[Federal Register: September 9, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 174)]
[Presidential Documents]               
[Page 57123-57124]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09se02-92]                         



                        Presidential Documents 




___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

[[Page 57123]]

                Proclamation 7589 of September 4, 2002

 
                National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery 
                Month, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Drug and alcohol abuse destroys the hopes of men, 
                women, and young people and takes a terrible toll on 
                society. Addiction destroys the lives of countless 
                Americans, shatters families, and threatens the safety 
                of our neighborhoods.

                National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month 
                provides an important opportunity to promote the values 
                that have given people the strength to beat drug and 
                alcohol abuse and remain drug-free. The theme of this 
                year's commemoration, Join the Voices of Recovery: A 
                Call to Action, emphasizes the critical role of 
                communities in encouraging individuals with substance 
                abuse problems to seek help. While those who suffer 
                from addiction must help themselves, it is also crucial 
                for family, friends, and people with shared experiences 
                to support those fighting to overcome substance abuse. 
                Those in recovery play a key role in helping others 
                achieve healthy lives. They can convey important 
                information about the toll of alcohol and drug 
                addiction and the benefits of recovery, inspire others 
                to succeed, and allow young people to learn valuable 
                lessons about their experiences.

                As a Nation, we must aggressively promote compassionate 
                treatment for those suffering from addiction. When 
                individuals begin the process of recovery, they take an 
                important first step toward regaining dignity and hope. 
                Across our Nation, we know that many Americans who are 
                dependent on drugs are not receiving the treatment they 
                need. My National Drug Control Strategy expands drug 
                treatment to Americans who need it. For 2003, my 
                Administration proposes $3.8 billion for drug 
                treatment, an increase of more than 6 percent over 
                2002. This includes a $100 million increase in 
                treatment spending for 2003 as part of a plan to add 
                $1.6 billion over 5 years. Staying clean and sober is a 
                lifelong responsibility, and those who succeed improve 
                their health, can better enjoy their family and 
                friends, and are more likely to find success in the 
                workplace. The vast majority of people in recovery are 
                capable individuals who contribute to America's 
                strength. We celebrate the success of those in 
                recovery, but we must help those still suffering from 
                dependence and battling addiction.

                My Administration is implementing an effective national 
                strategy that is community-based. We have established 
                the goal of a 10 percent reduction of drug use over the 
                next 2 years, and a 25 percent reduction over the next 
                5 years. We must stop drug use before it starts, heal 
                America's drug users, and disrupt the supply of and 
                demand for drugs in our country. And we must continue 
                the fight against alcohol abuse and the toll it takes 
                on our society. Together, we can achieve these goals, 
                help save lives, and restore hope to individuals and 
                families.

                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 2002 as National 
                Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. I call upon 
                all the people of the United States to observe this 
                month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and 
                activities.

[[Page 57124]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-23006
Filed 9-6-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P