October 9, 2008

News Summary

Addiction treatment and recovery advocate William Cope Moyers has written a new book titled "A New Day, a New Life: A Guided Journal" that explores the rewards and challenges of the first year of addiction recovery, the Fort Wayne (Ind.) News-Sentinel reported Oct. 6.

"Treatment is where the journey starts," Moyers said, but the road to successful recovery "requires daily commitment and effort."

In the book Moyers discusses different approaches to addiction treatment and recovery. Writing about addiction science, Moyers noted that for 10 percent of the population drugs or alcohol "turns a switch on in your head that you can't turn off." The book also talks about the 12-step approach to recovery and the work done by Alcoholics Anonymous.

This is the second book for the author, the son of television journalist Bill Moyers. It follows his 2004 memoir, "Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption." Moyers is currently an executive at Hazelden's Center for Public Advocacy.

"A New Day, a New Life: A Guided Journal" is published by Hazelden Publishing.

Finds some significant differences in perceptions among various population groups.

Nearly half of American adults report knowing someone in recovery from the use or abuse of alcohol or drugs, according to survey results announced today by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

A large majority of Americans believe that people in recovery from substance addictions can live productive lives and contribute to their community, the report also said.

SAMHSA’s announcement came during National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, an annual observance of efforts aimed at helping people with substance abuse problems restore their lives.

SAMHSA sponsored the nationwide survey to gain insight into public attitudes toward substance abuse, and the effectiveness of prevention, treatment and recovery programs.  The survey showed that most Americans are supportive of people in recovery, and that the public overwhelmingly believes that prevention and treatment efforts can work.

“These results are encouraging and offer hope to everyone affected by substance abuse problems,” said SAMHSA Acting Administrator Eric Broderick. “The survey shows that the American people believe that prevention and treatment efforts make a real difference in addressing this public health challenge and improving lives.”

Among the survey’s more notable findings:

• Less than one-fifth of Americans (18 percent) would think less of a friend or relative who is in recovery from addiction.
• Nearly two-thirds of the public (66 percent) believe that addiction to illicit drugs can be prevented.
• Most Americans report that they would feel comfortable being friends (66 percent) or working (63 percent) with someone in recovery for a substance abuse problem.

Although the report found widespread agreement on many issues, it also found some significant differences in how various segments of the public view certain substance abuse-related issues. 

For example, younger Americans aged 25 to 34 are more likely than those age 65 and older to believe that people in recovery from illicit drugs can go on to live productive lives (70 percent compared to 51 percent).

Differences were also found between the sexes on some issues.  Females were more likely than males to believe that people with illicit drug addictions posed a danger to society (80 percent compared to 73 percent).  Women were also more inclined than men to believe that people in recovery from illicit drug addictions can live productive lives (65 percent compared to 56 percent).

In addition, the survey revealed differences in the way the general public views various types of substance use and abuse.  For example, more Americans felt comfortable living next door to someone in recovery for alcohol abuse than for drug abuse (57 percent compared to 46 percent).

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