families, and Communities.”

Everyone can participate. Encourage community-based organizations to create forums for working together on local treatment goals, including providing support for the families of people with substance use disorders. Volunteer at or donate to local recovery groups. Help educate people with substance use disorders and their family members about treatment options and support services. Spread the word about employee assistance programs that can guide people into recovery while still maintaining their jobs.

By educating yourself and others about solutions to substance use disorders, you are joining the voices for recovery and helping to heal lives, families, and our community.

To find out more about this annual observation, visit www.recoverymonth.gov, or visit the CPC website at www.cpcnh.org and get involved.