Program Success September 2008 | Page 10

19TH ANNUAL NATIONAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH CELEBRATED THIS MONTH A series of events will bring awareness, introduce festive and alternative activities, and provide a wide range of treatment options and supportive services. This year’s local Recovery Month efforts will bring awareness about drug prevention and recovery, empower the community with the knowledge that recovery is achievable, and provide information about what avenues to recovery are available locally. Events are as follows: * Hooked on Fishing Family Fest fundraiser for Stewart-Marchman Foundation, Saturday, September 13th at Bing’s Landing in Flagler Beach from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. Carnival-style games, Olympic family relay race, fishing demonstrations, entertainment, vendor village, silent auction, and raffles. Admission is free. For more information, contact Diane Michael [phone]. * A Free Professional Luncheon and Training on Medications in Addiction Treatment on Thursday September 18th 2008 at 12 noon at the Central Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, an RSVP is required at [phone] or [email protected] * Local Churches providing a Recovery Message on Sunday September 14th and 21st, 2008 at the International Miracle Center in Daytona Beach [phone], Tomoka Christian Church in Ormond Beach (386) 6776455, and Central Baptist Church in Daytona Beach [phone]. Please call individual churches for addresses and times. * Country Music Line Dancing Practice for Jeff Tuttle concert at the Band Shell on September 27th will take place on Wednesdays, September 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th at 6:30 pm at the Salvation Army on 1555 LPGA Blvd. Daytona Beach. 10 The Christian Reader September 2008 * A local Ride for Recovery for motorcycle enthusiasts provided as a fundraiser and alternative activity on Saturday September 27th at 12 pm. * Free Country Music Concert with recording artist Jeff Tuttle and Band, Line Dancing, and local Recovery Services Fair at the Band Shell in Daytona Beach on Saturday, September 27th at 4 pm. For Ride Registration and/or more information about Line Dancing and Concert contact [phone] or [email protected] or www.recoverymonthnefl.org According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Addiction affects millions of people every year, with 69% of Americans reporting that they know someone who struggles with alcohol or drugs.” The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration reports 41% of total deaths in motor vehicle crashes are alcohol-related. During the years 2006/2007, for the over half million residents of Volusia and Flagler Counties there was in excess of 8,000 youths and adults who called Stewart Marchman Center’s Access Center number for information and referral for Drug and Alcohol problems. The highest occurring substances clients were admitted to treatment for were alcohol (39.9%), opiates (32.6%), which can include heroin and some prescription medications, cocaine (16.8%), and benzodiazepines (3.5%), which include prescribed medications. Volusia and Flagler Community’s 2006 Agenda Snap Shot indicated that an average of 39.5% of youths reported using Illicit Drug/Alcohol in the past 30 days at the time the survey was administered. The Snap Shot also reported that there were roughly 6,815 drug-related arrests of youths and adults in Volusia and Flagler counties combined. These statistics reveal that the communities of Volusia and Flagler have issues related to addiction and that an effort to bring awareness and send the positive message of prevention and recovery to the community is imperative. Other statistics provided by SAMHSA prove that sending out awareness and prevention messages into the community, provision of treatment, and supportive services to those in need are effective in lowering drug and alcohol abuse/addiction, decreasing local tax burdens, and providing a reduction in social services and crime. For every dollar spent on treatment there is a savings of seven dollars to the local community. Contact: Victoria Kress, Stewart Marchman Center Keep Kids Drug Free Regional Prevention Center Director, [phone] or cell [phone], [email protected]