[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12727]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             RECOVERY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2016

  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, every year people all 
over the country acknowledge National Recovery Month. National Recovery 
Month recognizes the many thousands of individuals who have 
successfully recovered from substance use and abuse.
  There are millions of people at 12 step classes, Alcoholics 
Anonymous, and other recovery programs meeting every hour of the day 
and every day of the week.
  It reminds me of what Henry David Thoreau said, ``I know of no more 
encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man [person] to 
elevate his life by a conscious endeavor''.
  National Recovery Month helps to bring awareness and substantial 
change in our nation and in our communities.
  While we are thankful for the success, we must do more. The 
statistics are stunning.
  Prince's death from an opiate overdose in April 2016 made national 
headlines. His death is one of many thousands that died from overdose 
of prescribed drugs and illegal substances like heroin.
  The Center for Disease Control reported that from 2001 to 2014, there 
was a,
  6-fold increase in the total number of heroin deaths.
  3.4-fold increase in the total number of cocaine deaths.
  42 percent increase in the total number of pain relievers deaths.
  2.8-fold increase in the total number of opioid deaths.
  In 2014, experts said that an astounding 900,000 adults and 
adolescents ages 12 and older used heroin.
  It is evident . . . Heroin kills. Cocaine kills. Over the counter 
opiates and prescribed medications can kill.
  We have the support to do something about it.
  A Pew Research Center national survey found that 67 percent of 
Americans support providing treatment for those who use illegal drugs 
such as heroin and cocaine.
  Public opinion in local communities shifted to the extent that voters 
will support using taxpayer dollars for drug treatment. In Cook County, 
Illinois, 76 percent of the electorate overwhelmingly supported a 
substance use treatment referendum. Voters support Treatment on Demand.
  While National Recovery Month means something different for the 
researcher, for the policy maker, community groups and for people in 
the neighborhoods.
  For the individuals in recovery, National Recovery Month is very 
personal.
  More than a decade ago, we kicked-off the first recovery walk in Cook 
County. We joined with communities, government, faith-based groups, 
providers and especially people in recovery. The 13th Annual Recovery 
Walk will kick-off on September 24, in Union Park.
  I urge my colleagues and people all over America to join me in 
applauding people in recovery for your conscious efforts to remain 
sober and for being an inspiration for others who sincerely desire to 
follow in your footsteps.
  I urge my colleagues to support legislation which will transform the 
lives of individuals from addicts to contributing people in recovery.

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