Text 3161, 82 rader
Skriven 2006-08-25 23:31:16 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0608252) for Fri, 2006 Aug 25
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National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, 2006
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 25, 2006

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America



Alcohol and drug abuse disrupts families, threatens the safety of our
neighborhoods, and ruins the lives of countless men, women, and youth.
During National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, we recognize the
damaging effects of substance abuse and renew our support for individuals
battling to overcome addiction. The theme for 2006, "Join the Voices for
Recovery: Build a Stronger, Healthier Community," urges all Americans to
help prevent alcohol and drug abuse and to promote treatment and recovery
options.

While drug use among youth is down since 2001, we must continue our efforts
to help our next generation avoid substance abuse. This work begins with
understanding that youth are less likely to engage in risky behaviors when
they are connected to strong families and communities. To assist our
children in learning to make healthy choices, the Helping America's Youth
initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, is encouraging local partnerships
that empower families, schools, and communities to help our young people
reach their full potential.

In order to effectively battle alcohol and drug addiction, we must ensure
that Americans in need can readily access services and programs. Over the
past 3 years, my Administration has provided nearly $300 million for the
Access to Recovery program so that individuals who desire treatment have
the ability to seek the form of treatment most suitable for their needs,
including assistance from faith-based and community providers. My fiscal
year 2007 budget proposes to build upon the success of this initiative by
providing $98 million to further expand individual choice.

My Administration is also committed to protecting our citizens and our
young people from the scourge of methamphetamine. This substance is highly
addictive and is a continuing and devastating threat in too many
communities across our Nation. While the number of teens who have ever
tried this deadly drug has decreased since 2001, we remain focused on
keeping methamphetamine from reaching more Americans. Through the Access to
Recovery program, $25 million will be targeted in fiscal year 2007 to help
individuals recover from methamphetamine abuse. Additionally, earlier this
year I signed into law the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act
of 2005, which increases penalties for smuggling and selling
methamphetamine and introduces commonsense safeguards to make many of the
ingredients used in manufacturing it harder to obtain and easier to track.

These efforts are helping in the fight against substance abuse in America,
yet government action is not the only answer. We are making progress
because there are millions of our fellow citizens answering the universal
call to love a neighbor. To find out how to join the armies of compassion
and be a part of building a stronger, healthier community, interested
volunteers should visit recoverymonth.gov and usafreedomcorps.gov. By
working together, we can make a difference in the life of someone in need
and help fulfill the promise of a more hopeful tomorrow for generations to
come.

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 2006 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-fifth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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