[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 172 (Friday, September 5, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 52825-52826]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-22809]



[[Page 52823]]

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Part II





The President





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Proclamation 7698--National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, 
2003



Proclamation 7699--National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2003



Proclamation 7700--National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2003
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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 172 / Friday, September 5, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 52825]]

                Proclamation 7698 of September 1, 2003

                
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery 
                Month, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Alcohol addiction and drug addiction continue to 
                challenge our Nation. Addiction to alcohol or drugs 
                destroys family ties, friendship, ambition, and moral 
                conviction, and reduces the richness of life to a 
                single destructive desire. During National Alcohol and 
                Drug Addiction Recovery Month, we seek to remind all 
                Americans, particularly those who struggle with alcohol 
                or drug addiction, that recovery is possible. This 
                year's theme, ``Join the Voices of Recovery: 
                Celebrating Health,'' salutes the thousands of 
                Americans currently striving to address their alcohol 
                or drug addiction, and the many professionals, 
                volunteers, clergy, community groups, friends, and 
                family members who support others in overcoming 
                addiction.

                For the addicted, the fight is an ongoing struggle for 
                their own lives. The process of treatment and recovery 
                is personal, and each individual's treatment needs are 
                different. And as a result, treatment programs must 
                address a wide range of physical, mental, emotional, 
                and spiritual needs. When properly tailored, alcohol 
                and drug addiction treatment can be very effective.

                Last year, approximately 100,000 individuals who sought 
                treatment for alcohol and drug addiction were unable to 
                receive the help they needed. To address this problem, 
                I have proposed a new initiative, Access to Recovery, 
                that will increase the availability and effectiveness 
                of treatment programs. With $600 million, an additional 
                300,000 Americans will gain access to needed treatment 
                over the next 3 years.

                Access to Recovery will build on existing alcohol and 
                drug treatment services by offering greater choices to 
                those seeking treatment. Our Nation is blessed with 
                many recovery programs that do exceptional work, and we 
                must make these programs available to more people. By 
                providing vouchers that enable those struggling with 
                addiction to get help from a wide range of sources that 
                work, including faith-based and community 
                organizations, we will expand treatment options and 
                accountability. This flexibility will strengthen our 
                system and offer more hope to those in need.

                My Administration has taken important steps to cut off 
                illegal drug supplies and reduce demand through anti-
                drug education. For those who become addicted to drugs 
                or to alcohol, my Administration is committed to 
                tearing down the stigma attached to recovery so that 
                more people will seek the help they need. Alcohol 
                addiction and drug addiction are diseases that touch 
                all Americans--young and old, rich and poor, male and 
                female. As a Nation, we must continue our efforts to 
                offer the best possible opportunities, settings, and 
                approaches to prevent and treat alcohol and drug 
                addiction. By caring for those who need treatment, we 
                are building a more welcoming and compassionate culture 
                that values every life.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim September 2003 as National 
                Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. I call upon 
                all the people of the United States to observe this 
                month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and 
                activities.

[[Page 52826]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand three, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-22809
Filed 9-4-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P