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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS RECOVERY MONTH IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, according to the 2024 United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 48.4 million (16.8%) Americans aged 12 and older battled a substance use disorder in 2024; and
WHEREAS, the Survey also found that, in 2024, 27.9 million Americans 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder while 28.2 million Americans 12 or older has reported battling a drug use disorder in the past year; and
WHEREAS, 1 in 6 (7.7 million) of these people who suffered from Substance Abuse Disorders (SUD) in the past year struggled with both alcohol and drug use disorders simultaneously; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, 21.2 million adults suffered from both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder; and
WHEREAS, though genetics - including the impact of one’s environment on gene expression - account for about 40% to 60% of a person’s risk of addiction, other environmental factors that may increase a person’s risk of addiction include a chaotic home environment and use, parental drug use and attitude towards drugs, peer influences, community attitudes toward drugs, and poor academic achievement; and
WHEREAS, substance use disorder doesn’t discriminate, and people from all walks of life - regardless of age, gender, cultural background, or socioeconomic status - can experience addiction; and
WHEREAS, since 1989, Recovery Month has been observed every September to celebrate the gains and achievements made by those in recovery from substance use disorder; and
WHEREAS, each September, thousands of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs and facilities around the country celebrate Recovery Month and speak about strides made by those in recovery and share their success stories with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, this year's theme, "Recovery is REAL (Restoring Every Aspect of Life)", emphasizes that with the right treatment, support, and resources, recovery is possible; and
WHEREAS, recovery is characterized by continual growth and improvement in one’s health and wellness, managing setbacks, and developing resilience to those setbacks; and
WHEREAS, the process of recovery is highly personal and can include clinical treatment, medications, faith-based approaches, peer support, family support, self-care, and other approaches; and
WHEREAS, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration identifies four major dimensions of recovery; and
WHEREAS, the first of these dimensions is health, meaning making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being and overcoming or managing one’s disease and/or symptoms such as abstaining from use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and non-prescribed medication if one has an addiction problem; and
WHEREAS, the second of these dimensions is home, ensuring that those in recovery have a stable and safe place to live; and
WHEREAS, the third of these dimensions is purpose, meaning conducting meaningful daily activities including a job, school volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society; and
WHEREAS, the final dimension of recovery is community, meaning having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope
WHEREAS, throughout National Recovery Month, we celebrate the more than 23 million Americans who have found a pathway from addiction to recovery as well as the family, friends, medical professionals, and advocates who help those in recovery reclaim their lives; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, an estimated 18.2% of people aged 12 and older (52.6 million people) needed treatment for a substance use disorder in the past year, yet only 23% of those received the treatment needed; and
WHEREAS, it is vital for those in recovery that communities, advocates, organizations, and government agencies remain steadfast in their commitment to creating access to affordable recovery programs and treatments; and
WHEREAS, Cook County’s dedication to ensuring its residents have such access can be found through its Cook County Health’s Bridge Clinic at Cook County Health at the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center (2020 W Harrison St. Chicago IL 60612) offers rapid evaluation and treatment for patients struggling with addiction with no appointment needed;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize September as National Recovery Month and celebrates all those who have worked or are currently working towards their recovery from addiction as well as the family, friends, and medical teams who make such recovery possible.
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