The Ministry for Culture and Social Rehabilitation has declared September the National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

In partnership with the Department for National Drug Control, the goal for the month-long observance is to promote the societal benefits of alcohol and drug use disorder treatment, laud the contributions of treatment providers and promote the message that recovery from alcohol and drug use disorders in all its forms is possible.

In a press release, Minister for Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler said: "Alcohol and drugs impact all Bermudians, whether it is through their own personal addiction, that of a friend of family member, community incidents, exposure to crime or via the media."

The Minister believes "it is vital to educate our community about the impact that substance abuse disorders have on families and children and to foster understanding within our community about substance use disorders and the stigma attached to these disorders.

"By raising awareness that substance use disorders are serious public health problems and that they can be treated just as any other chronic disease, the community will be more open to providing a supportive environment for individuals in recovery who are striving to be productive citizens."

The theme of this year's observance is "Join the Voices for Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery" and throughout the month, various events, educational seminars and an award dinner will be held and a directory of treatment and prevention services will be distributed.

For more information about the activities planned for the month, contact Ms. Joanne Dean, Treatment Officer, The Department for National Drug Control at 292-3049.