BILL NUMBER: ACR 90CHAPTERED BILL TEXT RESOLUTION CHAPTER 114 FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 ADOPTED IN SENATE SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY AUGUST 27, 2009 INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Beall (Principal coauthor: Assembly Member Chesbro) (Coauthors: Assembly Members Ammiano, De Leon, and Ma) AUGUST 18, 2009 Relative to Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST ACR 90, Beall. Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. This measure would recognize September 2009 as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in California in order to raise awareness of the importance of substance use disorders treatment and to help those suffering from substance use disorders and their families to receive treatment. WHEREAS, Substance use disorders impact more than 23 million people 12 years of age or older in the United States (or 9.2 percent of the population), which is more than the number of people living with coronary heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease combined; and WHEREAS, Nearly 10 percent of Californians 12 years of age or older are dependent on alcohol or drugs, or both; and WHEREAS, Studies have consistently found that individualized treatment is essential for people to be successful in their path of recovery; and WHEREAS, Treatment and long-term recovery from substance use disorders can offer a renewed outlook on life for those who are addicted and their family members; and WHEREAS, People who receive treatment for substance use disorders can lead more productive and fulfilling lives, personally and professionally; and WHEREAS, Real stories of long-term recovery can inspire others to ask for help and improve their own lives, the lives of their families, and the entire community; and WHEREAS, The "Join the Voices for Recovery" effort provides a platform to celebrate people in recovery and those who have worked to advance the treatment and recovery landscape; and WHEREAS, It is critical that we educate our community members that substance use disorders are treatable, yet serious, health care problems, and by treating them like other chronic diseases, we can improve the quality of life for the entire community; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the month of September 2009 as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in order to raise awareness of the importance of substance use disorders treatment and to help those suffering from substance use disorders and their families to receive treatment; and be it further Resolved, That the Legislature encourages public support for "Join the Voices for Recovery" efforts during the 2009 Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for distribution.