[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9309 of August 31, 2015

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every day, resilient Americans with substance use disorders summon
extraordinary courage and strength and commit to living healthy and
productive lives through recovery. From big cities to small towns to
Indian Country, substance use disorders affect the lives of millions of
Americans. This month, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to all
those who are seeking or in need of treatment, and we recognize the key
role families, friends, and health care providers play in supporting
those on the path to a better tomorrow.
This year's theme is ``Join the Voices for Recovery: Visible, Vocal,
Valuable!'' It encourages us all to do our part to eliminate negative
public attitudes associated with substance use disorders and treatment.
People in recovery are part of our communities--they are our family and
friends, colleagues and neighbors--and by supporting them and raising
awareness of the challenges they face, we can help eradicate prejudice
and discrimination associated with substance use disorders, as well as
with co-occurring mental disorders. Prevention and treatment work, and
people recover--and we must ensure all those seeking help feel
empowered, encouraged, and confident in their ability to take control of
their future. Americans looking for help for themselves or their loved
ones can call 1-800-662-HELP or use the ``Treatment Locator'' tool at
www.SAMHSA.gov.
My Administration remains dedicated to pursuing evidence-based
strategies to address substance use disorders as part of our National
Drug Control Strategy. Seeking to widen pathways to recovery, our
strategy supports the integration of substance use treatment into
primary health care settings and the expansion of support services in
places such as high schools, institutions of higher education, and
throughout the criminal justice system. In the wake of public health
crises related to non-medical use of prescription drugs and heroin in

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communities across our Nation, my Administration has pledged
considerable resources to help Federal, State, and local authorities
boost prevention efforts, improve public health and safety, and increase
access to treatment in communities across the country. And the
Affordable Care Act has extended substance use disorder and mental
health benefits and Federal parity protections to millions of Americans.
Behavioral health is essential to overall health, and recovery is a
process through which individuals are able to improve their wellness,
live increasingly self-directed lives, and strive to fulfill their
greatest potential. During National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery
Month, we reaffirm our belief that recovery and limitless opportunity
are within reach of every single American battling substance use
disorders, and we continue our work to achieve this reality.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2015 as
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. I call upon 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 thirty-first day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA