[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 20, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL ADDICTION COUNSELORS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2005

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to offer my 
support for National Addiction Counselors Day, today, September 20, 
2005. As we recognize the tremendous success of treatment for addiction 
disorders during the entire month of September, we must also 
acknowledge the great work of addiction counselors.
  A staggering 63 percent of Americans say that addiction to alcohol or 
other drugs has had an impact on them at some point in their lives. 
Recovery Month, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
Services Administration, SAMHSA, focuses on helping individuals with 
addiction problems access treatment and support services, as well as 
promotes measures that make treatment more affordable, equitable, and 
available. As a cosponsor of the Paul Wellstone Mental Health Equitable 
Treatment Act, I am working to end discrimination within the health 
insurance system against those with mental illness and addiction 
disorders. Unfortunately, lack of insurance coverage is only one of 
several barriers that prevent individuals from seeking treatment. In 
fact, of the 22.2 million individuals needing treatment for substance 
abuse disorders, 20.3 million have not received it.
  No one is immune from addiction; it afflicts people of all ages, 
races, classes, and professions. The impact is felt not only by 
individuals and their families, but by society as well. Addiction costs 
our society and economy billions of dollars each year, in health care 
costs, property damage, and lost productivity. It also costs lives, and 
causes immense amounts of grief and pain. The professionals who treat 
this destructive disease are a dedicated, knowledgeable group which has 
committed themselves to this serious health crisis. Today there are 
hundreds of thousands of clean and sober individuals living productive 
lives only because, in a moment-of-truth, a counselor was there and 
made the difference.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the valuable 
contributions of addiction counselors by honoring National Addiction 
Counselors Day.

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