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 12 2 STA T .534 3 PROCL A M AT I O N8 283 — A UG .2 7, 2 0 08 Proclam a ti o n82 8 3 o fAug u s t2 7, 2 0 08 Nation a lA l c o h ol an dDrug Addiction Re co v er yM onth ,20 0 8BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Substance abuse i sanun r e l entin g e v ilt h at d estr oy s lives , ruins f a m i - lies, and endangers neighborhoods .D uring N ational A lcohol and Drug Addiction R ecovery M onth, w eem p hasi z e our commitment to alcohol and drug addiction prevention. T his month is also an opportunity to recognize those who have had the courage to combat and overcome ad- diction. Alcohol and drug abuse re q uire an aggressive response. My Adminis- tration will continue to help educate our children through the National Y outh Anti-Drug Media C ampaign. This Campaign urges parents and adults to safeguard our young people from the abuse of prescription drugs, focuses on random drug-testing in schools and in the wor k place, and creates drug-free community coalitions. F irst L ady Laura B ush leads the H elping America ’ s Youth initiative, which assists our youth in making healthy life choices through the participation of caring adults in their lives. The dedicated efforts of families, teachers, law en- forcement, faith-based groups, and community activists are all impor- tant. W e are also working to reduce the supply of illegal drugs coming into our country and fighting demand here at home. I n order to disrupt the market for illegal drugs, the National Drug Control Strategy report has coordinated law enforcement efforts throughout our Nation to help dis- mantle channels of distribution, and we are also working with foreign governments to eradicate the trafficking of illegal drugs. Too many of our citizens have been swept up in a cycle of addiction. Through faith-based and community groups, we have revolutionized the way we help people break the chains of addiction. The Access to Recovery program provides addicts with vouchers so that they can at- tend the treatment center of their choice. O ur Nation’s armies of com- passion have helped nearly 20 0,000 clients rediscover their dignity and purpose through this program. During National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month and throughout the year, we underscore the worthy mission of confronting substance abuse. This year’s theme, ‘ ‘ J oin the V oices of Recovery

Real P eople, Real Recovery,’’ highlights the importance of providing hope and love to those who are trying to overcome drug and alcohol addic- tion and rebuild their lives. For more information on how to help fel- low citizens and continue building a stronger community, visit recoverymonth.gov. NOW, TH E REFORE, I, G EORGE W. B U SH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 200 8 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with the appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

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