For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 1, 2003
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, 2003
By the President of the United States
A Proclamation
Alcohol addiction and drug addiction continue to challenge our
Nation. Addiction to alcohol or drugs destroys family ties,
friendship, ambition, and moral conviction, and reduces the richness of
life to a single destructive desire. During National Alcohol and Drug
Addiction Recovery Month, we seek to remind all Americans, particularly
those who struggle with alcohol or drug addiction, that recovery is
possible. This year's theme, "Join the Voices of Recovery:
Celebrating Health," salutes the thousands of Americans currently
striving to address their alcohol or drug addiction, and the many
professionals, volunteers, clergy, community groups, friends, and
family members who support others in overcoming addiction.
For the addicted, the fight is an ongoing struggle for their own
lives. The process of treatment and recovery is personal, and each
individual's treatment needs are different. And as a result, treatment
programs must address a wide range of physical, mental, emotional, and
spiritual needs. When properly tailored, alcohol and drug addiction
treatment can be very effective.
Last year, approximately 100,000 individuals who sought treatment
for alcohol and drug addiction were unable to receive the help they
needed. To address this problem, I have proposed a new initiative,
Access to Recovery, that will increase the availability and
effectiveness of treatment programs. With $600 million, an additional
300,000 Americans will gain access to needed treatment over the next 3
years.
Access to Recovery will build on existing alcohol and drug
treatment services by offering greater choices to those seeking
treatment. Our Nation is blessed with many recovery programs that do
exceptional work, and we must make these programs available to more
people. By providing vouchers that enable those struggling with
addiction to get help from a wide range of sources that work, including
faith-based and community organizations, we will expand treatment
options and accountability. This flexibility will strengthen our
system and offer more hope to those in need.
My Administration has taken important steps to cut off illegal drug
supplies and reduce demand through anti-drug education. For those who
become addicted to drugs or to alcohol, my Administration is committed
to tearing down the stigma attached to recovery so that more people
will seek the help they need. Alcohol addiction and drug addiction are
diseases that touch all Americans -- young and old, rich and poor, male
and female. As a Nation, we must continue our efforts to offer the
best possible opportunities, settings, and approaches to prevent and
treat alcohol and drug addiction. By caring for those who need
treatment, we are building a more welcoming and compassionate culture
that values every life.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2003 as
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. I call upon all
the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate
programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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