NATIONAL Drug Control Minister Wayne Perinchief yesterday announced the community will be encouraged to "Join the Voices for Recovery and to Build a Stronger, Healthier Community" as the month of September is observed as National Alcohol and Drug Recovery Month.

The Annual National Recovery Month observance is an initiative of the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centre for Substance Abuse Treatment of the Department of Health and Human Services in the US.

Mr. Perinchief said the Ministry's community partners were supporting this initiative.

The National Recovery Month effort aims to educate the community and to increase their awareness of alcohol and drug recovery issues.

"We want to show how society benefits by offering treatment options for alcohol and drug use disorders," the Minister said. "We also believe it is important to highlight the excellent contributions and services offered by the drug and alcohol treatment providers in our community. And, we want to promote the message that recovery is possible ? no matter what the alcohol or drug use disorder."

The Minister went on to say that the month would also serve to promote access to recovery and to celebrate those who are in treatment.

Community education would be important in eradicating the barriers of stigma and discrimination that were often associated with these kinds of addictions, he said.

Mr. Perinchief pointed out that the abuse of alcohol and drugs impacts everyone in Bermuda ? for some it's a personal addiction or the addition of a friend or family member.

"But every day in the news we hear and read stories of house-breakings or other criminal acts where the perpetrators blame their acts on their alcohol or drug addictions," he said.

Educating the community about the impact of drug and alcohol abuse on families and children was vital, added the Minister.

The theme of Building a Stronger, Healthier Community, aligns with the focus of the Ministry for National Drug Control which works to recognise the achievements of those persons who are in recovery and also to ensure that treatment services are available to those who need them.

"When we raise the awareness that substance use disorders are serious health problems that can and should be treated just as any other chronic disease is treated, then the community will be more open to providing a supportive environment for individuals in recovery who are striving to be productive citizens," he said.

During September, the Ministry for National Drug Control and its community partners will highlight the many efforts that are being undertaken to bring persons successfully to treatment and on to recovery.

The Ministry has planned a series of radio interviews; newspaper and radio advertisements; various treatment agency activities such as picnics, dances and displays; a Substance Abuse Counsellor of the Year award, and training events that are geared towards preparing counsellors to gain professional certification.

"I encourage everyone in Bermuda to take note of all the Recovery Month initiatives so that they can learn how we as a community can assist those who are suffering from alcohol and drug use disorders to receive the treatment that they need to become strong and healthy again. This is a good thing for the community and for the future of our island," he added.