[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 36 (Monday, September 9, 2002)]
[Pages 1488-1489]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7589--National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, 
2002

 September 4, 2002

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Drug and alcohol abuse destroys the hopes of men, women, and young 
people and takes a terrible toll on society. Addiction destroys the 
lives of countless Americans, shatters families, and threatens the 
safety of our neighborhoods.
    National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month provides an 
important opportunity to promote the values that have given people the 
strength to beat drug and alcohol abuse and remain drug-free. The theme 
of this year's commemoration, Join the Voices of Recovery: A Call to 
Action, emphasizes the critical role of communities in encouraging 
individuals with substance abuse problems to seek help. While those who 
suffer from addiction must help themselves, it is also crucial for 
family, friends, and people with shared experiences to support those 
fighting to overcome substance abuse. Those in recovery play a key role 
in helping others achieve healthy lives. They can convey important 
information about the toll of alcohol and drug addiction and the 
benefits of recovery, inspire others to succeed, and allow young people 
to learn valuable lessons about their experiences.
    As a Nation, we must aggressively promote compassionate treatment 
for those suffering from addiction. When individuals begin the process 
of recovery, they take an important first step toward regaining dignity 
and hope. Across our Nation, we know that many Americans who are 
dependent on drugs are not receiving the treatment they need. My 
National Drug Control Strategy expands drug treatment to Americans who 
need it. For 2003, my Administration proposes $3.8 billion for drug 
treatment, an increase of more than 6 percent over 2002. This includes a 
$100 million increase in treatment spending for 2003 as part of a plan 
to add $1.6 billion over 5 years. Staying clean and sober is a lifelong 
responsibility, and those who succeed improve their health, can better 
enjoy their family and friends, and are more likely to find success in 
the workplace. The vast majority of people in recovery are capable 
individuals who contribute to America's strength. We celebrate the 
success of those in recovery, but we must help those still suffering 
from dependence and battling addiction.
    My Administration is implementing an effective national strategy 
that is community-based. We have established the goal of a 10 percent 
reduction of drug use over the next 2 years, and a 25 percent reduction 
over the next 5 years. We must stop drug use before it starts, heal 
America's drug users, and disrupt the supply of and demand for drugs in 
our country. And we must continue the fight against alcohol abuse and 
the toll it takes on our society. Together, we can achieve these goals, 
help save lives, and restore hope to individuals and families.
    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 2002 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 fourth day of 
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 6, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on September 5, and it was published in the Federal Register 
on September 9.

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