RECOVERY BENEFITS EVERYONE

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RECOVERY FROM ADDICTION IS POSSIBLE ...............................................................( VIDEO)

“Addiction does not simply affect the individual addict. It affects children and families. Drug addiction ultimately impacts entire communities. Giving people the tools to live drug-free lifestyles and helping them to lead healthy lives is one of the goals of the County’s Live Well, San Diego! campaign,” said HHSA Director Nick Macchione.

....Problems caused by alcohol and drug abuse can seem overwhelming for individuals, families,and communities. In fact, addiction is our nation's number one health problem. According to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 22.5 million people age 12 or older were classified with substance use dependence. On top of that, 11 million people 18 years or older were diagnosed with a serious mental health problem. Sadly, the two challenges often go hand in hand. During fiscal year 2010-2011, nearly 12,200 people in San Diego County alone were admitted into County-funded treatment centers. Approximately 10,300 were adults and about 1,900 were 18 years of age and under.

....Every year, thousands of people enter and complete drug treatment programs throughout San Diego County. Chances are, you know someone right here in San Diego County who is struggling to maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle. This September, National Recovery Happens Month, hundreds of people in recovery, along with their friends, family and other supporters, celebrated their successes at the “Recovery: A Community Affair,” event in Balboa Park. The event was sponsored by San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and its many prevention and treatment partners, to encourage community members to participate, and help fight the stigma that can prevent people with addiction or mental illness from getting the help they need.

....Typically, about one third of people who enter treatment complete their program, one third drop out, and one third make some progress toward recovery. The good news is that recovery does happen. Every day, someone finds their way to wellness through personal courage, spirituality, and the support of a caring community.

....In additional to an extensive resource fair, there were various performances, a classic car display, an art exhibit with artwork, photos and poetry interpreting how recovery has impacted individuals or their loved ones, people were also taking their picture with others important to them in their recovery story.

....There are millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed through recovery. Help spread the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and that people can, and do, recover. To learn about other various activities and events, and read recovery stories on our website: www.sdads.org.