Multimedia
"Join the Voices of Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery"
Episode Abstracts
March (Kickoff Show)
(Premiers: March 4, 2009)
This Webcast is the first in a series of programs in anticipation of the 20th annual National
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, the theme of which is "Join the Voices for Recovery:
Together We Learn, Together We Heal." We will look back at Recovery Month events held across the
country in 2008 and set the stage for another successful celebration in September 2009.
In addition, "Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal" will help guide
individuals, organizations, and communities as they plan and host events to raise awareness about
the benefits of addiction treatment and the rewards of recovery for the whole family. More...
April
(Premiers: April 1, 2009)
In 2007, an estimated 3.9 million Americans aged 12 or older received treatment for a substance use
disorder in the past year. Each year reveals newer and better behavioral, pharmacological, and
alternative approaches that advance the addiction treatment field and improve the chances of successful
recovery with fewer relapses. This program will look at the current state of addiction treatment, examine
recent advancements in the field, consider barriers to treatment and how to overcome them, and discuss
strategies for making addiction treatment more accessible by establishing public health framework-based
addiction treatment services for both the person suffering from the disease and members of the person's family. (Note: This program is an update to previously aired "Treatment 101" Road
to Recovery programs and depicts new and emerging trends within the addiction treatment field.) More...
May
(Premiers: May 6, 2009)
Recovery-oriented systems of care provide a continuum of care for individuals in recovery and their families. Treatment
services, including screening and brief interventions, inpatient and outpatient programs, and aftercare
and recovery support, are available at every stage of a person's recovery from addiction. However, there
are opportunities to enhance such services by facilitating collaboration and synergy throughout the
full spectrum of supportive services by establishing a continuum of care that increases the
probability of addiction treatment success and helps to reduce the incidence of relapse.
This program will look at examples of how services have successfully partnered and will address the
gaps in service coordination that still need to be addressed to improve collaboration throughout all
systems so that individuals in recovery receive comprehensive care. More...
June
(Premiers: June 3, 2009)
When the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act of 2008 becomes
effective in 2010, additional options will become available to those seeking addiction and mental
health services. The Act will require group health plans to offer coverage for addiction and
mental illness and provide benefits on par with those for all other medical and surgical
conditions. This program will examine what impact the Act will have on health care and insurance systems
and what it means for individuals and families battling addiction. The show will also explore other
issues related to health care's role in recovery, such as proper screening and intervention,
prescription drug abuse prevention, and treating co-occurring disorders.
July
(Premiers: July 1, 2009)
According to a study by the Bureau of Justice, 32 percent of inmates at the State level and 26
percent of those at the Federal level reported they were using alcohol or drugs at the time of
their offense. Reducing substance abuse not only helps to break the cycle of recidivism but can
help prevent individuals from entering the justice system in the first place. This program will
showcase how treatment and recovery services both within and outside the justice system
transform lives and families, create safer communities, and serve as an effective crime prevention tool.
August
(Premiers: August 5, 2009)
A recovery-oriented system of care includes all sectors of society working together to support recovery for an
individual and for members of that person's family. Social services are a critical link in this chain of support; they can help
identify addiction and affected family members, direct individuals to appropriate treatment and recovery support services, and support those already
in recovery. This program will examine ways in which social services effectively delivers
assistance - via foster care, housing, job training, medical care, veteran support, for
example - to those who need it, including the children and families of those with substance use
disorders. The program also will offer tips on how to improve cooperation with other sectors
of society.
September
(Premiers: September 2, 2009)
Of the 20.4 million adults (aged 18 or older) classified with dependence or abuse in 2007, 12.3 million
(60.4 percent) were employed full time. Employers often play a critical role in an individual's successful
recovery from substance use disorders. It is important that employers promote healthy work environments
while allowing individuals to get the support and treatment they need. This program will look at examples
of companies investing in their employees, what it means to nurture a "drug-free workplace," and what the
recently passed Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act of 2008 means for
employers.
November (Wrap Show)
"The Road to Recovery 2009: A Showcase of Events"
(Premiers: November 4, 2009)
In this program, we will look at the events and activities conducted in communities large
and small as the country comes together in celebration of National Alcohol and Drug
Addiction Recovery Month in September 2009. Individuals, families, and entire communities
across the Nation unite under the theme, "Join the Voices of Recovery: Together We Learn,
Together We Heal." This program will showcase Recovery Month community forums, music-based
activities, walks and runs for recovery, Major League Baseball games, civic engagement
efforts, 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 widespread.