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, substance use disorders impact 23.2 million people aged 12 or older in the United States; and

WHEREAS, people who receive treatment for substance use disorders can lead more productive and fulfilling lives, personally and professionally; and

WHEREAS, studies have consistently found that individualized treatment is essential for people to be successful on their path of recovery; 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, it is critical that we educate our community members that substance use disorders are treatable, and by treating them like other chronic diseases, we can improve the quality of life for the entire community; and

WHEREAS, to help achieve this goal, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the Orange County Coalition for a Drug Free Community invite all residents of Orange County to participate in National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month; and

NOW, THEREFORE, Richard T. Crotty, by virtue of the authority vested in him as Orange County Mayor, does hereby proclaim the month of September 2009 as

NATIONAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH

in Orange County, Florida, and encourage all citizens to “Join the Voices of Recovery – Together We Learn, Together We Heal” as we build a stronger, healthier, drug free community for our youth and adults.

DONE AND ORDERED this 1st day of September, 2009.