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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,...
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