NHM Health Focus: Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery

Each September, National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month celebrates the successes of those in recovery, commends their treatment providers, and disseminates the message that recovery from alcohol and drug use disorders in all its forms is possible.

"Recovery... is the experience of a meaningful, productive life within the limits imposed by a history of addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs. Recovery is both the acceptance and transcendence of limitation." NCADDNJ

"Recent scientific research provides overwhelming evidence that not only do drugs interfere with normal brain functioning creating powerful feelings of pleasure, but they also have long-term effects on brain metabolism and activity. At some point, changes occur in the brain that can turn drug abuse into addiction, a chronic, relapsing illness. Those addicted to drugs suffer from a compulsive drug craving and usage and cannot quit by themselves. Treatment is necessary to end this compulsive behavior." NIDA

"As in recovery from alcoholism, recovery from drug addiction is considered an ongoing process rather than a cure. Rehabilitation programs for drug addiction include Alcoholics Anonymous, Rational Recovery, and Narcotics Anonymous." (AGS)

These Web sites, and those in the sidebar, will connect you to information, local providers and other resources that will help you help yourself or someone else:

• NIDA Goes Back to School features FREE booklets based on the science of drugs and drug addiction for students and parents, and FREE curriculum materials for teachers.

• Partners for Recovery "supports and provides technical resources to those who deliver services for the prevention and treatment of substance use and mental health disorders and seeks to improve services and systems of care."

• SAMHSA's Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator provides links to "private and public facilities that are licensed, certified, or otherwise approved for inclusion by their State substance abuse agency."

Even the smallest action has the potential to improve the quality of life of those who are recovering, their families and their friends.

Access Excellence @ the National Health Museum has these resources related to drug abuse:

• Health Headquarters – Question of the Week: Prescription Abuse
• Health Headquarters – Question of the Week: Variety in Treatment Options
• Health Headquarters – Health Focus: Brain Research