[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18076]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE FLORIDA ADDICTIONS INSTITUTE

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                            HON. CONNIE MACK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Florida Addictions 
Institute's second graduating class. These dedicated individuals will 
go on to become certified drug addiction counselors throughout 
southwest Florida and the rest of the State.
  There's no question that being a drug and alcohol counselor is not an 
easy job and garners little public recognition. But it's a personally 
rewarding job, and one that can have a profound impact on shaping 
addicts' lives to make them productive, giving members of society.
  Sadly, 1 in 10 persons is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol at some 
time in their lives--making substance abuse one of our Nation's top 
health problems. It is estimated that 5,000 new addictions 
professionals are needed each year to replace those leaving the field.
  That's why the work of the Florida Addictions Institute is so vital. 
The institute trains the next wave of caring, certified substance abuse 
counselors to help people from all walks of life overcome substance 
abuse.
  Madam Speaker, it is a true honor and a privilege to represent the 
staff and graduates of the Florida Addictions Institute in Congress, 
and I wish this year's graduating class all the best as they set out to 
make a difference in the lives of others. The people of southwest 
Florida join me in thanking them for their selfless and dedicated 
service.

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