Bill Text: GA HR1126 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Addiction Recovery Awareness Day; Jan. 14, 2010; declare

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Passed) 2010-01-14 - House Read and Adopted [HR1126 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2009-HR1126-Introduced.html

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10 LC 94 1632

House Resolution 1126

By: Representative Neal of the 1st

A RESOLUTION

Declaring January 14, 2010, as Addiction Recovery Awareness Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, substance abuse ranks among the top 10 health problems in the United States and science has shown that addiction is a brain disease that responds well to treatment; and

WHEREAS, the United States comprises only 4% of the world's population, yet consumes over 60% of the world's illegal drugs; and

WHEREAS, children who start to drink alcohol before the age of 15 are four times more likely to become alcoholics than those who don't drink before they turn 21; and

WHEREAS, in 2007, only 6.5% of Georgians who needed help for alcohol abuse were treated while only 2.8% of Georgians who needed help for drug addiction received treatment; and

WHEREAS, state governments bear the financial burden of the consequences of drugs and alcohol abuse, consuming an average of 13% for every state's budget; and

WHEREAS, approximately 80% of Georgia's prison inmates are abusers of alcohol or other drugs, but only 10% receive substance abuse treatment; and

WHEREAS, successful substance abuse prevention and treatment has been shown to reduce crime, increase workplace productivity, and improve overall relationships and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, it is important to put an end to discrimination against individuals with addiction illnesses and remove the stigma that exists so that more people in trouble will seek out proper care and treatment; and
WHEREAS, several organizations made up of dedicated substance abuse treatment professionals are available in Georgia to provide assistance and information to those suffering with addiction, including the Georgia Association of Recovery Residences, the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association, and the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse.

WHEREAS, recovering from drug or alcohol abuse involves addressing discrimination, transcending stigmas, and rebuilding one's life – a reality for thousands of Georgians each day.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body applaud the contributions and efforts of those working in the addiction recovery profession to assist patients suffering from substance abuse problems.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Thursday, January 14, 2010, is recognized as Addiction Recovery Awareness Day at the state capitol.