ATLANTA – On January 14, 2010, State Representative Jay Neal (R-LaFayette) introduced House Resolution 1126, declaring the day as Addiction Recovery Awareness Day at the Georgia state Capitol. The resolution was just one part of an entire day aimed at educating Georgians about the importance of addiction prevention, treatment and recovery services in Georgia.
“Addiction Recovery Awareness Day allows legislators a chance to meet with survivors of addiction, treatment professionals, and allies – those most able to show that addiction can be conquered,” said Representative Neal. “Addiction is an illness, and like any other illness, we need to invest in its prevention and treatment.”
Other events of the day included a morning briefing on addiction and recovery, opportunities for citizens to speak with their legislators on the importance of prevention and recovery programs, and a rally on the steps of the Capitol for several hundred supporters. Speakers at the rally included Speaker of the House David Ralston (R- Blue Ridge), Senator Jack Hill (R- Reidsville), and Representative Tom Graves (R- Ranger).
“It is with great encouragement that families, friends, and community come together to reach out to their families and friends especially in these times of need,” said Representative Graves during the rally.
Substance abuse ranks among the top ten health problems in the United States. A national study found that over 13% of state budgets are spent on problems related to drug and alcohol abuse, money that could be saved in the long run by investing in prevention programs.
More information on substance abuse can be found at www.gasubstanceabuse.org.
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Representative Jay Neal represents the citizens of District 1, which includes portions of Catoosa and Walker Counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2004, and is currently the Vice-Chairman of the Insurance Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Economic Development and Tourism, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Committees.