The mayor will sign the National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Weeks proclamation for Saipan on Friday, 10 a.m. at his office.
Tudela said the people should understand that there is hope and that help for alcohol and drug use disorders is effective and available.
The observance of the National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Weeks will start on Sept. 12 and end on Sept. 27.
This year’s theme is: “Join the Voices for Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery.”
Tudela will ask CNMI officials to help residents who are participating in the recovery program of the Community Guidance Center.
In a press release, Tudela said assistance should be also extended to those who have not yet sought professional support and guidance.
Recovery Weeks is a nationwide celebration of people in long-term recovery from substance use disorders and their families, and is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the mayor said.
According to this press release, “There are 22.6 million people in the United States who suffer from substance use disorders. They are still asking for help and finding treatment to bring them back to healthy, and fulfilling life through recovery.”
In 2006, the press release stated, “4 million Americans aged 12 or older received some kind of treatment for their problem related to the use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Unfortunately, there are millions more in need of treatment but who are either unable or unwilling to receive it for a variety of reasons.”
“Luckily,” Tudela said, “our needy residents can still avail of the services being provided by our Department of Health under the Community Guidance Center.”
In 2007, there were 767 events held throughout the U.S. states, possessions and territories, including the CNMI.
Here in the CNMI, executive proclamations have been signed on Rota, Tinian and Saipan and a series of activities and events will highlight the month long observance.
