[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 20, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S10229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   NATIONAL ADDICTION COUNSELOR'S DAY

  Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, over the course of this entire month we are 
celebrating National Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Month, a time 
when we focus on the benefits of substance abuse treatment and 
highlight the hope of recovery for those in the grasp of drug and 
alcohol addiction. And today, September 20, we are focusing on the men 
and women who help guide people to recovery as we recognize National 
Addiction Counselor's Day. These professionals are unsung heroes who 
deserve our recognition, respect, and gratitude.
  It is an unfortunate reality that substance abuse and addiction are 
pervasive in our country. Last year, over 19 million Americans used 
illicit drugs, 55 million had engaged in binge drinking, and over 16 
million were considered heavy drinkers. These are staggering 
statistics. We have all known someone a family member, friend, or 
coworker who has or has had a drug or alcohol problem. Many of us have 
even spent time trying to convince a loved one to seek treatment, 
confident that a good treatment center and a qualified health 
professional would be able to restore hope to our loved one and help 
them into recovery.
  Left untreated, addiction is a devastating disease which has far-
reaching consequences. It exacerbates social ills including crime, 
disease, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, and a wide range 
of family problems. It costs society billions each year in health care 
costs, lost productivity, and property damage. It also costs lives and 
causes immeasurable amounts of grief and pain. But there is hope: drug 
and alcohol abuse are treatable problems. Addiction is a chronic 
relapsing disease and, as with other chronic relapsing diseases such as 
diabetes, hypertension and asthma, there may not be a cure but there 
are a number of treatments to control the disease. That means that 
addicts are not sentenced to living their lives out of control; they 
can seek treatment with an addiction counselor or other health 
professional and take charge of their futures.
  The people who treat this destructive disease are a dedicated, 
knowledgeable group of professionals who have committed themselves to a 
noble cause. They are a critical part of our Nation's health care 
system. Today there are countless sober individuals living happy, 
productive lives only because, in a moment-of-truth, a counselor was 
there and made the difference. Not only do these counselors assist in 
recovery but in prevention and intervention as well. Through training 
and experience, addiction professionals can help turn a life around and 
often even save it. And for the friends and family of a person 
struggling with addiction, counselors are an answer to a prayer, 
guiding their loved one to a life in recovery.
  I ask all of my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 
priceless contributions of addiction counselors, and giving them our 
gratitude. Their work to restore hope to shattered lives and broken 
families is invaluable. I applaud their work and hope that on National 
Addiction Counselor's Day they know how much they are respected and 
appreciated.

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