[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 35 (Monday, September 5, 2005)]
[Page 1329]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7921--National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, 
2005

August 29, 2005

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The devastating effects of alcohol and drug addiction have destroyed 
the lives and families of countless Americans. During National Alcohol 
and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, we recognize the dangers of substance 
abuse and renew the hope of overcoming addiction for individuals across 
our Nation. This year's theme, ``Join the Voices for Recovery: Healing 
Lives, Families and Communities,'' encourages those striving to recover 
from this disease and recognizes the many families, support 
organizations, faith-based and community groups, and volunteers working 
to help overcome addiction.
    Substance abuse leads to a cycle of addiction and despair that too 
often causes disease and death among young people. The Helping America's 
Youth initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, is promoting positive 
youth development and combating alcohol and drug addiction. This 
initiative is helping our children to make healthy choices and build 
lives of purpose. To aid citizens seeking treatment and recovery for 
substance abuse, my Administration also has provided $200 million over 
the past 2 years for the Access to Recovery program. My 2006 budget 
requests an additional $150 million for this program to further expand 
treatment choices. Directing resources to individuals allows them to 
choose a program that suits their needs and increases their chances of 
success. In addition, we have increased opportunities for communities 
and faith-based providers to aid those suffering from addiction.
    I encourage all Americans to support individuals striving to 
overcome addiction and the groups that are helping to fight alcohol and 
drug addiction. By working together, we can continue to build a more 
compassionate society that transforms lives and provides health, hope, 
and healing to those who hurt.
    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 2005 as National 
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. I call upon the people of the 
United States to observe this month with appropriate programs and 
activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth 
day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:05 a.m., August 31, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 1.