Title: A resolution supporting the designation of September 2022 as "National Recovery Month".
Policy area: Health

Summary:
This resolution supports the designation of September 2022 as National Recovery Month and recognizes the importance of education to prevent substance use disorders.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 778 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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117th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 778

  Supporting the designation of September 2022 as ``National Recovery 
                                Month''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 20, 2022

    Mr. King (for himself, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Manchin, and Mr. Lujan) 
 submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Supporting the designation of September 2022 as ``National Recovery 
                                Month''.

Whereas the theme for National Recovery Month in 2022 is ``Every Person. Every 
        Family. Every Community.'';
Whereas more than 107,000 individuals in the United States suffered a fatal 
        alcohol or drug overdose during 2021, an increase of almost 15 percent 
        as compared to 2020;
Whereas, during the COVID-19 pandemic, increased isolation and reduced access to 
        treatment programs contributed to an increase in individuals reporting 
        anxiety and depression disorders as compared to 2019, with 13 percent of 
        individuals in the United States reporting starting or increasing 
        substance use during 2020;
Whereas, in 2020, there were approximately 21,000,000 individuals in the United 
        States aged 18 or older in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction;
Whereas, in 2018, it was estimated that the total cost to the economy of the 
        United States of prescription opioid misuse, including the costs of 
        healthcare, lost productivity, and involvement of the criminal justice 
        system, is $78,500,000,000 annually, and that figure has grown as a 
        result of the COVID-19 pandemic;
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 Senate--
            (1) recognizes the importance of education for the 
        prevention of substance use disorder;
            (2) acknowledges that factors such as increased social 
        isolation, mental distress, 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 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 September 2022 as 
        ``National Recovery Month''.
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