NCJ Number
197017
Date Published
2002
Length
154 pages
Annotation
Supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, this Recovery Month campaign toolkit is designed to provide information, materials, and resources to launch a comprehensive public education initiative and spread the word throughout communities that those suffering from addiction can be helped through treatment.
Abstract
Results from the 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse indicate that 14.5 million people in the United States have a diagnosable substance abuse problem, indicating a national health problem. The Recovery Month campaign sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment is a step towards educating Americans about how they can help in reducing drug use and addiction. The materials in this kit target parents and families, schools and the education community, health and wellness professionals, health insurers, criminal justice systems, elected officials and civic leaders, labor and trade organizations, community organizations, employers, and the faith community. The materials are tools designed to provide information and resources to be used to learn how to plan and organize local Recovery Month events, share ideas with other organizers, publicize community events, and stay informed about activities nationwide. This public awareness campaign package can aid communities in taking action and spreading the message that recovery from addiction is possible, thereby promoting substance abuse treatment services in the community. The kit emphasizes five guidelines for positive action defined in Changing the Conversation: The National Treatment Plan Initiative to Improve Substance Abuse Treatment, released in 2000. It focuses on action steps communities can take to expand collaborative efforts. The kit provides pertinent information and materials in four key areas: (1) targeted outreach; (2) media outreach; (3) planning partners; and (4) resources.