In Recognition Of National Recovery Month

Floor Speech

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of September as National Recovery Month.

Established 26 years ago, National Recovery Month strives to educate Americans about opportunities for addiction treatment and mental health services, and the urgent need to take advantage of them. This year, National Recovery Month is highlighting the value of peer-to-peer support in educating, mentoring, and helping others in their recovery.

Addressing the prescription drug abuse epidemic is a uniquely American problem. It is not limited by geography or demographics. Prescription drug abuse has spread across the country like wildfire--with the U.S. accounting for less than five percent of the world's population yet consuming over 80 percent of the world's opioids and 99 percent of its hydrocodone. Tragically, 46 people die each day from an overdose of prescription drugs, and, each year, a staggering 185,000 people over the age of twelve in Massachusetts are at risk of an overdose. This number rises to a chilling 424,000 when taking into account those suffering from alcohol abuse. These statistics neither fully convey the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse nor the toll of this epidemic--both on families nationwide and on the limited resources available to law enforcement and social service agencies.

The first step toward stemming the rising rates of addiction is investing directly in our communities. This includes promoting and encouraging prevention, treatment and recovery measures in every state, as well as ensuring robust funding for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). I am proud of the programs in my district that serve as a positive and successful example for others to follow--including, but not limited to, High Point Treatment Center, South Shore Mental Health, Gosnold Treatment Center, and Stanley Street Treatment and Resources (SSTAR) Addiction Treatment. They have proven the extent to which we can fight substance abuse through the integration of mental health services and treatment, thereby providing opportunity for individuals in recovery.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in highlighting this important issue. There is no single solution to fighting this epidemic, but together we can make a difference.

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