    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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 Na

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    tion 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.
    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.
    GEORGE W. BUSH