Multimedia

The Road to Recovery 2008

"Join the Voices of Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery"

Program Abstracts

March

"Join the Voices of Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery" (Opener Show)
(Premiered: Wednesday, March 5)

This Webcast is the first in a series of programs in anticipation of the 19th annual National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, the theme of which is "Join the Voices for Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery." We will look back at Recovery Month events held across the country in 2007 and set the stage for another successful celebration in September 2008. In addition, "Join the Voices for Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery" will help guide individuals, organizations, and communities as they plan and host events to raise awareness about the benefits of addiction treatment and recovery. More

April

"Medication-Assisted Therapies: Providing a 'Whole-Patient' Approach to Treatment"
(Premiered: Wednesday, April 2)

The use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a "whole-patient" approach to treatment has proven successful in helping individuals break their addictions to drugs and alcohol. As part of a comprehensive treatment program, medication-assisted therapies have been shown to increase retention in treatment, decrease criminal activities, decrease homelessness, and increase employment. This program will look at how methadone, buprenorphine, and other medication-assisted therapies continue to help individuals, families, and communities overcome the ravages of alcohol and drug addiction. More

May

"Addiction and PTSD: Combating Co-Occurring Disorders"
(Premiered: Wednesday, May 7)

According to studies, problems of substance abuse and mental illness are often intertwined. Among persons with serious psychological distress (SPD), 27.2 percent used illicit drugs in 2006, compared to 12.3 percent of those without SPD. Alcohol was also abused more by persons with SPD (28.8 percent) than those without it (23.9 percent). The elevated risk of substance abuse associated with SPD is particularly alarming with respect to post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. PTSD can affect anyone who has been exposed to military combat situations, physical or sexual assault and abuse, a terrorist attack, serious accident, natural disaster, or other types of trauma. This Webcast will examine PTSDs connection to substance abuse disorders and provide information on where persons in need can find treatment for one, or both, of these conditions.  More

June

"Recovery and the Family: Extending Treatment to Everyone"
(Premiered: Wednesday, June 4)

Nearly 24 percent of children (or 17 million) live in a household where a parent or other adult is a binge or heavy drinker, and approximately 13 percent of children (or 9.2 million) live in a household where a parent or other adult uses illicit drugs. Because the negative effects of addiction are not limited to the individual who is abusing drugs and alcohol, recovery must extend to the entire family. Aside from the many options available to persons in need of treatment, support also exists for children, spouses, and others affected by a family member's addiction. This program will present the many avenues toward effective treatment, emphasize the importance of getting an addicted loved one into treatment, and celebrate the benefits enjoyed by the family in recovery.  More

July

"Real People, Real Recovery: Effectively Delivering Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care"
(Premiered: Wednesday, July 2)

In 2006, an estimated 22.6 million persons aged 12 or older were classified with substance dependence or abuse in the past year. Of these, only 4 million received some kind of treatment for a problem related to the use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Luckily, a host of services exists for those who need them. From 12-step programs to inpatient and out-patient treatment and from recovery-oriented housing to sober recreational activities like those celebrated each September during Recovery Month, there is an entire network of treatment and support services available for those dealing with substance abuse and mental health disorders. This program will examine some of those services and explore ways to increase awareness and better deliver these services to those who need them. More

August

"Accessing Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Online"
(Premiered: Wednesday, August 6)

With the advent of the Internet in the mid-90s, the number of available options for finding addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery support services has grown exponentially. Nowadays one can search online and instantly find an extensive list of materials and providers, locate them immediately on an interactive map, read testimonials of people who are struggling with similar issues or have already overcome them, and find support in a sea of chat rooms and Web sites. Today's youth, in particular, are more technologically savvy than ever. Youth-oriented social Web sites can serve as a forum for developing skills and abilities to stay away from addictive substances, for realizing one has a problem, and for offering avenues toward unprecedented treatment methods such as "e-therapy" and "virtual support groups." This program will highlight the state of recovery in the 21st century and examine how technology has revamped the field of substance use disorder prevention and addiction treatment. More

September

"Recovery in the United States: Past, Present, and Future"
(Premiered: Wednesday, September 3)

Recovery is not simply a 30-day inpatient program or a monthly trip to a clinic: it is a long-term coordinated effort on the part of the individual and the community. This program will look back on some of the successes the recovery movement has enjoyed as well as current policy initiatives to increase and enhance treatment services. It will also look forward, focusing on what remains to be done to ensure that all persons with a substance abuse and/or mental health condition get the sustained, comprehensive treatment they need.  More

November

"The Road to Recovery 2008: A Showcase of Events" (Wrap Show)
(Premiered: Wednesday, November 5)

In this program, we will look at the array of events conducted in communities large and small as the country comes together in celebration of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in September 2008. Individuals, families, and entire communities across the Nation unite under the theme, "Join the Voices of Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery." This program will showcase Recovery Month community forums, music-based activities, walks and runs for recovery, Major League Baseball games, and other uplifting events intended to raise awareness of recovery and increase accessibility to treatment. In addition, the show will highlight the positive and affirming message that addiction is treatable and recovery is possible. More