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Director of Communications and External Liaison, CSAT
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Director of Communications and External Liaison, CSAT
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This is the first in a series of seven Web chats to address issues specific to this year’s Recovery Month theme, “We Recover Together: Family, Friends, and Community.” It is a must for any organization or individual planning a Community Forum or other event during the September 2001 Recovery Month observance.
The following is the transcript from the live chat with Ivette Torres, the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment’s Office of Communications and External Liaison.
Moderator: Welcome to the Recovery Month live chat session. Ivette Torres, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment’s Office of Communications and External Liaison. This is the first in a series of seven Web chats to address issues specific to this year’s Recovery Month theme, "We Recover Together: Family, Friends, and Community." Please submit your questions and we will begin momentarily.
Question: What is Recovery Month?
Ivette Torres: The Recovery Month observance highlights the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, lauds the contributions of treatment providers and promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. The observance also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective substance abuse treatment for those in need. Each year a new theme, or emphasis is selected for the observance.
Question: Do you have any indication that these recovery months make any difference to alcoholics and drug addicts and to policy makers?
Ivette Torres: Yes, we have a proven track record related to the activities that we've held in Minnesota, for example. There have been a series of governmental initiatives that have resulted in activities from last year.
Question: Do you have any indication that these recovery months make any difference to alcoholics and drug addicts and to policy makers?
Ivette Torres: Specifically, in Minnesota, there was a state-wide legislative public hearing that was held and as a result, there have been a number of legislative initiatives that have been introduced as a result of those public hearings. In Chicago, there was a similar city-wide town meeting during Recovery Month and the superintendent of schools has instituted changes within the school system to better address the needs of the student population in Chicago.
Question: Are there any programs for Recovery Month that are focused on young people?
Ivette Torres: Last year we focused on adolescents, this year's theme is "We Recover Together--Family,Friends, and Community"
Question: What can I do to get involved in Recovery Month?
Ivette Torres: In mid-May, we should have our new Recovery Month kit available at http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/2001/.
Ivette Torres: Everyone can participate in Recovery Month, either by joining organizations and coalitions in your local area that are planning Recovery Month events, or, by organizing a Recovery Month event in your community through your own leadership.
Question: What activities are being planned for Recovery Month?
Ivette Torres: The Recovery Month kit will provide you with many samples of activities that you can organize in your community. From a national perspective, we will be having a national kickoff news conference in Washington, DC on Thursday, September 6th. It will be available live online at http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/2001/. There will be a number of web-based events such as this one that are posted on the Recovery Month website.
Question: Do you have any suggestions for a press release?
Ivette Torres: There are many media-related materials included in the Recovery Month kit. News releases are part of that section.
Question: I live in southern California. Is there anything going on out here regarding Recovery Month?
Ivette Torres: The Recovery Month website will be listing state-specific events. Please check your state listing for additional information about Recovery Month activities in your state.
Question: What drug sends the most teens into treatment?
Ivette Torres: Marijuana is the preferred drug used by adolescents and youth. However, many times, youth are not just abusing one drug. Alcohol is also a major contributor to the addiction problems faced by youth in this nation.
Question: What things can businesses do during Recovery Month to help their employees?
Ivette Torres: The business sector can definitely play leading roles during Recovery Month on two fronts: They can choose to develop a program in their workplace for their employees to recognize the gains made by those in recovery. They can also join other organizations in their community to organize a city-wide Recovery Month event that involves elected officials, civic leaders, faith community, and other prominent leaders in this effort.
Question: If someone has stopped drinking but is using some other drugs, are they in recovery or not?
Ivette Torres: The concept of recovery means that an individual is a non-drug user and for those with an alcohol problem that they are not involved in alcohol consumption.
Question: If I don't have my own computer, how can I get your kit and what does it cost?
Ivette Torres: You can call 1-800-729-6686 and order the Recovery Month kit. It is available free of charge. You can call this number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and someone will be available to answer your questions.
Question: Is the Join Together Demand Treatment Campaign the same as the recovery month campaign?
Ivette Torres: No. Join Together is a planning partner for the Recovery Month effort.
Question: Have efforts to market this service increased in recent months?
Ivette Torres: This year we have started many activities prior to the Recovery Month (September) observance. These webchats will be taking place every month leading up to September. We will also have other web-based efforts that are listed in our website. http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/2001/
Question: What lessons have you learned from prior Recovery Months and how has that altered your plans for this year's event?
Ivette Torres: Each year, the Recovery Month planning committee reviews all activities and media coverage of the previous year Recovery Month effort. For this year's observance, we have added a number of web-based activities and have expanded our reach of community-based events.
Question: I have been in recovery for a very long time, why should I be interested in this?
Ivette Torres: The Recovery Month observance offers an opportunity for those in recovery to celebrate their sobriety. Many events are planned and attended by people in recovery. Public acknowledgement of success over addictions helps us to break down the stigma associated with those addicted to alcohol or drugs.
Question: I am really impressed with what you are doing. Who pays for recovery month? To the participants pay you a fee? If so, how much is it?
Ivette Torres: Recovery Month is coordinated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. We are joined by a group of more than 60 national and local coalitions and organizations, as well as, other government entities in the planning process for this observance. It is a labor of love.
Question: You mention a planning committee. Who is on the committee and how can I get invited to participate?
Ivette Torres: The planning committee is listed in the kit. For last year's planning partners list, please go to: http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/2000/partners.htm
Question: Is there stuff in your kit for people who don't work in drug programs and don't deal with media?
Ivette Torres: Yes. The Recovery Month kit offers information for everyone who wishes to participate in this initiative.
Question: I'd like to plan a community event during this year's Recovery Month. I've been in touch with some local groups in my community but I'm not really sure where to go from here. Could you offer some suggestions for planning a small-scale event?
Ivette Torres: Depending on the human and physical resources that you have, you can plan a local event as large as a city-wide or state-wide forum or town meeting. And you can also plan an event in your local agency by hosting an open house or some other modest event to bring attention to the success gained by those in recovery.
Question: Where can I consult a listing of those 60 groups who take part in Recovery Month to see if groups I'm involved with are included?
Ivette Torres: There's a full listing of allied organizations and planning partners that includes addresses and web addresses for these entities. The updated list will be available in mid-May. Last year's list can be accessed through: http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/2000/partners.htm
Question: Are the "Recovery Month" materials going to be available in different languages?
Ivette Torres: The Recovery Month materials are only available in English at this time. If we are able to identify additional resources in the future, we will certainly consider offering them in other languages.
Question: What is the best way to initiate media interest in Recovery Month?
Ivette Torres: The Recovery Month kit will have sample letters to the editor and other print oriented media materials that can be adapted at the local level. I encourage you to use these to establish contact with your local media and promote coverage of this observance.
Ivette Torres: CSAT is very grateful for the support and commitment it receives from our planning partners and all the local community groups that participate in the Recovery Month observance. Throughout the years, we have noticed increased coverage of addiction-related issues during September. It is our hope that Recovery Month activities and events continue to grow in order to bring to light the needs of those in recovery.
Question: Is there anything in a document for substance abuse and mental health. This is also Mental Health month in the WHO.
Ivette Torres: SAMHSA has a number of documents that address co-occurring issues. For more information, please contact 1-800-729-6686 or visit ncadi.samhsa.gov. SAMHSA is also hosting a live webcast on World Health Day Friday, April 6th. For more details, see: http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/seasonal/worldhealthday/Index.htm
Moderator: Thanks to everyone who submitted questions for the live web chat. Your support for the National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month is greatly appreciated. Be sure to check back for other upcoming webcasts this week: Webcast: CADCA-- YOUTH LEADERSHIP: AMERICA'S FUTURE April 5, 2001 (1- 3:00 EST) According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there are approximately 80 million youth under the age of 18. These same youth must be armed with leadership skills to cope with life and be prepared to handle the various situations that may arise. The purpose of this broadcast is to demonstrate how young adults can engage themselves and their peers and encourage them to be innovative, to take action and to make a difference in their lives and their communities. What better way is there to learn about the future leaders of tomorrow. By having respected and well-known youth leaders and youth mentors share with America what it takes to be dynamic youth leaders. http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/multimedia/webcasts/01/april/cadcayouthleadership.htm Webcast: World Health Day April 6, 2001 Time: TBA (Please note: World Health Day Commences on April 7th-- the Webcast, however will take place on Friday April 6th) Celebrate World Health Day with over 50 nations from Anguilla to Zimbabwe! For the first time mental health is the theme, "Stop Exclusion--Dare to Care". World Health Day is a worldwide health advocacy and awareness event sponsored by the World Health Organization. This year, World Health Day focuses on mental health, one of the most overlooked health concerns. Mental health disorders are more common than many of us realize. It has been estimated that almost one in five Americans experience some type of mental health disorder in a given year. The World Health Organization reports that worldwide roughly 400 million individuals have a mental or neurological disorder or psychosocial problem. http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/seasonal/worldhealthday/Index.htm