WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), along with U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), introduced a bipartisan resolution designating September as “National Recovery Month.” The senators’ resolution comes as overdoses are rising across the nation. The resolution specifically recognizes the many challenges contributing to growing substance use disorders and the need for more community resources to reduce barriers to treatment and destigmatize substance abuse.
“Substance abuse affects far too many West Virginians, and drugs—especially killer opioids like fentanyl—remain a serious threat to public health across our country,” Senator Capito said. “I have been a constant supporter in the fight against substance abuse and helping those affected by it onto the road to recovery. I am proud to join my colleagues in designating September as National Recovery Month to raise awareness and help educate more people about treatment options and support efforts for those in recovery. This is a critical component of the spectrum of solutions needed to save lives and fight back against the scourge of addiction.”
BACKGROUND:
Overdose deaths in 2022 were up 50% when compared to pre-pandemic numbers, with communities across the country losing nearly 110,000 loved ones – including 1,482 in West Virginia between May 2022 and April 2023, a 4.5% increase.
In 2021, there were approximately 20,900,000 adults in the United States suffering from alcohol or drug addiction. It’s estimated that the total cost to the country from substance abuse disorders, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, and involvement of the criminal justice system, was $1,470,000,000 in 2020 – though no dollar amount can adequately convey the devastating loss of life.
A companion resolution has been introduced in the House by Representatives David Trone (D-Md.-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), and Annie Kuster (D-N.H.-02).
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