Bill Text: GA SR13 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Addiction Recovery Awareness Day; declare January 12
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2011-01-24 - Senate Read and Adopted [SR13 Detail]
Download: Georgia-2011-SR13-Enrolled.html
11 LC 94
3658
Senate
Resolution 13
By:
Senator Grant of the 25th
A
RESOLUTION
Declaring
January 12, 2011, 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 SENATE 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 Wednesday, January 12, 2011, is recognized as Addiction
Recovery Awareness Day at the state capitol.
