National Substance Abuse Prevention Month
October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. Substance abuse is something over 25 million Americans deal with on a daily basis. Another 17 million Americans also suffer from alcohol dependence. Both drug and alcohol dependencies can affect the mind and body in multiple negative ways. It can damage the heart, liver, digestive and immune systems beyond repair. Even after substance abuse stops, people are left with long term side effects.
Substance abuse is something that causes accidents, crimes and deaths. More importantly, it is something that can be stopped. With the right treatment plan, someone abusing substances can get help and live a normal life.
The national government is now paying more attention to this problem. This year, President Obama’s Administration’s 2014 National Drug Control Strategy will work with 680 coalitions that are working to reduce substance abuse in cities across the country. Our own governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, is also shedding light on the topic of drug abuse. He wants addiction to lose its stigma and would like to have treatment options more readily available to the public.
You can help support National Substance Abuse Prevention Month by supporting the government in their fight to end substance abuse. You can also share your own personal story with others in recovery to shed light on the topic. Anything will help to end the disease of addiction.