Non-Profits Respond to Recent Legislation Expanding Recovery Services for Substance Use Disorders

Aug. 15, 2011 - PRLog -- SACRAMENTO Calif. – In 2009, 4.3 million people aged 12 or older (1.7 percent of the population) received treatment for substance use disorders, and 30.2 million adults aged 18 or older (13.3 percent of the population) received services for mental health problems according to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Several Sacramento-based youth services providers, including MAAP Inc., Another Choice-Another Chance, and Better Life Children Services have partnered as the “Voices for Recovery Coalition” with a primary focus on the importance of one's overall health and well-being, professional treatment for those with substance use and mental disorders, and how recovery positively impacts our society as a whole.

"With healthcare reform on the near horizon, our hope is that with increased access to prevention, treatment, and recovery support services; families, policymakers, businesses, and health care providers, will reach out to those in need to assist them in finding appropriate treatment options," stated Lorraine Rinker, CEO MAAP, Inc. "Our community’s social health and safety is at stake.  Not being able to access the appropriate treatment services should no longer be a barrier to achieving recovery."

To help alleviate this issue and overcome barriers to long-term recovery, the Voices for Recovery Coalition will host its 2nd Annual Rolling-For-Recovery Bowl-a-Thon on September 17, 2011.  “This family-oriented community event is intended to increase public awareness of substance use disorders and what local leaders are doing about it.  It also will educate people about the positive effect that treatment and recovery can have on loved ones and the community’s well-being, and celebrate people in recovery – as well as those who help them”, said Vannessa Lindsey, CEO of Another Choice, Another Chance.

The Rolling-for-Recovery Bowl-a-Thon taking place at County Club Lanes in Sacramento will be held as part of a national initiative known as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month), which is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Center for Substance Abuse (CSAT), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This year marks the 22nd annual celebration of Recovery Month, which honors people in recovery from substance use disorders, as well as those who provide treatment and recovery services, and promotes the need for treatment access and long-term recovery.

Cora Hardy, Clinical Director Better Life Children Services emphasizes that recovery benefits everyone.  “Combating substance use and mental health disorders positively affects all aspects of a person’s life. Relationships grow stronger once an individual is in recovery, and recovery positively benefits one's overall health, often improving other health conditions such as hypertension, high blood pressure, and diabetes.”

The observance of National Recovery Month: Prevention Works, Treatment is Effective, People Recover (Recovery Month), which takes place each September, raises awareness of substance use and mental disorders, celebrates individuals in long-term recovery, and acknowledges the work of treatment and recovery service providers. Recovery Month spreads the message that behavioral health is an essential part of health and one's overall wellness, and that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover from substance use and mental disorders. Recovery Month highlights the importance of communities nationwide to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services not only in September, but throughout the year.

# # #

About Voices for Recovery Coalition
The Voices for Recovery Coalition (V4RC) is a team of Sacramento-based non-profit organizations devoted to improving social health, providing safe communities, and creating "forever" families. V4RC focuses on raising awareness and support to assist youth and young adults who are in need.