[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 20, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4859-S4860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 778--SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF SEPTEMBER 2022 AS 
                      ``NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH''

  Mr. KING (for himself, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Manchin, and Mr. Lujan) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 778

       Whereas the theme for National Recovery Month in 2022 is 
     ``Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.'';
       Whereas more than 107,000 individuals in the United States 
     suffered a fatal alcohol or drug overdose during 2021, an 
     increase of almost 15 percent as compared to 2020;
       Whereas, during the COVID-19 pandemic, increased isolation 
     and reduced access to treatment programs contributed to an 
     increase in individuals reporting anxiety and depression 
     disorders as compared to 2019, with 13 percent of individuals 
     in the United States reporting starting or increasing 
     substance use during 2020;
       Whereas, in 2020, there were approximately 21,000,000 
     individuals in the United States aged 18 or older in recovery 
     from alcohol or drug addiction;
       Whereas, in 2018, it was estimated that the total cost to 
     the economy of the United States of prescription opioid 
     misuse, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, 
     and involvement of the criminal justice system, is 
     $78,500,000,000 annually, and that figure has grown as a 
     result of the COVID-19 pandemic;
       Whereas trauma is a risk factor for substance use disorder, 
     and there is a strong link between adverse childhood 
     experiences or traumatic events and experiencing substance 
     use disorder later in life;
       Whereas individuals with substance use disorder may face 
     stigma from health professionals, as well as from friends and 
     family;

[[Page S4860]]

       Whereas it has been demonstrated that stigma can be a 
     barrier to accessing treatment and engaging in recovery for 
     individuals with substance use disorder; and
       Whereas peer-supported communities offer individuals with 
     substance use disorder better success in recovery by 
     addressing the personal and emotional effects of addiction 
     and easing reintegration: Now, therefore, be it
         Resolved, That the Senate--
         (1) recognizes the importance of education for the 
     prevention of substance use disorder;
         (2) acknowledges that factors such as increased social 
     isolation, mental distress, and reduced access to substance 
     use disorder treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic have 
     contributed to an increase in the number of deaths related to 
     substance use disorder;
         (3) supports efforts to explore the means by which 
     integrated care, community, and sense of purpose can lead to 
     effective and sustainable treatment of substance use 
     disorder;
         (4) shows appreciation and gratitude for family members, 
     friends, and other individuals who support individuals in 
     recovery from substance use disorder; and
         (5) supports the designation of September 2022 as 
     ``National Recovery Month''.

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