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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 729 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 729

  Supporting the designation of September 2023 as ``National Recovery 
                                Month''.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 26, 2023

Mr. Trone (for himself, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Ms. Kuster, Mrs. McClain, Ms. 
Spanberger, Mr. Pappas, Ms. Kaptur, Ms. Wild, and Mr. Sablan) submitted 
the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy 
                              and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
  Supporting the designation of September 2023 as ``National Recovery 
                                Month''.

Whereas the theme for National Recovery Month in 2023 is ``Hope is real. 
        Recovery is real.'';
Whereas nearly 110,000 individuals in the United States suffered a fatal alcohol 
        or drug overdose during 2022, with fatal overdoses increasing more than 
        50 percent compared to 2019;
Whereas, as compared to 2019, increased isolation and reduced access to 
        treatment programs during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to an 
        increase in individuals reporting anxiety and depression disorders, with 
        an increase in individuals reporting first-time substance use for 
        prescription pain relievers and prescription stimulants, a decrease in 
        first-time use of cigarettes, marijuana, hallucinogens, inhalants, 
        prescription tranquilizer, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, and 
        equivalent levels for first-time use of alcohol;
Whereas, in 2021, there were approximately 20,900,000 adults in the United 
        States with a lived experience of alcohol or drug addiction;
Whereas, in 2020, the total cost to the economy of the United States due to 
        prescription opioid misuse, including the costs of healthcare, lost 
        productivity, and involvement of the criminal justice system, was 
        estimated at $1,470,000,000, as that figure grew significantly during 
        the COVID-19 pandemic from an estimated $990,000,000 in 2019;
Whereas trauma is a risk factor for substance use disorder, and there is a 
        strong link between adverse childhood experiences or traumatic events 
        and experiencing substance use disorder later in life;
Whereas individuals with substance use disorder may face stigma from health 
        professionals as well as from friends and family;
Whereas it has been demonstrated that stigma can be a barrier to accessing 
        treatment and engaging in recovery for individuals with substance use 
        disorder; and
Whereas peer-supported communities offer individuals with substance use disorder 
        better success in recovery by addressing the personal and emotional 
        effects of addiction and easing reintegration: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the importance of patient, provider, and 
        societal education for the prevention of substance use 
        disorder;
            (2) acknowledges that factors such as increased social 
        isolation, mental health challenges, and reduced access to 
        substance use disorder treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic 
        have contributed to an increase in the number of deaths related 
        to substance use disorder;
            (3) supports efforts to explore the means by which 
        integrated care, community, and helping individuals obtain a 
        sense of purpose can lead to effective and sustainable 
        treatment of substance use disorder;
            (4) shows appreciation and gratitude for family members, 
        friends, and other individuals who support individuals in 
        recovery from substance use disorder; and
            (5) supports the designation of ``National Recovery 
        Month''.
                                 <all>
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