[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9479 of August 31, 2016

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every day, millions of Americans prove that recovery from alcohol and
substance use disorders is possible--yet at the same time, millions more
are struggling with the disease of addiction. These individuals are our
family members, friends, and neighbors, and when they are not able to
get the help they need, our communities and our country are not as
strong as they can be. It is up to all of us to help our loved ones seek
life-saving services when needed and steer them toward recovery.
Throughout this month, we celebrate the successes of all those who know
the transformative power of recovery, and we renew our commitment to
providing the support, care, and treatment that people need to forge a
healthier life.
Substance use disorder, commonly known as addiction, is a disease of the
brain, and many misconceptions surrounding it have contributed to
harmful stigmas that can prevent individuals from seeking the treatment
they need. By treating substance use disorders as seriously as other
medical conditions, with an emphasis on prevention and treatment, people
can recover. This month's theme is, ``Join the Voices for Recovery: Our
Families, Our Stories, Our Recovery!''. Focusing on the importance of
family support throughout recovery, it invites families, loved ones, and
other individuals to share their stories and triumphs in fighting
substance use disorders to inspire others that may follow in their
footsteps. I encourage all Americans looking for assistance to use the
``Treatment Locator'' tool at www.SAMHSA.gov or call 1-800-662-HELP.

This disease can touch any American in any community, and my
Administration has made combatting substance use disorders a priority.
Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies must now cover
substance use disorder services as essential health benefits. The Mental
Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires health plans that cover
mental health and substance use disorder treatment to provide coverage
that is comparable to that of medical and surgical care. Through our
National Drug Control Strategy--a 21st century approach to reducing drug
use and its consequences--we have promoted evidence-based health and
safety initiatives that aim to prevent drug use, increase opportunities
for early intervention and integrated treatment in health care, and
support recovery. In response to our Nation's opioid overdose epidemic,
we are highlighting tools that can help reduce drug use and overdose,
such as evidence-based prevention programs, prescription drug take-back
events, medication-assisted treatment for people with opioid use
disorders, and the overdose reversal drug naloxone. That is why, in my
most recent budget proposal, I proposed investing $1 billion to expand
access to treatment for prescription opioid misuse and heroin use. I
will continue urging the Congress to fund treatment like I have
proposed--because if they fund these efforts, we can help more
individuals across our country seek help, complete treatment, and
sustain recovery.

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During National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, let us thank
health care professionals, support groups, and all those dedicated to
helping individuals in need find assistance and reclaim their lives. Let
us continue working to address substance use disorders in our
communities and promote the health, safety, and prosperity of the
American people.
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 2016 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 sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA