Jim Ramstad: “this month marks the 16th annual observance of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. As we celebrate…”

“this month marks the 16th annual observance of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. As we celebrate Recovery Month, it is time for Congress to knock down the barriers to treatment and recovery for 26 million Americans suffering the ravages of alcohol and drug addiction. Mr. Speaker, it is a national disgrace that 270,000 Americans were denied treatment last year. It is a national tragedy that 150,000 of our fellow Americans died last year as a direct result of chemical addiction. It is a national crisis that the costs of addiction amount to $400 billion a year in increased health care costs, criminal justice costs, social service costs, and other related costs. And think of the costs that cannot be measured in dollars and cents: the costs of human suffering, broken families, shattered dreams and destroyed lives. But there is hope. Treatment for alcohol and drug addiction works and recovery happens. Mr. Speaker, as a grateful recovering alcoholic of 24 years myself, I am living proof that treatment does work and that recovery is real. The problem is too many people do not have the access to treatment that I have. That is why Congress must pass the Treat America Act that I have authored with my good friend, the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy), H.R. 1258.…”